All customers using the service were notified of the changes via email on Friday, and were informed that they only have until August 21^st to redeem any existing balances stored on a card.

However, this may not be the end of the programme for good, with Google Wallet assuring its users that they are “working with retailers on other options for gift and loyalty card redemption” in the near future.

Google has promised customers that it will continue running all other functionality available within the Wallet, and hope to share its new plans for the service soon.