Users of Google Play in the United States can now use Venmo for payments.

      Google is incorporating Venmo as a payment method on Google Play in the US, providing users with an additional way to purchase apps, games, add-ons, and other digital content without depending entirely on credit or traditional payment options.

      As reported by Techcrunch, users will be able to link their Venmo account via the payment methods section in the Google Play settings. Once connected, they can utilize their Venmo wallet, as well as any linked payment methods like bank accounts and cards, to pay for subscriptions and even tip creators in compatible apps.

      This addition offers Google Play a familiar digital payment option in the US, alongside others like PayPal, Cash App, and major card networks such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and JCB.

      Integrating Venmo broadens Google’s payment options.

      For users, the process is quite simple. Instead of adding another card to Google Play, they can link their existing Venmo account for eligible purchases.

      This move aligns with Google’s broader strategy to make Play Store payments more accessible to a wider audience and in various markets. This is significant as mobile spending is no longer a minor segment of the app economy. Reports from Sensor Tower indicate that consumers spent over $167 billion on in-app purchases across iOS and Google Play in 2025, marking a 10.6% rise from the previous year.

      For years, Google has focused on eliminating payment barriers, especially in emerging markets where credit card access is limited. The company has introduced options like e-wallets, UPI in India, and carrier billing, with over 170 carriers supporting the latter globally. Google has also explored alternatives that are less digital.

      Google is also working to facilitate cash transactions for digital purchases.

      Outside the US, Google has rolled out Pending Transactions, enabling Android users in certain markets to use cash, bank transfers, or direct debit for digital purchases.

      This system targets individuals without access to traditional online payment methods. Instead of immediate payment via card, users can choose an alternative payment option during checkout and receive a payment code. They can then take this code to a nearby participating store, pay in cash, and receive their purchase once the transaction is processed.

      Google states that the purchase can be delivered within about 10 minutes after payment, although processing may occasionally take up to 48 hours. However, there is one limitation: refunds for these transactions are provided as Google Play credit and not cash. This feature was launched alongside Google Play Billing Library 2.0, which also introduced Subscribe & Install, allowing users to start a free trial subscription while downloading an app.

      In summary, Google is not just adding payment options; it aims to minimize payment issues as a barrier for users considering purchases.