Google are entering the consumer to consumer mobile payments market with the ability to send and request money in your Gmail app on Android. Currently only available for Android and in the US, doubtless it will roll out around the world in the near future.
What may attract consumers to use the service is that it is fee free. Right within the Gmail app you can select a recipient and send money as an attachment to the email as easily as if you were emailing a friend a photo. Just tap on the attachment icon and choose whether you want to send or request money.
Recipients are able to receive or request money right from the email itself—without having to install another payment app. They can even arrange for money they receive to go directly into their bank account. Either way, it’s completely free for both the sender and the recipient.
Although the feature is only available within the US, it’s the same process regardless whether you use Gmail on the web or Android.
