Mumbai,April 09,2026: What Is Pocket Money in Google Pay is a new feature introduced by Google Pay to help families manage digital payments safely. The feature was highlighted on April 9, 2026, as a tool that allows parents to send money to children while maintaining control over spending.
The Pocket Money feature is built on the UPI Circle system and allows a primary user to authorize a secondary user to make payments using their bank account. This enables children or dependents to handle small expenses while parents monitor transactions.
How Pocket Money Works
Under this system, parents can add up to five secondary users, including children or trusted family members. The secondary user must have the Google Pay app installed and registered with their mobile number.
Once added, the secondary user can make UPI payments. However, the payments are processed through the primary user’s linked bank account, ensuring full control remains with the parent.
Spending Controls and Limits
The feature offers two control options for parents. In one mode, a monthly spending limit of up to Rs 15000 can be set, allowing children to make payments independently within that limit.
In the second mode, every transaction requires approval from the parent. The child must send a request, and the payment is completed only after approval. This provides tighter monitoring for younger users.
To meet regulatory requirements, the system includes verification of the secondary user. Parents must confirm their relationship and submit identification details in line with KYC norms.
Setup Process on Google Pay
To activate the feature, users need to go to the profile section in Google Pay and select UPI Circle. After selecting a contact and scanning the UPI Circle QR code, parents can assign permissions and spending limits.
Once the secondary user accepts the invitation and completes verification, the feature becomes active for use.
Background and Purpose
The feature comes as digital payments continue to grow, especially among younger smartphone users. It aims to provide a controlled environment for children to make transactions without giving them full financial access.
By combining supervised access with spending limits, Google Pay positions this feature as a tool for managing family payments and introducing responsible money usage.





