Google Checkout

June 29, 2006

Another day, another Google release. This time it’s Google Checkout, which can only really be described as the big G’s PayPal killer attempt. It’s pretty simple really: you sign in with your Google account, enter you credit card and address details and you’re good to go. Any site that supports Google Checkout will now let you use your Checkout account to pay for items and will automatically be sent the current shipping address. So far, I think all the stores are US-based, but I’m sure this will catch on in a fairly big way.

Is it the end for PayPal? No. I love PayPal and I would still prefer to use it over Checkout. Plus, PayPal has a massive existing user base and a 500-pound gorilla named eBay to keep the wolves at bay. I think that the two systems will eventually strike a balance in the market.

Posted in Online