Google today announced that it’s expanding the functionality of Gmail for Android. The app already enables users to safely share photos and documents on the fly and now they’ll be able to do that with money as well. The Gmail for Android app has been updated to allow users to send and request money as they please. The feature can be used to exchange money with anyone, even those who don’t have a Gmail address.
Google has made sending and requesting money in Gmail as simply as sending an attachment. Users just need to tap on the attachment icon and choose whether they want to send money or request it. Recipients who receive such a request will be able to follow through on the email itself which saves them the hassle of installing another payment app.
They can even configure for the money they receive to go directly into their bank account. This functionality is available for free to all users.
The only caveat here is that the send and request money feature is currently available to only those who are based in the United States. This feature is also supported by Gmail on the web. Google hasn’t confirmed if and when this feature will be released in other markets.