Google Expands App Billing Options in Europe and Japan

Google LLC has started to allow smartphone app developers to use payment options other than Google’s own as part of a fee pilot program in Japan and Europe, possibly leading to a decrease in app prices for users of Android.

Google started to accept applications from the developers of the apps, which do not include games, who want to use credit cards and other settlement methods outside the system of Google.

Under this expansion, the users of apps will be allowed to choose between the billing system of Google and other eligible payment methods, with the fee of developers to Google Play sales platform that discounted by 4 percent when the consumers opt for alternative billing.

In addition to Japan and most European nations, the program will be available in countries including Australia, India, and Indonesia. However, Google currently excludes game app developers from the initiative, and the company also hinted at the possibility of lifting the restriction in the future.

Google said it is expecting the pilot details to continue to evolve as they learn more and receive some additional feedback. Google has already started this type of billing option in South Korea, as the country has banned IT companies from forcing app developers to use their payment systems.