Google has introduced a new dollar-sign icon for Gmail attachments, letting users transfer money via its Google Wallet service.
By clicking the icon users can transfer money via Google Wallet. Credit and debit cards can be used for a fee of 2.9% per transaction.
Google maintains the transactions are encrypted and stored on secure servers. Transactions are also monitored to stop any fraudulent activity.
Introduced in 2011, Google Wallet has still yet to go mainstream. This is due to consumer resistance to mobile-based transactions, but also because of a lack of awareness and retail deployment.
To send money in Gmail, users hover over the attachment paperclip, click the $ icon to attach money to the message, enter the amount they wish to send, and press send.
While sending money in Gmail is currently only available on desktop, users can send money from Google Wallet at wallet.google.com from phones or laptops.
Users will need to have set up Google Wallet to send and receive money, and Google Wallet Purchase Protection ‘covers 100% against eligible unauthorized payments’.
The feature will be rolled out over the coming months to all US Gmail users over 18 years old.
Watch the Gmail money transaction in action below:
http://www.google.com/wallet/send-money/
