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Google Wallet is introducing a transformative new feature called the Express Transit Card. This option is designed to simplify transit payments by allowing users to tap to pay without unlocking their phones. SquaredTech, known for clear and practical tech insights, examines how this update will improve the daily commute and compares it to similar solutions from other tech giants.
What Is the Google Wallet Express Transit Card?
The Express Transit Card feature in Google Wallet allows users to assign a specific debit or credit card exclusively for transportation payments. Traditionally, users set a default payment card in Google Wallet to use for all contactless purchases and transit fees. However, when users have multiple cards saved, switching between them for transport can be tedious.
Currently, to pay for transit, users often unlock their phone, find the correct card within the wallet app, and then complete the payment. This process causes delays and frustration, especially during busy commuting hours. The new feature addresses this inefficiency by enabling users to tap and pay at transit terminals without unlocking the device, bypassing any PIN or biometric verification. We highlight that this feature will be especially useful for frequent travelers and urban commuters who need fast and seamless access to their payment methods for transit.
Read More About Our Article of Top 10 Google Wallet Features You Must Know for Easy Digital Payments Published on March 16th, 2025 SquaredTech
How the Feature Works and Its Benefits
Once the Express Transit Card is selected, it becomes the designated payment method specifically for transit use. Regular tap-to-pay purchases remain tied to the user’s standard default card. This separation ensures that users do not accidentally use the wrong card for daily shopping or transport. Tapping the phone on the transit reader instantly charges transit fares from the Express Transit Card, making the process quicker and smoother.
Google Wallet already supports transit payments in select regions, either through stored transit passes or using contactless credit and debit cards. However, paying for transportation is often more complicated when managing multiple cards. By introducing the Express Transit Card, Google Wallet reduces the hassle of card switching and device unlocking, positioning itself more competitively.
This feature is especially valuable during peak travel times when every second counts. Commuters will gain the ability to move through gates and buses with a simple tap, avoiding delays caused by unlocking phones or searching for the correct payment option.
Comparison With Apple Pay and Samsung Wallet
The concept of an Express Transit Card is not unique to Google Wallet. Apple’s payment system has offered a similar feature for years. Apple Pay users can set a specific card for transit payments on their iPhones and Apple Watches, allowing them to tap and pay without Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode verification.
Samsung Wallet also provides an equivalent feature, enabling users to designate a specific debit or credit card solely for transit use. This functionality helps Samsung users pay quickly on public transport without unnecessary steps.
What we uncovered in the latest Google Wallet app update reveals that the Express Transit Card setup is strikingly similar to Apple’s solution. The interface and functionality align closely, reflecting proven design choices that prioritize speed, convenience, and security.
Technical Details Discovered by SquaredTech
Through a thorough teardown of the Google Wallet app in version 25.43.826060251, SquaredTech confirmed the presence of code and interface elements indicating the imminent launch of the Express Transit Card feature. This discovery shows Google’s focus on expanding its wallet’s usability for commuters and everyday users.
Besides enabling payment without unlocking, the feature may also support transit cards and passes, broadening the ways users can pay for public transport. While the existing Wallet can disable user verification for transit payments, this new setting allows users to choose a specific card solely for transit purposes, improving control and user experience.
We also expects that Google will roll out this feature in phases, likely starting in regions where contactless transit payments are common and gradually expanding to more cities and countries.
The new Express Transit Card feature set to debut in Google Wallet tackles one of the biggest pain points for public transit users: slow payments caused by device unlocking and card switching. This timely update will match capabilities already found in Apple Pay and Samsung Wallet, enabling Google users to tap and pay quickly while keeping everyday purchases separate.
SquaredTech recommends users keep an eye on their Google Wallet app updates to access this feature soon. The Express Transit Card highlights Google’s commitment to making payments effortless, improving convenience for millions of commuters worldwide. By allowing faster transit payments that do not require unlocking phones, Google Wallet will streamline daily travel and set a higher bar for mobile payment apps in public transport environments.
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