How to Add Funds to Google Play

Evan Gower March 17, 2020

Some content on Android’s official Google Play app store is free, but other stuff requires payment. There are two main ways to pay on Google Play. You can add a payment method, which means adding a credit/debit card to your account. Alternatively, you can use Google Play credit through gift cards.

Here’s how you can add funds to Google Play.

Adding a Payment Method

This option works similarly to adding a payment method to any eCommerce website or app. Here’s how to do it on Google Play.

Open the Play Store app, typically located on your Android device’s Home screen. Inside the app, navigate to the upper-left corner and tap the hamburger menu icon (represented by three horizontal lines). You will see a menu on the left side of the screen.

From this menu, select Payment methods. It has a card icon next to it. It will ask you to log in to your Google Play account. If this action prompts you to select a browser, choose the one that you prefer and tap Just once.

In the next screen, select Add credit or debit card. This option allows you to enter the required card information. Bear in mind that you may be eligible to add a bank account or use PayPal for this. That, however, will depend on your location, as well as on the store selection.

Now, enter your card info. The card number is the 16-digit number located on the front of your physical card. The next field represents the card’s expiration date (MM/YY). Next, enter your CVC/CVV code. On your card, you can find this three-digit number on the back or the side.

Finally, enter your billing address, which includes your full name, country, and postal code. Next, tap Save. Keep in mind that you may be required to verify the payment method before proceeding.

That’s it! Now you have a payment method on your Google Play account.

Adding Gift Cards to Google Play

You don’t have to attach a card/bank account/PayPal account to your account to make purchases on Google Play. You can add balance to Google Play using gift cards.

Bear in mind, however, that you can’t transfer or share funds between Google Play accounts. Sharing funds is impossible, even if you own both Google Play accounts.

Like on any other eCommerce websites and apps, you can add a gift card with a particular amount of money on it. These gift cards are convenient because you can send them to other people so that they can make Google Play purchases. You can buy Google Play gift cards all around the web.

To redeem a Google Play gift card, go to the Play Store app, tap the hamburger menu, and then tap Redeem. Now, enter the code provided on the gift card and tap Redeem again.

In some countries, you can add cash from a convenience store to your Google Play balance. Keep in mind that you might have to pay an additional fee if you opt for this route.

Checking the Balance

You can check your Google Play balance at all times, as long as you have an internet connection. To do this, go to the Google Play Store app. Then, go to the hamburger menu, sign in if prompted, and tap Payment methods.

Spending Money on Google Play

There are two main ways of adding funds to Google Play – adding a card to your account or using gift cards. In some countries, you can add cash from convenience stores. Use whichever of these methods you find the most convenient and enjoy quality Google Play content.

How do you add funds to Google Play? Are you considering linking a card to your account, or do you prefer gift cards? Feel free to hit the comment section below with any questions you may have.