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Google Wallet introduces Nearby Notifications: your passes at the right place, at the right time

Nearby Notifications are coming to Google Wallet: users now get a push alert when they’re near a location linked to their pass, making passes more visible, useful, and engaging.

Google Wallet just made accessing your passes even easier. With the new Nearby Notifications feature, users will now receive a contextual push alert whenever they’re close to a location tied to their pass, whether it’s a loyalty card, a special offer, an event ticket, or a boarding pass.

How it works

When a customer approaches a store, a concert hall, or an airport, Google Wallet automatically detects their location (if precise location permissions are enabled) and sends a notification. With one tap, the relevant pass opens directly in Wallet, ready to use.

For brands

Developers and retailers only need to define their MerchantLocations (up to 10 per pass). From there, Google handles the rest: sending the notification, managing proximity, and displaying the alert.

Why it matters

This feature makes Wallet passes even more visible and convenient. Customers no longer need to dig through their phones to find the right card or ticket — the right content pops up automatically, at the right moment.

In short, Nearby Notifications turn Google Wallet into a contextual companion that anticipates usage and boosts customer engagement.