Patna: In a step towards making digital payments easier for families, Google has introduced a new feature on Google Pay called “Pocket Money”. This feature allows children and other family members to make payments using UPI even if they do not have their own bank accounts. It is designed to help parents manage small daily expenses for their children while keeping full control over the money.
The feature works through the Unified Payments Interface system, which is widely used across India for quick and easy transactions. Under “Pocket Money”, a parent becomes the primary user and can add a child or trusted person as a secondary user. Once added, the child can use the app to make payments, but the money is directly deducted from the parent’s bank account. This means children can pay for things like snacks, school supplies or small purchases without needing their own account.
Setting up the feature is simple. Parents need to have an active bank account linked to Google Pay. They can then go to the profile section in the app and select the “Pocket Money” option under UPI Circle. After that, they can add up to five people by scanning a QR code and entering basic details. The secondary user must also have the Google Pay app installed and a registered mobile number to start using the feature.
One of the key highlights of this feature is the level of control it offers. Parents can set a monthly spending limit of up to ₹15,000, allowing children to spend freely within that limit. Alternatively, they can choose to approve each payment request before the money is spent. This makes it flexible for different age groups, giving younger children more supervision while allowing older ones some independence.
To ensure safety, the feature requires KYC verification, where parents must confirm their identity and relationship with the child using official documents. This helps reduce the chances of misuse and keeps transactions secure. Overall, the “Pocket Money” feature aims to make digital payments more accessible and teach children how to manage money responsibly in a controlled environment.
