Visa Introduces Google Wallet for Cardholders in Pakistan

The announcement was made at a market-wide

event hosted by Visa, attended by senior

members of the Pakistani financial industry

Staff Reporter

Karachi: Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, has announced that cardholders in Pakistan can now add their Visa cards to Google Wallet. The announcement was made at a market-wide event hosted by Visa, attended by senior members of the Pakistani financial industry.

Visa Cards Now Compatible with Google Wallet

Starting today, Visa cardholders from HBL, Bank Alfalah, UBL, and Meezan Bank can add their Visa cards to Google Wallet on Android and Wear OS devices. This integration enables contactless payments at all compatible locations. Additionally, JS Bank, Allied Bank, Zindigi, and Easypaisa will join the platform soon.

The move aligns with the growing demand for digital payment options in Pakistan, providing locals and tourists with the convenience of using mobile phones for transactions.

Enhanced Security with Tokenization

Security is at the core of Google Pay, utilizing tokenization technology. This replaces sensitive cardholder credentials, such as the 16-digit primary account number (PAN), with a secure token, reducing fraud risks and improving transaction authorization rates.

Industry Leaders Welcome the Initiative

Umar Khan, Country Manager for Visa in Pakistan and Afghanistan, stated:

“We are excited to enhance Pakistan’s digital payment ecosystem through our partnership with Google. With digital transactions comprising 84% of total retail payments in 2024, this initiative meets consumer demand while improving security and convenience. Moreover, Pakistanis can use Google Wallet worldwide for a seamless payment experience.”

Farhan Qureshi, Country Director for Google Pakistan, emphasized the significance of this launch:

“Pakistan’s digital payments landscape is evolving rapidly. Google Wallet offers a secure, seamless, and efficient payment method, enabling users to tap-and-pay in stores, check out online, and access boarding passes easily. This initiative supports financial inclusion and unlocks economic opportunities, reaffirming Google’s commitment to Pakistan’s digital future.”

Boosting Digital Payments in Pakistan

Through this collaboration, Visa and Google aim to transform the payment landscape in Pakistan, benefiting both consumers and local businesses with advanced digital payment solutions.