Google has been offering users a mortgage comparison tool for a couple of years and has slowly added new financial products to that comparison tool as well, including credit cards, CDs, and banking account information. But these tools have never been showcased by Google, until now with the launch of a new site called Google Advisor.
The site rolls all these different search and comparison tools into one place so you can examine providers side-by-side. Looking for a checking account with no monthly fees? Looking for a credit card that offers frequent flyer miles? Looking for a low-interest mortgage? These are the sorts of questions the new site can help users answer.
According to Google, this special tool will help users find the information they want more quickly as it allows them to control the sorts of offers they’re looking for, with search results that are updated in real time. Google will of course make some money when users are referred to certain providers, but it insists that banks and lenders are not paying to have their search results rank highly.
Next to medical data, financial information is probably some of the data people are most sensitive about. Google insists it will protect the privacy of those using the site. Google Account information won’t be shared, and phone numbers will only be shared with lenders if users allow it.
Currently Google Advisor is only available in the U.S., and while the offering isn’t as robust as other financial services available (such as Mint.com), the site is an indication Google may roll out more features in this area.
