Google Pay drops PayPal, leaving users scrambling for alternatives
Google Pay users will soon lose PayPal as a payment option. From 31 March, new customers can no longer add PayPal to the app. The change also affects existing users who upgrade their devices or switch to a new phone or smartwatch.
When Google Pay first launched in Germany, PayPal became a key workaround for many. Most banks refused to support the service, leaving users with few alternatives. Initially, the feature worked only on smartphones, with smartwatch compatibility added later.
PayPal has now confirmed it will no longer work with Google Pay. The decision impacts users in both Germany and the U.S. Existing customers can still use PayPal for now, but only until they change devices or reinstall the app. For smartwatch users, options remain limited. No German banks currently support Google Pay on wearables. Samsung Pay offers an alternative for Samsung device owners, working on both phones and watches. Most banking apps and PayPal's own solution, however, stay restricted to smartphones. The shift may push users toward traditional payment methods or different banking partners. Samsung Wallet has already secured deals with Deutsche Bank, Postbank, and Norisbank, while Google Wallet adoption remains low among major institutions like Sparkassen.
The end of the Google-PayPal partnership leaves users with fewer choices. Those relying on PayPal for contactless payments will need to find alternatives soon. The change also highlights the ongoing challenges of digital wallet support in Germany, particularly for smartwatch owners.
