Google Wallet and Google Play are wonderful services, and they're very convenient when you want to make a quick movie rental or order a new album. However, as easy as it is to put your payment information into an account to authorize a purchase, taking it back out isn't exactly difficult, but you do have to know where to look for it. Maybe you just wanted to buy your kid some Google Play credit and forgot it'll save your information. Maybe you just decided to buy your friend an app yourself since they don't quite understand the concept of buying apps yet. Whatever the case, you want your payment information back before they get into trouble with it.
Here's how to do it.
You probably entered your account information in Google Play — more specifically a Google Wallet popup in Google Play — but in order to remove it, you have to delve into Google Wallet's main app or site. If doing this in the app, you'll need the Google Wallet PIN for the account and if you're doing this online you'll need the Google Account password, so make sure to keep the account holder nearby if you're pulling your info out of your kid/partner/friend's account.
Once you're in, you'll go to Payment methods if you're on the site or Cards & accounts in the app. You'll be presented with a list of all your accounts. In the website, you can remove an account directly on this page, whereas in the app you'll have to open the payment profile and then click the three-dot options in the top right corner, which will reveal the option to remove the card/account.
Removing credit cards, bank accounts and Paypal accounts all follow the same procedure in Google Wallet. Tap remove, then confirm that you do indeed want to remove your account information.
Once finished, you'll return to your payment list, a little shorter than before. That's all there is to it, just remember that removing a payment method can lead to cancellations for any subscriptions that are tied to it like Google Play Music All Access, and removing a payment method won't refund any purchases your little ruffian was able to make before you remembered you left them your card.
Reader comments
How to remove your payment information from Google Wallet
I've got a question. I have a debit card but it doesn't have a CVC number which is one of the requirements of Google Play. I'm sure the card doesn't have this number, I asked at the bank, only their credit cards have it. So is there any way I can buy without this number?
Try contacting google customer service
Posted via My G2
All debit cards have them. Try using a real bank and you'll be fine.
Nexus 4 (AT&T)
Is it a debit card or is it just a bank ATM card? If it's a VISA or Master Card debit card or a pre-paid card, then it's basically the same as a credit card and it does have a security number on the back of the card. I would suggest that you speak with your bank.
Posted via Android Central App
It is a VISA debit card, I already spoke to my bank and the assessor said the debit cards of this bank didn't have the code. Also contacted Google Consumer Support and I'm out of luck I'm afraid.
Thanks for the info. This will be useful at some point.
Posted via the Android Central App
Yep. This is what we call a reference article, and I'm happy to write them because I know I can send people here for it for the foreseeable future.
Excellent article
Posted via the Android Central App
Youu.... You're good you
Nexus 4 (AT&T)
Love google wallet. Been using it for years, but I am using the physical card more these days. So easy to add money to it to use as a prepaid card. I guess I could tap and pay with my google wallet balance...
Tap and pay is so wonderful... if only we could use it more places.
I love using google wallet to take cash out of online/phone only use gift cards :D
Thanks Ara
Posted via the ACA on NEXUS 6
You're welcome!
Ever since the Home Depot hack, where my wife's VISA number was stolen and used and my DEBIT card was preemptively canceled by my credit union, I've been using Google Wallet/Wallet Card as my security against fraud. I add a certain budgeted amount to the card each week and use/carry it exclusively. I feel like there's more layers of security with Google Wallet.
Posted via Android Central App
You're exactly right, there are, which is why I wish my grocery store would adopt it. They're slowly installing new readers, but they don't seem to be that concerned about the security of their systems...
I just discovered my payment method has been on my daughter's phone for months; luckily she didn't know. The phone asked for her Google password, which of course she knows, but it didn't ask for my Paypal password, which she doesn't. I have removed it now, but will I have to do this every time? Is there no way to prevent Google from saving my payment details in the first place?