Google is to end the current practice of enabling users equipped with its mobile wallet to redeem gift and loyalty cards via NFC. No reason was given for dropping the feature.

The search giant has written to its wallet users to tell them of the change, which comes into effect from 21 August.

The letter was first reported by Android Spin.

Users with a balance outstanding who want to redeem it with their NFC handset must do so by the date specified. Physical gift cards will continue beyond this date.

The email from Google stresses that NFC-based credit and debit card payments at the point-of-sale are unaffected.

The company says it is working with retailers on “other options” for gift and loyalty card redemption and expects to share them soon.