Google Wallet for iOS redesigned with focus on peer-to-peer payments

Google rolled out a big update to its Google Wallet app for iOS on Monday, which brings a few nifty new features and a welcome redesign.

Users can now send peer-to-peer payments, or cash out directly to a debit card — though Google is removing support for loyalty cards, gift cards, and offers with this update. You can export those here.

“Send money to anyone in the U.S. with an email address,” Google said of the new service. “It’s fast, easy, and free to send directly from your debit card, bank account, or Wallet Balance.”

“When you receive money, you can quickly cash out to your bank account using your debit card, or spend it instantly with the Google Wallet Card,” the company added.

New Google Wallet for iOS available now on the App Store. Easily split bills and settle up! https://t.co/Iz2Gi6EZNp pic.twitter.com/nlyV0ZABLZ

— Google Pay (@GooglePay) September 21, 2015

Emphasis is being placed on the ability to send money to people who don’t use the Wallet, though, for now, this feature is also still exclusive to U.S. users.

Other features that Google wants users to take advantage of include splitting expenses (i.e. at a meal or on a trip), managing the Wallet Card (accepted wherever debit MasterCard is and at ATMs), placing limits on spending, and setting up recurring transfers from your bank account.

With an increasing number of the apps that we already use on a daily basis starting to incorporate peer-to-peer payments — including Facebook and Snapchat — the “Wallet Wars” are just getting started. And Google wants to win.

You can grab the new iOS update here.