CIMB Bank has announced that starting from 25 March 2025, transactions exceeding RM250 through Google Wallet or Google Pay will no longer require card PIN verification. This method will be replaced entirely by biometrics (Face ID, fingerprint verification) or passcodes instead, which will also notably help speed along the transaction process.
For the unitiated, Google Wallet and Google Pay are two related but distinct services by Google for digital payments and financial transactions. The former is primarily a digital wallet that allows users to store payment cards, transit passes, IDs and other digital credentials securely on their devices. It enables contactless payments via NFC on compatible Android devices and Wear OS smartwatches. The latter, on the other hand, is the broader payment platform that facilitates online, in-app, and peer-to-peer transactions, integrating with Google services and third-party apps for seamless payments.
While Google Wallet focuses on digital storage and tap-to-pay functionality, Google Pay encompasses a wider range of payment solutions, including online checkouts and rewards integration. It should also be noted that the latter is available on iOS devices.
The amendment of its features comes less than a week after CIMB announced the discontinuation of CIMB clicks, which will be made effective on 12 April. Customers are advised to utilise the bank’s newer OCTO app instead.
Manisha Dharmendra contributed to this article.
