Using Google Wallet to store your credit and debit cards on your phone can eliminate the need to carry the cards physically. You can even add other cards and selected transit passes to the digital wallet. With the June 2023 update, Google is making Wallet even better by making it easier to add passes, the ability to save your health insurance cards, and more.

Here are all the improvements that are coming to Google Wallet.

1. Add New Passes in Wallet From an Image

Saving a new pass in Google Wallet has never been as simple as it should be. To make things easier, you can now add a new pass in Google Wallet directly from an image. For example, you can snap a photo of your gym membership card, and Google Wallet will create its digital version.

With this improvement, you can add any pass to Google Wallet, as long as it has a barcode or QR code.

2. Google Messages Gains Wallet Integration

Google Messages app icon

Google is enabling businesses to send you tickets and passes over RCS using the Messages app. From there, you can directly complete your check-in procedure and save the pass in Google Wallet. Initially, the company will roll out this feature in partnership with Vietnam Airlines and Spain's train operator Renfe.

Restaurants can also use reservation systems like TagMe to send the details of your reservation, which can be directly added to Wallet. Additionally, in Germany, you can save a Deutschland ticket in Google Wallet and use it across the country's public transport network.

If you have not already, set up Google Wallet to store your important cards on Android.

3. Save Your Health Insurance Card

Google has partnered with Humana to allow you to save your health insurance card in Google Wallet. This way, you can easily and quickly access your health card information as long as you have your phone with you. In the UK, you can add your National Insurance Number to Wallet from the HMRC app.

Since these cards have private and sensitive details, you must verify your identity for adding, viewing, or using them in Google Wallet. Digital wallets are safe to use and aim to replace your physical wallet to make your life easier.

4. Add Your Driver's License to Google Wallet

save driving license in google wallet
Image Credit: The Keyword

Taking a cue from the Wallet app on the iPhone, Google is enabling you to save your driver's license or Maryland ID to your digital wallet. In the next few months, Arizona, Colorado, and Georgia residents will also be able to add their digital IDs to Google Wallet. Digital driver licenses are safe and a great alternative to their physical form.

For now, you can use your digital ID at TSA PreCheck lines. The company is working on letting you use your digital ID for booking a car or verifying your online accounts. This should roll out later in 2023.

5. Wallet's Wear OS App Gets Smarter

If you use the Google Wallet app on your Wear OS 2+ watch, you can import your SmarTrip and Clipper cards directly into it. And then, you can simply tap your smartwatch to start a ride.

More Google Wallet Improvements Are in the Pipeline

There are even more enhancements that Google is working on bringing to its Wallet app. It will gain support for corporate badges in 2023. This will make entering your secure office building, cafeteria, and other places more convenient. Google is also working on expanding Wallet's support to more countries.

All these improvements to Google Wallet will help make your physical wallet lighter and eventually even allow you to ditch it altogether.