The Ultimate Guide to Using a Digital Wallet: Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Android Pay

Let’s be honest…you carry your phone with you wherever you go. So why not shift towards paying digitally? The digital wallet payment method is extremely convenient because it allows you to make purchases with your mobile device without carrying the physical card with you for in-store or online purchases. Learn what a digital wallet is, how it works and why you should use it.

What is a digital wallet?

A digital wallet is exactly what it sounds like, a “wallet” that is on your mobile device. Paying through your digital wallet is a form of contactless payment, similar to paying with a contactless card. A digital wallet allows you to carry your credit card and debit card information in a digital form that is secure on your mobile device.

How do digital wallet payments work?

A digital wallet is accessible through an app on your phone or your wearable device such as a smartwatch, so start by downloading a mobile app. There are many different apps to choose from, and phone companies such as Apple and Android offer versions of a digital wallet.

The digital wallet payment function is enabled for Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay on our NB Debit Mastercard®, and both of our credit cards, NB Rewards Mastercard® and NB Credit Advantage Mastercard®.

• Apple Pay: Apple’s mobile payment and digital wallet service allows you to make payments in person in iOS-specific apps and online using Safari. The “Wallet” app is supported on the iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad and Mac.
• Google Pay: This app is similar to Apple Pay but for Android devices and is Google’s digital wallet platform and online payment system. The “Google Pay” app allows you to pay in-app, online and in-person with Android phones, tablets and watches.
• Samsung Pay: Samsung’s mobile payment app and digital wallet allow you to carry your favorite cards on your devices so you can pay in-person, in-app or online. The “Samsung Pay” app is available on some Samsung devices.

Then, all you have to do is enter the information of the Needham Bank cards into your digital wallet app. After adding your cards, look for the contactless symbol, which looks like the Wi-Fi symbol turned on its side, at payment terminals in stores. With your digital wallet app open, tap your phone to the contactless symbol when you are checking out.

Why should I use a digital wallet?

• Convenience

Using a digital wallet on your mobile device eliminates the need for you to carry around a bulky wallet with several different cards. All you have to do is confirm your identity with a fingerprint, face scan or PIN and then tap to pay at a business that accepts contactless payments.

• Security

Your card information is encrypted in your digital wallet so the actual card number isn’t transmitted when you’re making a payment. And your full card number isn’t displayed on your phone screen when you’re paying, so people won’t be able to capture that information. Also, you no longer need to worry about misplacing or losing your cards while you are out.

• Accessibility

From restaurants and convenience stores to gas stations and grocery stores, many merchants are now supporting the contactless payment option, which includes digital wallets.

• Efficiency

The tap-and-go process only takes a few seconds, so your checkout is smoother and faster than normal card transactions and cash payments.

• Organization

A digital wallet keeps all of your cards organized, from credit and debit cards to gift cards and loyalty cards.

A digital wallet offers you more convenience and security than your traditional wallet. If you have any questions about your digital wallet, call 1-781-444-2100. Besides the digital wallet feature, learn more about our NB Debit Mastercard, NB Rewards Mastercard and NB Credit Advantage Mastercard.