Google Pay Cards to Store Cryptocurrencies: Report

Google might offer cryptocurrencies in its payment features, according to a report by Bloomberg. Per the report, Google has formed partnerships with cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase Inc. and cryptocurrency payment processor BitPay to enable the new functionality. The latest feature will allow cryptocurrencies to get converted into fiat currencies whenever payments are made. This isn’t based on the usual peer-to-peer transactions but enables users to spend on their bitcoin holdings with govt-backed currencies. The software company has also hired former PayPal executive Arnold Goldberg for running Google’s payments division as part of the company’s wider push into crypto services. “Crypto is something we pay a lot of attention to,” said Bill Ready, Google’s president of commerce. “As user demand and merchant demand evolves, we’ll evolve with it.” Google has been dipping its toes in the crypto space for quite some time, partnering with several crypto companies last year. In April 2021, Google Pay announced a new partnership with Gemini where customers of the crypto exchange could purchase Bitcoin through Google Pay using fiat currency on a debit or credit card. In October, Google and Bakkt collaborated to enable nearly 10 million Bakkt users to link their virtual Visa debit cards with Google Pay wallet and purchase goods and services online, using cryptocurrencies. The tech giant also partnered with Coinbase in June, allowing cus...