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Google Play credits now available for online purchase direct from Google

Google began selling physical gift cards a short while back, and coming more recently, you can now buy Google Play credits online directly from Google. The credits are available in various increments from $5, going up to $50.
By
October 17, 2012

We saw the physical Google Play gift cards come available back in late-August and coming back to present day, Google is now selling Play store credits online. Simply put, you can now buy Google Play credits without having to run out to a local retail outlet. This of course, sounds like good news, however we can still see a nice benefit to having the physical gift cards.

That being said, the Google Play credits can be purchased online direct from the Play store. Those interested will need to visit the store and then scroll down to the bottom of the page. Look for the link at the bottom, it is labeled as “Buy Google Play Credit.” Clicking this link will offer a pop-up with the option to buy credits in a few set dollar amounts. The dollar amounts begin at $5 and then climb to $10, $15, $25 and $50. The checkout price will be the same. In other words, you are not paying any premium to buy credits.

There are a few catches that we can see. For one, it would be nice to be able to buy a custom amount, say $20. That thought aside though, the listed price amounts seem fair and we suppose that if you really wanted to buy $20 — you could just make the $10 purchase two times.

The other catch, it does not appear that you are able to buy credits for someone else. You could use your credit card on that persons account, but that seems a bit overcomplicated given you would have to add, and then remove your card from their account after you make the purchase.

Bottom line here, these online Google Play credits may be best for those who pay for and manage their own accounts and are simply looking for a way to keep their purchases in check. Finally, all Google Play credits will be immediately added to your account balance and can be used for apps, music, movies or anything else that is sold in the Play store.