Google Play made it possible to use an alternative payment system
Google has started a new experiment that allows Android app developers to make their in-app payments through third-party payment systems. Many developers can now sign up for this program, called User Choice Billing, and allow their customers to use an alternative choice system for their in-app payments in addition to the Google Play payment system.
Earlier this year, Google announced its plans to use alternative payment systems in Google Play. Now the developers of European countries, Australia, India, Indonesia and Japan can use the desired payment system in their (non-game) programs by registering in this plan.
Fees received by Google Play from third-party payment systems
App stores currently charge between 15% and 30% of developer fees. However, if customers choose to use an alternative payment method, their fees will only be charged 4 percent will be less Google explains that the fees collected are needed to support “ongoing investments in Android and Google Play.”
In addition, Google has stated that the alternative method must comply with PCI-DSS payment security standards, and for that payment method, customer support must be available to customers. Also, the developer must notify Google of any changes.
Google spokesperson to the website 9to5google explains:
“Android has always been a unique, open-source operating system, and we continue to evolve our platform and increase the choices available to developers and users, while maintaining our ability to invest in the ecosystem. In the next phase of testing Google Play’s user-selectable billing program, all non-game developers will be able to offer an additional payment option alongside the Google Pay system for their users in Australia, Japan, India, Indonesia and the European Economic Area. We’ll be sharing more in the coming months.”
In March, Spotify was announced as the first partner for Google’s new program, and the search engine giant plans to make User Choice Billing available in key markets this year. More details about this program will be released in the coming months.