GoHenry, a kids’ prepaid debit card & financial learning app, partnered with Google Wallet to integrate the payment app into the new Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatch for kids in the U.S.
GoHenry, recently acquired by Acorns, enabled kids under 13 years old to use a Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatch to spend their own money safely and responsibly.
In collaboration with Google Wallet, the kids’ educational and budgeting app advanced Google’s Tap to Pay capabilities on kids’ smartwatch devices. GoHenry will be featured as a card issuer within the device’s wallet, allowing children to make their own contactless payments.
The Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatch is designed for kids aged 7-12. It functions without a smartphone. The device offers rich functionality, including a digital wallet, daily rewards for reaching movement goals, secure calling, messaging and location sharing.
To enable the payment feature, a parent should download the GoHenry app, sign up, and activate their child’s new prepaid debit card. Then, they can add their child’s GoHenry card to Google Wallet through the Fitbit Ace app. The child can use the Fitbit Ace LTE to pay with the money on their GoHenry card. Parents control this process, using the app to add money to the debit card, set spending limits, decide where the card can be used, etc.
GoHenry is one of the bright examples of ethical finance providers in the modern fintech sector. Through GoHenry, children gain financial independence and learn how to budget. So-called “money missions” in the app deliver mini-lessons on all things finance. The fintech company also promotes the ESG agenda with biodegradable Eco Cards and the tree-planting initiative.
“GoHenry empowers kids growing up in a digital world to learn about and use money in a safe environment,” said Acorn’s CEO, Noah Kerner. “Our collaboration with Google Wallet brings this to life on a wearable payment device, embodying our mission to make every kid smart with money and providing parents with more tools to nurture healthy habits in their kids.”
Ben Greenwood, Fitbit Ace LTE Product Lead, added that partnership with GoHenry gives “parents a valuable tool to instil responsible spending habits and help kids gain confidence while they learn important money skills.”
