Uber adds Android Pay support, dropping Google Wallet shortly

Uber is embracing the Android payment strategy by moving away from the older Google Wallet platform and towards Android Pay. The support for the legacy payment method is due to be dropped on May 9, with Android Pay ready to take over as the NFC tap-to-pay system of choice by the company.

Google Wallet has been scaled back greatly by the Search Giant since Android Pay was introduced and now exists purely as a simple person-to-person money transferring system. Uber is sending out emails to customers reminding them that Google Wallet support will be discontinued as of May 9 and riders will be required to add a card to Android Pay to continue using the service.

In addition, Uber is also opening up Alipay for Chinese travelers in all 400 cities where Uber operates. Eric Jing, President of Ant Financial said: “Alipay’s collaboration with Uber reflects a step forward of Ant Financial’s global strategy, and the collaboration also extends to the Alipay’s strategic global partners like Paytm in India. The collaboration aims to bring better experiences for our users globally.”

The new Alipay integration with Uber also opens up the ability for those who need a ride outside China to click the Uber icon from within the Alipay app to request a ride and pay for it no matter where they are outside the country.GET UBER ON GOOGLE PLAY