Google Pay has introduced a convenience fee for users making bill payments via credit or debit cards. This new charge applies to payments for utilities such as electricity, gas, and water, with fees ranging from 0.5% to 1% of the transaction amount, plus applicable Goods and Services Tax (GST).
This change aligns with a growing trend among digital payment platforms to cover the operational costs of card-based transactions. Previously, users could make these payments without any additional charges. However, due to processing costs and banking fees, Google Pay has now opted to introduce this fee structure.
For users looking to avoid these extra costs, Google recommends using alternative payment methods like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which remains free for transactions. The fee details will be clearly displayed at the time of payment, ensuring users are informed before completing a transaction.
As digital payment services continue to evolve, users may see further changes in transaction fees across various platforms. Keeping an eye on such updates can help in making cost-effective payment choices.
