Google Play Adds Venmo as a Payment Option in the US
Google Play now accepts Venmo in the United States for apps, games, subscriptions, and creator tips. Users can link their Venmo account through the payment methods section in Google Play settings and utilize their Venmo wallet, connected bank accounts, or cards to make payments. This addition joins PayPal, Cash App, and major card networks like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and JCB.
Key Points:
- In-App Purchases: Consumers spent over $167 billion on in-app purchases across iOS and Google Play in 2025, marking a 10.6% increase from the previous year.
- Pending Transactions: In other markets, Google is testing cash payments via Pending Transactions, allowing users to pay for digital purchases with cash at participating stores.
- Goal: Google aims to make payment itself disappear as a barrier to purchasing by offering more convenient and accessible options, particularly targeting users without credit cards.
As previously mentioned, Google Play's billing system has been controversial due to its fees and restrictions. However, the company's focus on adding diverse payment methods is about enabling rather than gatekeeping.
By Cristian Dina, CRO at The Next Web. He has interviewed over 300 industry leaders and authored the book King of Networking.
Google Play has taken a significant step towards simplifying digital payments by integrating Venmo as a payment option in the United States. This move complements the existing array of payment methods, including PayPal, Cash App, and major credit cards. By allowing users to link their Venmo accounts, Google Play aims to cater to a broader customer base, especially those without credit cards, making the purchasing process more accessible. The addition of Venmo underscores Google's commitment to making payment methods disappear as a barrier to entry, aligning with the rising trend of cashless transactions. This strategy mirrors Google's global tests of cash payments via Pending Transactions, further diversifying its billing system. Read the full article