For physical goods and real-world services (shop orders, food, bookings, tickets), any payment processor — Stripe, PayPal, Razorpay — is allowed in a URL app and works if the app supports pop-ups, third-party cookies and payment-app links. For digital goods and subscriptions used in the app (premium content, credits, memberships), Google Play's Payments policy generally requires Google Play Billing, with regional exceptions.
Is it allowed? (Google Play)
| You sell | Payment method in app |
|---|---|
| Physical products (shop orders) | Any processor |
| Real-world services (rides, food, appointments, event tickets) | Any processor |
| Donations to registered charities | Generally allowed — check the current policy |
| Digital content, premium features, in-app currency, subscriptions to app content | Google Play Billing (alternatives only where Google permits) |
Policies change and vary by country; read Google Play's Payments policy page before launch. If your site sells digital memberships, a common pattern is to let existing members sign in in the app while not offering purchase inside it — check the policy wording for your case.
Will it work? (the WebView)
- Pop-ups and new windows. PayPal and some 3-D Secure screens open a new window. The app needs multiple-window support or the button does nothing.
- Third-party cookies. Embedded card forms and bank challenge frames rely on them; WebViews block them by default.
- Payment-app handoff. UPI, wallets and banking apps use
upi://orintent://links that must go to Android, then return to the app. See external links. - Domains in scope. Hosted checkouts (for example
checkout.stripe.com) must stay inside the app so the success page lands back in your site.
Test like a customer
- Pay with a card that triggers 3-D Secure (use your processor's test cards on a staging URL).
- Pay with PayPal and cancel half-way — do you land back in the cart?
- Pay with a wallet app — does the app come back to the order confirmation?
- Force-close the app during payment, reopen — is the order state right?
Google Pay on the web
The Google Pay button for websites relies on browser payment APIs that are limited in WebViews. Offer card entry as a fallback, and hide the Google Pay button when the site detects the app.
FAQ
Does Stripe work in a WebView app?
Yes, Stripe Checkout and Elements work for physical goods and services, provided pop-ups and third-party cookies are enabled and the checkout domain stays in the app.
Can I sell subscriptions in my URL app?
If the subscription unlocks digital content or features, Google Play generally requires Play Billing. Subscriptions to physical services (a gym, meal box) can use any processor.
Why does PayPal not open in my app?
PayPal opens a pop-up window. Enable multiple-window support or let PayPal open in the same window.