Google Pay To Launch Gold Investment Plans In India

Google Pay, the search giant’s digital transactions company, is planning to introduce Gold-backed investment plans for its users. Though the feature is yet to be formally announced, an updated clause in the company’s terms and conditions page, spotted by data platform Paper.vc, has tipped off users about Google’s plans.

The service named Google Pay Gold services will allow the users to buy, sale and invest Gold using the application.

“Google Pay provides a technology platform to MMTC – PAMP (“MMTC”) to offer for sale, delivery and repurchase of Gold and other related services by MMTC to the Customers. You agree and acknowledge that the terms and conditions available at “MMTC Terms” govern your Gold Accumulation Plan (GAP),” the terms page noted.

New Delhi-based MMTC-PAMP India Pvt. Ltd is an internationally recognised metal and mining service provider. The company is a joint venture between Switzerland-based bullion brand, PAMP SA, and MMTC Ltd which is a Government of India undertaking.

Google also clarified that the company will not have any liability to its users in relation to their gold account plan.

According to Google, the users can set up their gold account by undergoing the two-factor authentication as may be required by Google, comply with the registration process prompted by Google on Google Pay, and comply with the KYC requirements as may be mandated by applicable laws.

Also, the users will have to produce a copy of their PAN card for cumulative lifetime purchases or in case of initiating any transfers of INR 50K or above.

Google Pay Vs Paytm And PhonePe: Competition Intensifies

With this move, Gpay is taking its competition with rivals PhonePe and Paytm up another notch.

In April 2017, online payment unicorn Paytm had announced its partnership with MMTC-PAMP and launched its Digital Gold service. This enabled its users to buy gold online and store it in MMTC-PAMP’s vault for free.

The services also allow the Paytm users to get their accumulated gold delivered at their doorstep in the form of minted coins.

Following this, in December 2017, Flipkart-owned Phone also forged a partnership with SafeGold and launched its digital gold product. The service allows users to buy and sell certified 24-karat gold via the PhonePe app.

This development comes in at a time when these three players are dominating the online payment space in India. As of January 2019, Paytm recorded 221 Mn online transactions while PhonePe and Google Pay clocked nearly 220 Mn transactions each.

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