Google “Tap 10” to Bring Rewards for Android Pay Users

Rewards platforms are one of the biggest advantages in mobile payments around.

Being able to offer special deals for those who use a certain platform is a great way to draw users to that platform. Google is no exception here, as it tests the new “Tap 10 “ program for those using Android Pay to make payments.

The promotion so far is limited to a testing phase, which means not everyone will be able to get in on the action. At least, not yet; Tap 10 is geared toward United States users, and as the name implies, has the goal of getting users to make 10 mobile payments.

Tapping 10 times, essentially, lands users a bonus, as long as those 10 are tapped before the end of February when the promotion is set to end.

Those wondering why this wasn’t more heavily promoted are in good company, as Google offered up remarks from a spokesperson which noted that the program was small and being tested on a limited basis.

With this testing complete, Google hopes to see if there’s a reasonable link between offering rewards for users and getting more Android Pay use in response. Reports note that Google hopes to offer more programs like this in the future, though there’s no clear timeline on when, if ever, such plans will materialize.

Rewards programs aren’t anything particularly new and exciting, and that’s why it’s kind of surprising to hear about Google just getting involved.

Google is well-known for its innovation and development therein, so hearing about Google bringing a familiar program just to “keep up with the Joneses,” essentially, comes as a bit of a shock.

It’s necessary, though, and that Google has gone this long without it doesn’t exactly speak well of Google. The gap, however, is filled, and that’s good enough news for anyone who’s paying attention.

Chances are, Tap 10—or whatever program ultimately replaces it—will be welcome in the user community, and will drive at least some traffic in Google’s direction. Google will need all the help it can get, because here, it’s not the front-running innovator, but rather a johnny-come-lately that needs to eke out a user base in a field full of entrenched competitors.