LG Optimus Elite gains access to Google Wallet

Starting today, Virgin Mobile customers who will purchase their LG Optimus Elite between now and July 18 on a Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk account will be able to activate Google Wallet.

Users must sign up for Google Wallet within seven days of purchasing their Elite. Customers will also get a Google prepaid card with $25 worth of credit included.

The Elite is Virgin Mobile's first smartphone to be equipped with NFC, or near field communication, which allows services like Google Wallet to communicate wirelessly with other NFC-enabled products within short distances.

The device is available now for $150. It runs Android Gingerbread, has a 3.5-inch touch screen, and a 5-megapixel camera.