Google’s Pony Express scheme could will let you pay bills in Gmail

Google is reportedly working on a new Gmail tool that would allow account holders to pay their bills from directly within the popular webmail client.

According to a document seen by the Recode website, the initiative dubbed Pony Express would enable Gmail users to settle-up with service providers without having to leave the comfort of their inbox.

The service would require Gmail users to sign up using their name, phone number social security and payment information. From there Google would use a third-party financial company to facilitate payment on behalf of the service provider and then pass on your cash.

If it comes to fruition, Pony Express would save users the hassle of logging into their respective accounts every time they wish to pay a bill. All bills would also be delivered to a special folder within Gmail, according to Recode, which may make it easier for users to keep track of payments that are due.

The report claims it’ll also enable users to split bills with other Gmail users, which could be a Godsend for members of shared households who all use a particular service.

The document says Google is plotting a late-2015 launch for the scheme, which would stretch Gmail’s reach further. The company is already building Gmail information, such as travel schedules and appointments into Google Searches, while the new Gmail Inbox app also displays prevalent information like incoming shipments.

Related: Google Inbox: A guide to Google’s new email app

It’s also possible the firm could use this initiative as part of its plans to expand the Google Wallet mobile payments platform.

According to recent reports Google is also plotting a scheme which would allow users to authenticate mobile payments simply using their initials.