Google makes it possible to buy apps with cash in Japan and Mexico

Google is adding a new payment option to the Play Store. In Japan and Mexico, users can now pay with cash. Payment is made at the cash register in a convenience store. Buyers can download the app within ten minutes, or up to 48 hours later.

Google calls the cash payment functionality Pending Transactions and it is part of the new Google Play Billing Library. During its I/O conference, Google presented the new payment method. It is a form of Google Pay, where the money is transferred to Google by participating convenience stores.

Android users can choose the option to pay with cash from the Play Store. They then have to go to a participating convenience store, show a code and pay. The transaction must be processed within ten minutes, but the conditions state that it can take up to 48 hours. Once payment has been processed, users will be able to access the app.

Google has made the new payment option available in Japan and Mexico. For now it is only possible to purchase apps, but the option to pay in cash should also be available for in-app purchases. The functionality is intended for emerging economies, where a lot of cash is still used.

It was already possible to buy apps without a credit card or other digital payment method. You can do that by buying Play Store credit, which is sold in stores. However, in many cases it is not possible to pay exactly the right amount for a single app.