Adding funds and credit to your Google Play account balance allows you to make purchases on the Google Play store for apps, games, books, movies and more. There are several easy ways to add money to your Google Play balance.
Table of Contents
Use a Gift Card
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device or visit play.google.com on your computer
- Click on your profile picture in the top right corner
- Select “Payments & subscriptions”
- Choose “Redeem gift code”
- Enter your gift card code and click “Redeem”
- The gift card balance will be added to your Google Play account
You can redeem both physical and digital Google Play gift cards this way. If you have a physical card, you can scan the barcode instead of manually entering the code.
Enter a Promo Code
- Open the Google Play Store and go to your profile
- Choose “Payments & subscriptions”
- Select “Redeem gift code”
- Enter the promo code and click “Redeem”
- The promotional credit will be added to your account balance
Promo codes often come from special offers or promotions. They work just like gift cards to add money you can spend on Google Play.
Use Play Points
- Open the Play Store app and go to your profile
- Tap on “Play Points”
- Choose the “Use points” option
- Select the amount of points you want to redeem as Play Credit
- The credit will be deposited into your account balance
Google Play Points are rewarded for purchases and downloads on Google Play. 500 points equals $1 in credit.
Add Cash at a Retail Store
- Open the Google Play Store app
- Tap your profile picture > Payments & subscriptions
- Choose “Add cash”
- Select the amount you wish to add
- Follow the instructions to get a barcode
- Take the barcode to a participating store
- Scan the barcode and pay the cash amount to add credit to your balance
This option is only available in certain countries and stores. There may be additional fees.
Use Opinion Rewards Credit
- Open the Google Opinion Rewards app
- Complete short surveys when they are available
- Earn credit for each survey completed
- Credit is automatically applied to Google Play purchases
Google Opinion Rewards offers credit in exchange for completing short surveys. The credit can only be used on Google Play.
Check Your Balance
To check your current Google Play balance:
- Open the Play Store app
- Tap your profile picture
- Choose “Payments & subscriptions”
- Your balance is shown at the top under “Payment methods”
On the website, click your profile picture > Payments & subscriptions to see your total available Play Credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer Google Play credit to someone else?
No, Google Play credit and gift cards are non-transferable. The credit can only be spent in the Google Play Store by the account holder.
My gift card or promo code won’t redeem. What should I do?
Contact Google Play support for troubleshooting help if a gift card or promo code does not redeem properly.
What happens to unused Google Play account credit?
Leftover credit remains in your Google Play balance. It does not expire so you can use it on future purchases.
Can I get a refund for unused Google Play credit?
No, Google Play credit and gift cards are not refundable according to the Google Play Terms of Service. Use up your remaining balance on apps, games, movies, books or music.
