Don’t worry if your favorite store or gym doesn’t have a digital membership card, as you’ll soon have a way to create one yourself. Google Wallet will soon add the option to save passes to Wallet by taking a picture of the card. As long as there is a barcode or QR code, you can duplicate it on your Android phone for convenience and backup.
Google also matches Apple in support of digital IDs. Starting today, Marylanders can add their driver’s licenses and ID cards to Wallet on any device with Android 8 or later. Residents of Arizona, Colorado and Georgia will have the choice in the coming months. You can already use Maryland IDs for TSA PreCheck lines at some airports, but an upgrade later this year will let you use the digital IDs to check accounts online or book cars through Turo.
Health insurance cards also come to Wallet through Humana in the US and the UK government’s HMRC app. Since these cards include sensitive information, you’ll have to verify with a phone login (such as your fingerprint) whenever you want to use them. Later this year, you can add company badges to Wallet.
You’ll also have a way to get passes through the Google Messages app when RCS is enabled. You can check-in for a flight or train ride with a chatbot and get your Wallet card without leaving the app. This will initially be available to travelers through Spanish train operator Renfe as well as Vietnam Airlines, while gourmands can book restaurants through platforms such as TagMe.
