March 24, 2026, 10:23 am | Read time: 2 minutes
A significant change is coming to contactless payments via smartphone. PayPal will no longer be able to be newly linked with Google Wallet. This affects users in Germany as well. According to PayPal, this change will take effect on March 31, 2026. This eliminates a previously used option to use PayPal directly for in-store payments without linking a credit or debit card or providing bank details.
Existing Connections Remain Usable
Those who have already linked PayPal with Google Wallet can continue to use this feature for now. However, there are limitations. If the existing connection is removed or a new smartphone is set up, PayPal cannot be added again. In the U.S., PayPal implemented this step earlier. Starting in April 2025, no new links were allowed there. In June 2025, existing connections were automatically terminated.
It is currently not confirmed whether PayPal will automatically sever existing links in Germany. There has been no announcement to that effect so far. However, developments in the U.S. show that a complete termination of the integration is possible. At the same time, PayPal is realigning its mobile payment offerings and focusing more on its own solutions.
Pay Directly via the PayPal App
Since mid-May 2025, PayPal has offered its own function for contactless payments. This can be activated directly in the app and set as the default payment service on the smartphone. Setup is quickly completed. When paying, the unlocked smartphone is held to a Mastercard-compatible NFC terminal, similar to other payment services. Additionally, the app offers features such as cashback promotions, bonus offers, and various payment methods.