Earlier this year, we announced the Google Wallet Objects API, which helps merchants connect their loyalty programs and offers with Google Wallet. Today, we are excited to announce the first set of merchant loyalty programs that are live for users in the new Google Wallet app: Alaska Airlines, Belly and Red Mango.

The new Google Wallet app is rolling out this week in the US and is available on any Android device (v2.3+). As a merchant, you can now showcase your loyalty program within the app, and have Google Wallet users sign up for your program instantly from their phone. You can also engage your customers in real time no matter where they are, with one-to-one messaging promoting new programs or promotions. You will also have the ability to display loyalty status and rewards balance directly in the app. Customers can easily redeem their loyalty programs in your stores by simply scanning their phone at checkout. In the coming days, customers who have loaded a loyalty program in the Google Wallet app will also see a Google Now card when they are near one of your stores.

In addition, if you are a merchant or couponing site, you can connect offers directly from your properties to Google Wallet. For example, starting later this week, visitors on Valpak.com can browse offers, save their favorite ones directly to their Google Account and easily redeem in store using the Google Wallet app at checkout. With the Google Wallet Objects API, you also get richer analytical insights to inform your marketing campaigns.

We’re excited to welcome more merchants to the loyalty platform soon, including Avis Car Rental, BJ’s Restaurants, Cosi, Hard Rock International, InterContinental Hotels Group, Marriott International, Raley’s and The Body Shop. Couponing sites and platforms SnipSnap, RetailMeNot, Thinaire and Koupon Media are also coming soon. To learn more, please visit our website, and to get started in the program, submit your information here.

Posted by Pali Bhat, Group Product Manager, Google Wallet