Mastercard brings Google Pay to Kuwait

The launch aligns with the Kuwait Vision 2035 “New Kuwait” and the country’s ongoing digital transformation journey

Mastercard has partnered with Google to launch Google Pay in Kuwait. 

Cardholders can tap to pay with their Android phones or supported Wear OS devices in stores where contactless pay is available. 

They can also use Google Pay to make payments online and through apps. 

The Central Bank of Kuwait recently granted several bank licences to activate Google Wallet in the country.  

The launch aligns with the Kuwait Vision 2035 “New Kuwait” and the country’s ongoing digital transformation journey. 

It also follows consumer payment trends in the wider MENA region. 

According to Mastercard’s New Payments Index 2022, 64% of MENA consumers (compared to 61% globally) increased their use of at least one digital payment method in the last year, including digital cards, SMS payments, digital money transfer apps and instant payment services. 

Erdem Çakar, country manager of Kuwait and Qatar at Mastercard, commented: “We are delighted to join forces with Google to drive digital inclusion in Kuwait as we introduce Google Pay to the country and expand the variety of contactless payments available to its people.”  

Jenny Cheng, vice president and general manager of Google Wallet, added: “When we launched Google Wallet last year, we wanted to give as many people as possible access to a secure digital wallet, and we are thrilled to expand our offering to Kuwait. 

“Tap and pay on public transit, save mobile tickets for shows, or keep your boarding pass at hand—these are just some ways you can use Google Wallet throughout your day.” 

Image: Canva 

Josh Poyser Josh Poyser is an editor at FinTech Intel. He has written about fintech for several years and appeared at FinTech Connect 2023 on the 'Unlocking Success: The Art of Fintech PR' panel.