Mobile Wallets
As technology continues to expand rapidly so does the mobile
payment world. The vast majority of people these days have some sort of
Smartphone, which is why Mobile Wallets are recently getting a huge buzz. Go to
Starbucks and they can scan your phone to pay for your drinks. Many other
businesses are picking up with this convenient method of payment. Consumers are
always looking for a way to be more convenient in their everyday lives and this
definitely helps. Doesn’t it sound awesome to not have to carry your wallet or
purse around, just your phone (which I know most of you, like me, always has it
with you anyway)? Are you also one of those people (like myself) who have a
million Rewards cards attached to your key chain? Wouldn’t it be nice to just
have those stored on your phone and they can scan it that way for you? If this
does sounds like you, don’t worry, I’m definitely going to give you some
awesome apps for your Smartphones to check into!
I know many
people are worried about the security in all of the mobile payments. Since this
industry is so popular, they are making sure that they do everything they can
to make your information as secure as possible. Most of the apps I will mention
will make you enter a PIN number before you access any of your most personal
information to make sure no one else can get access into it. Security is the
number one reason why many people are so opposed to digital payments, but all
of the people making these programs for you completely understand and are
making everything secure.
Mobile Wallets
are so convenient that everyone should have them on their Smartphones. They
have apps for you to store your Insurance cards, Driver’s License, and your
credit cards. I’m telling you, this is really going to blow your mind!
Top Apps for Smartphones:
·
Lemon Wallet – for iPhone, Android, and Windows
Phones
o
This app allows you to store your credit cards,
rewards cards, Drivers License, and Insurance cards in case of emergencies. If
you forget your wallet, or if it gets stolen, this app has all the information
you need to just carry your Smartphone around with you and have everything you
need.
·
Isis – for Android phones
o
This is an app for Android phones only. It
allows you to pay certain bills, and some businesses have it for you to pay
your bill with this app instead of getting out your wallet and swiping your
card and going through that hassle. It is even hooked up to your e-mail account
to send your receipt straight to your e-mail instead of carrying old receipts
around in your wallets! Other Android only apps include: Google Wallet, M1
Mobile Wallet, and Virtual Wallet by PNC
·
Square Wallet – for iPhone and Android
o
This app is extremely amazing! Only a select few
stores have this system, but if they do definitely use it. You check into the
store your at order from your phone and then they charge it to your card
automatically. No scanning or anything involved, just give them your name and
all is charged! Extremely convenient, safe, and secure to use!
-Other apps to consider: Passbook, Geode by ICache, Chirpify, Venmo, Dwolla, and of course, PayPal
Most of these apps, when you download them, come with a
rewards program with them. The more you use it, you earn points, and redeem
coupons and free stuff! Who doesn’t want that? The apps that I listed, I have
done research on, and are definitely the ones to use. They are secure, I wouldn’t
steer you wrong! This seems so easy to use and so convenient! Definitely check
them out!
Sources:
Sources:
Brian. "Hongkiat.com." Hongkiatcom RSS. Web 2.0, n.d. Web. 10 Sept. 2013. http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/digital-wallets/
Davis, Mark. "Digital Wallet Apps Unfold in KC as Smartphone Users, Businesses Discover the Mobile Way to Pay." Digital Wallet Apps Unfold in KC as Smartphone Users, Businesses Discover the Mobile Way to Pay.
Kansas City Business, 20 July 2013. Web. 10 Sept. 2013.
http://www.kansascity.com/2013/07/20/4357393/digital-wallet-apps-unfold-in.html
I think this is a great concept. I just wish more business would buy into it. The more businesses that participate the more useful the app will become.
ReplyDeleteThis seems incredibly convenient and lighter on the pockets and purses. But I am one of those that is worried about the security of these apps. Sometimes the weaknesses of these programs aren't known until it is too late, and that goes for any type of security program. I love convenience, but it seems like I am just challenging hackers when I put my private information out there.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Although it would make my purse lighter, I'm still going to be carrying my purse regardless (you know us women and our purses). What if I lose my phone and someone was able to gain access to all of my accounts? It also makes me nervous because of hackers who could gain access to my personal accounts. What if my phone died and I needed gas and I didn't have my card on me? It is just as easy to carry a credit card with me which is why I don't use the service now.
DeleteLarina,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you! A lot more businesses are becoming aware of it, so they are starting to use it more. It's still just seeing how people buy into it and getting more people to know!
Jay,
I'm with you too on the security aspect of it. If you stay tuned to our blog, we're going to touch on this topic in the future. Security is a big issue, but everyone who is making the apps know that, therefore they make sure they have that aspect covered and secure.
This was a great post, you can really tell you did your research. I do personally love the convenience of not having to carry around a bunch of different cards, I use the Starbucks app as well and it is great. I like that their incentive for using the app is you get points every time you use it and they give you a free music download every week which is pretty cool. I too am skeptical on the security of putting my credit and debit information in these apps but I definitely like using it for like you said all those reward cards and gift cards. Thanks for the suggestions, I will have to check some of these apps out!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely check them out! You are your best judgement for the security purposes. I did research only the best and most secure apps.
DeleteI love the rewards programs given in the apps. It really helps these days! Thanks for your feedback!
Great posting.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy hearing of these new innovative apps that are coming out. It is AMAZING to look back to just 3-5 years ago and we are light years different when it comes to technology. As I understand those who are making the apps are cognizant of security and protection...It still scares me! I am not scared of technology by any means, in fact I do all of my banking on my smartphone. I am just scared of the newer "no-name" apps. I tend to wait awhile on the new apps until reviews are out and ratings are of success. Great post and great apps!!
ReplyDelete