Google is likely going to push into banking and this could include a parallel to the Apple Card.
The Apple Card has some exciting ideas, but it’s just a cash-back credit card. Many of the concepts are identical to the Apple Card, but the Google Card is a debit card.
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It’s a physical card that also exists as a virtual card in Google Pay, just like any other card you’ve added.
But this payment format would clearly dictate changes compared to its Apple rival (you could add money to Google’s card).
These Google developed cards would be also likely co-branded with financial services players, including Citi and Stanford Federal Credit Union.
This Visa-based card would be available both as a tap-to-pay option on your phone and a physical item, with detailed tracking of what you spent and where. So the biggest difference between the Google Card and some other credit/debit cards will be the integrated and detailed financial tracking.
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Also, Google’s vast access to data could allow it to more accurately manage risk than traditional financial institutions.
Its deep connection to consumers via apps, ads, search and the Android operating system gives it ample ways to promote and integrate financial services.
The November WSJ report suggests that Google is less interested in creating a banking brand than in obtaining the valuable financial data – on things like income and bills – associated with the accounts.
Google’s official statement to TechCrunch is: “We’re exploring how we can partner with banks and credit unions in the US to offer smart checking accounts through Google Pay, helping their customers benefit from useful insights and budgeting tools, while keeping their money in an FDIC or NCUA-insured account.”
