Remember the good ol’ days when topping up your phone on Google Pay was completely free? Well, those days seem to be fading. According to a recent report, Google Pay has started charging a convenience fee for mobile recharges done through its UPI service. This shift brings Google Pay in line with other major payment platforms in India, like PhonePe and Paytm, which already have similar fees.
Breakup of the Convenience Fee
The convenience fee structure for Google Pay recharges is tiered, meaning the amount you pay depends on the recharge amount. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Recharge below Rs. 100: No fee, hooray! You can breathe a sigh of relief for smaller top-ups.
- Recharge between Rs. 101 and Rs. 200: A convenience fee of Rs. 1 applies. So, a Rs. 150 recharge will actually cost you Rs. 151.
- Recharge between Rs. 201 and Rs. 300: Here, the fee goes up to Rs. 2. So, recharging for Rs. 275 will mean paying Rs. 277.
- Recharge above Rs. 300: For bigger top-ups, you’ll be charged a flat fee of Rs. 3. For example, a Rs. 500 recharge will now cost Rs. 503.
It’s important to note that Google hasn’t officially announced this change. Users first noticed it when someone shared a screenshot online showing the added fee during a recharge.
Why the Convenience Fee?
While the exact reason behind Google Pay’s move isn’t clear, there are a couple of possibilities. One reason could be to recover operational costs associated with processing mobile recharge transactions. Another possibility is that Google might be sharing a part of this fee with telecom operators or other partners involved in the recharge process.
What are the Alternatives?
Let’s be honest, even a small convenience fee can be annoying, especially for frequent top-ups. So, what are your options? Here are a few alternatives to consider:
- Direct Recharge Through Operator Apps: Most telecom operators in India have their own mobile apps where you can recharge your phone directly. These apps usually don’t charge any convenience fees.
- Other Payment Apps: Many other payment platforms in India, like PhonePe and Paytm, offer mobile recharges with varying fee structures. You can compare fees and choose the one that best suits your needs.
- USSD Service: Don’t forget the trusty USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) option. While it might not be the most user-friendly method, it’s a fee-free way to recharge your phone using your mobile network provider’s specific code.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of convenience fees on Google Pay for mobile recharges is a shift for sure. While it might not be a deal-breaker for everyone, it’s good to be aware of the additional charges before hitting that “Recharge” button. Luckily, there are still alternative options to keep your phone topped-up without burning a hole in your pocket.
