Google Wallet Joins Sheetz's Payment Options Lineup

ALTOONA, Pa. -- Consumers at the forefront of the mobile wallet arena will be able to use their Google Wallet for purchases at Sheetz.

According to a post on the company's Facebook page, the locally based convenience store operator now accepts that form of payment just as Google Wallet begins to rollout. "We're all about making your road trip more convenient," the company said in its Facebook post.

Google Wallet is a smartphone feature that lets consumers pay with virtual credit cards stored on their mobile phones. Currently, Google Wallet supports two payment cards: Citi MasterCard credit cards and Google prepaid cards. It can also support store gift cards for participating merchants. The Sheetz posting does not specify if its Z-Card will be part of the program.

After hitting test markets this summer, Google Wallet is making its move to mainstream. It is now available to Samsung Nexus S owners on the Sprint network -- enabling users to make tap-and-go payments through PayPass sensors at several retail locations, such as Sunoco gas stations.

Google Wallet will face competition next year when Isis, another version of a mobile wallet, launches. AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless are teaming up on Isis and Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express have announced they have joined the effort.