Google Discontinues Google Checkout, Offers Google Wallet Instead [Updates]

Google Checkout is the next Google service to be discontinued, and will be closing shop on November 20th. The payment gateway will cease operations in favor of Google Wallet. Google Checkout is a PayPal alternative for Web merchants, and also the favored transaction medium for Google Play developers. Google expects the transition to be smooth as it announced its focus on Google Wallet as the new medium of commerce.

To offset the closure of Checkout, Google will continue to support Google Play developers by automatically transitioning them to the Google Wallet Merchant Center. Meanwhile, merchants selling physical goods who do not have a payment processing option, can opt for one of the solutions offered by Google through its partnerships with Braintree, Shopify and Freshbooks, and enjoy discounted migration rates. Merchants selling digital goods can transition to Google Wallet. Shoppers can use Google Wallet to make purchases on merchant apps and sites, as well as on Google Play and the Chrome Web Store.

A few more details can be found on this announcement page which breaks down the options for you.

Google is trying to build up Google Wallets as a viable player in the digital commerce space. Google Wallet was improved with features like an Instant Buy API for faster purchases, and a new Wallet Objects API for better customer engagement with discounts and coupons. We can expect more changes as this year draws to a close.

Does this change affect you? How do you feel about losing Google Checkout?

Source: Google Commerce Blog

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