Riyadh – February 18, 2026: Mastercard cardholders in Saudi Arabia can now use Google Pay for contactless in-store payments, following a collaboration between Mastercard and Google aimed at expanding mobile wallet adoption across the Kingdom.
The rollout enables Android users to add their Mastercard credit or debit cards to Google Pay and make payments by tapping their smartphones at compatible point-of-sale terminals. The service operates through near field communication technology and leverages tokenization to enhance transaction security.
Supporting Vision 2030’s Cashless Ambitions
The expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which prioritizes digital transformation and increased adoption of electronic payments. Government initiatives have encouraged card and mobile wallet usage to reduce reliance on cash and strengthen financial inclusion.
By integrating Mastercard’s global card network with Google’s mobile wallet platform, the collaboration enhances access to digital payments without requiring new merchant infrastructure. Payments can be processed through existing contactless terminals already deployed across the Kingdom.
Security and Tokenization Framework
Google Pay transactions use tokenization, replacing card details with device-specific digital tokens and dynamic transaction codes. Authentication is completed through device-level security features such as biometrics or passcodes, reducing exposure of sensitive financial data.
This model enables mobile wallets to operate over established card networks while adding an additional security layer for consumers.
Growing Contactless Adoption
Saudi Arabia has witnessed strong growth in contactless payments in recent years, with increasing use of tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets in retail and service sectors. Mobile payment solutions are benefiting from high smartphone penetration and expanding digital infrastructure.
The Mastercard–Google integration allows existing cardholders to adopt mobile payments without changing banks or opening new accounts, potentially accelerating wallet usage across the Kingdom.
Fintech Ecosystem Expansion
Saudi Arabia remains one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing fintech markets, supported by regulatory reforms and infrastructure investment. Partnerships between global card networks and technology platforms are becoming central to scaling digital payments.
The collaboration reinforces the convergence between traditional card networks and mobile wallet providers, creating interoperable payment ecosystems that support both domestic and international transactions.
