Google Pay launches international transfers

Google Pay announced Tuesday that it is partnering with remittance companies Wise and Western Union to offer options for users in the U.S. to transfer funds abroad.

American users will now be able to transfer money to app users in India and Singapore, and Google Pay plans to expand to 80 countries through Wise and 200 via Western Union by the end of the year.

Users will be able to make unlimited free transfer with Western Union until June 16 and Wise is waiving fees on the first transfer up to $500.

“For some, sending money back to their home countries is a regular activity and we are making it more accessible by adding it to the app that you use for your everyday money tasks,” Google said in a blog post. “Working with Western Union and Wise, we’re now able to give those with family abroad a simple, safe and reliable way to send money abroad.”

Google’s move into the remittance market comes as the coronavirus pandemic has elevated the use of online payments.