Google’s new fitness tracker, the Fitbit Edge, won’t support NFC payments or Google Wallet—and the reason, according to Google, is simple: almost no one used it.
The Fitbit Edge, set to launch on October 27, omits NFC hardware entirely, meaning users won’t be able to tap to pay like with the Charge 6 or Pixel Watches. Google says that fewer than 1% of Charge 6 owners ever used NFC payments. Based on this incredibly low usage, the decision was made to leave out NFC from the Edge in order to focus on features that matter more to users. One such feature is the inclusion of a built-in altimeter, which wasn’t in Charge 6. Google framed this trade-off as prioritizing improvements that would deliver more value.
Fitbit Edge vs Charge 6: What’s Changing
The Charge 6 included NFC and Google Wallet support, so users could pay directly from their wrist. The Edge takes a different approach: no NFC, no Wallet, no such payments. This feels like a step back for those who like wearing their payment method, particularly since the Edge resembles a budget or pared-down version of more fully featured smartwatches.
The Edge keeps several other features: it has a display, built-in GPS, fitness and health tracking sensors, and now adds an altimeter. It seems to be positioned as a lighter version of a smartwatch rather than a full substitute.
Why Google Made This Call
Google’s internal data from Charge 6 users was the key driver. With less than 1% using NFC payments, it made little sense to invest limited space, power, and cost into NFC hardware and the supporting software. Instead, those resources have been allocated toward other improvements like the altimeter and customer-designed updates.
This isn’t unprecedented: wearable makers often decide based on usage what to remove—even if it’s a capability previously valued. NFC, display, GPS—it’s all trade-offs in power, battery, cost, and complexity.
The Fitbit Edge opens for pre-orders now and becomes official on October 27.
Dropping Google Wallet on the Fitbit Edge matters. For some users, wearable payments had become more than just a convenience—it’s a sign of what smart devices should do. Without NFC, the Edge may appeal more narrowly to fitness-focused users rather than those wanting a full wrist-based tech replacement. What this means going forward: if usage metrics show another feature is neglected, expect the trade-offs to continue. It also amplifies the importance of community feedback—Google could hoist Wallet back on future models if users demand it.
