FreeCharge rolls out Google Play recharge codes on app, website

Mobile wallet firm FreeCharge said on Wednesday that users can now purchase Google Play recharge codes on its app and website.

The codes can then be redeemed on the Google Play Store to buy digital content like movies, games, e-books, Android apps etc., the company said in a media release.

Users first need to select the 'Google Play' option on their FreeCharge app or website, make the payment, after which they will receive the recharge code. The code can later be redeemed by using the 'Redeem Now' link on the Google Play store.

Last week, Paytm also introduced the facility to allow Android users across India to recharge their Google Play accounts.

Earlier this month, Google introduced the option to allow users to pay for their purchases on the Play store via carrier billing.

"At FreeCharge, our endeavour remains to diversify the payment categories for our consumers. This is another step towards expanding our swift and secure payment experience for more frequent transactions," said Sudeep Tandon, chief business officer, FreeCharge.

In January 2017, Jasper Infotech Pvt Ltd, which runs e-commerce firm Snapdeal, had put in close to Rs 390 crore ($57 million) in FreeCharge.

Over the past several months, FreeCharge has been in the news for its fundraising efforts. In December 2016, a media report said that the company is in talks with global online payments company PayPal to sell around 25% of its stake for about $200 million.

In October last year, SoftBank was reportedly in talks to invest in FreeCharge. In August 2016, VCCircle reported that Chinese Internet giant Tencent was evaluating a proposal to invest $150 million in FreeCharge.