Google Play Store now supports alternative payment systems.
Google has recently announced it is expanding the user choice billing program for its Play Store, allowing Android users to choose alternative payment systems for in-app purchases in several countries.
Non-gaming Android app developers that have applied and were deemed qualified will see their service fees slightly decrease when users select a new third-party billing option, per The Verge.
Google Play Store Alternate Payment System Support Details
Google mentioned in its announcement that it is pilot testing alternative billing options next to Google Play's billing system to help the company "explore offering this choice to users."
Non-gaming developers that are found to be eligible to join the pilot test will see their service fees of 15% to 30% reduced by 4% when users select a new third-party billing option.
The reduction is important for many developers as the percentage cut Google takes will help them decide whether they should offer alternate billing options or not, per Tech Crunch.
The pilot test originally came from Spotify becoming its first partner in March after Google was forced to offer in-app payments in South Korea.
The search giant then promised that it would slowly make third-party billing available in all markets where Spotify Premium is available.
How To Participate In The Pilot Test
Non-gaming developers who wish to participate in the pilot have to offer user choice billing to mobile and/or tablet users in participating countries, which includes: Australia, India, Japan, and Indonesia.
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Interestingly, the search giant didn't include The US in the list of participating countries. This exclusion may probably be due to the US government exploring rules that would control Apple and Google's monopoly over app stores.
Additionally, developers must only offer alternative billing systems within the app as well as adhere to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard f they are handling credit and debit card data.
They also have to provide customer support for users of the alternative billing system, which must provide a process to dispute unauthorized transactions.
This requirement means that app developers will be the ones settling issues involving unauthorized transactions.
Finally, developers must notify Google in advance if they intend to make changes to their app enrollment preferences, such as disabling or enabling user choice billing in a particular app or country.
Interestingly, Google previously introduced a similar pilot test with the same policy for non-gaming developers and users in the European Economic Area (EEA) region in July. As such, this pilot test will only serve as its expansion.
Another interesting point to add is that Google expects that the pilot test will continue to evolve as it learns more and receives additional feedback regarding the current test.
This statement could mean that people in the US could soon enjoy alternate billing options in the future.
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