Google Pay also called Gpay has recently started charging its users a convenience fee on mobile recharges. The decision was sudden & surprising as it came years after the app had allowed users to recharge their prepaid plan and pay bills at no additional cost. While Google Pay didn't make any official announcements, it did update its terms & conditions on 10th November 2023. Google Pay updated their point no. 7 subsection - Google fees of their terms & conditions. The updated version reads “Fees may be applied to certain Transactions or use of Google Pay Services which include but are not limited to mobile recharges. Prior to completing each Transaction, you will be notified of any fees, if applicable, that may apply. Fees may be determined by Google in its sole discretion and any fees charged will be inclusive of all applicable taxes.” This change was noticed by a verified tech expert & tipper Mukul Sharma with username ‘stufflistings.’ Mukul tweeted about the same. The tweet explained that Gpay is now charging a convenience fee of up to Rs. 3/- on mobile recharges.

His tweet also explained different convenience fees for different recharge amounts.

- For recharge amounts of ?1 to 100: no convenience fee

- ?101 to 200: ?1 convenience fee

- ?201 to 300: ?2

- ?301 and above: ?3

This made many users realize that they were charged extra on their latest mobile recharge. 

For now, the new convenience fee is applicable only on mobile recharges and not on other transactions like electricity bill payments, FASTag recharges,  or regular UPI transactions. Google Pay was the preferred payment method for many because it did not levy any extra charges while its competitors like PayTM & PhonePe already levy a convenience fee. Just like its competitors, Google also aims to monetize its platforms with transaction fees. Similar charges have been implemented by various other online services for tasks like ordering food or booking movie tickets.

Tags

• google pay
• mobile recharge
• gpay

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