Google unveiled a shed-load of astonishing new features at the Google I/O keynote on Wednesday, some of which were more exciting than others. One of the company’s smaller — but still important — announcements was the ability to send money via a linked bank account through Gmail and Google Wallet.

This new function is being implemented into Gmail; when you are sending a message you should notice a little ‘$’ symbol in the corner, right next to the paperclip for attaching files. If you click this button, you can send money free of charge to the recipient, and best of all, the recipient doesn’t have to have a Gmail account.

The short video below shows how beneficial and easy it is to send a payment through Gmail and Google Wallet.

In order to send a payment via Gmail, you have to have your Google Wallet account or debit/credit card linked to your Gmail account. If you are planning to send a payment via a debit/credit card, you may encounter a small transaction fee. However, you will be clearly notified if the payment you are sending is liable, for a transaction fee.

The awesome ability to send money via Gmail will roll out over the coming months to all U.S. residents over the age of 18 – however, you will be unable to send payments through the mobile Gmail application, but possibly via the Google Wallet mobile website.

If you wish to find out more, be sure to hit the source link below to be taken directly to Google’s Commerce Blog.

• SourceGoogle Commerce