GoHenry and Google Wallet partner to launch kids’ smartwatch

By Gloria Methri

GoHenry by Acorns, a debit card and financial education app, has collaborated with Google Wallet to integrate GoHenry into the new Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatch for kids in the U.S.

The collaboration advances Google’s Tap to Pay capabilities in its Fitbit Ace LTE devices. It enables kids under 13 years old to use a smartwatch to spend their own money safely and responsibly in the digital world. GoHenry will be featured as a card issuer within the device wallet, making it easy for parents to empower their kids with the independence that a wearable payment device can offer.

Designed for kids ages 7-12, the Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatch and Fitbit Ace Pass1 provide the benefits of a smartphone—such as a digital wallet, daily rewards for reaching movement goals, and secure calling, messaging and location sharing—without the smartphone.

How it works:

1. A parent downloads the GoHenry by Acorns app, signs up, and activates their child’s new GoHenry debit card.
2. A parent activates Tap to Pay on the Fitbit Ace LTE by adding their child’s GoHenry card to Google Wallet through the Fitbit Ace app3.
3. Once connected, a parent can seamlessly use the app to add money to the debit card, set spending limits, decide where the card can be used, and more.
4. The child can then use the Fitbit Ace LTE to Tap to Pay with the money on their GoHenry card—and grow their money management skills with GoHenry along the way.

“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.”

“We’re excited to collaborate with GoHenry to bring tap-to-pay capabilities to the Fitbit Ace LTE, giving parents a valuable tool to instil responsible spending habits and help kids gain confidence while they learn important money skills,” said Ben Greenwood, Fitbit Ace LTE Product Lead.