Every morning I wake up, drive to Dunkin'
Donuts and tap my phone to buy a large iced coffee.
There's something fun about that
experience. I don't have to reach for my wallet and search for cash or pull out
a debit card. I just lean over the debit card reader at the coffee shop, tap my
phone, and go on with my life.
You need a phone that supports this
functionality to partake in the fun, but most devices sold over the past couple
of years work in that fashion. Three primary options are available: Android Pay
for most Android smartphones, Samsung Pay for Samsung smartphones and Apple Pay
for iPhones.
Here's how to get started with each one.
Android Pay
Android Pay hasn't grabbed headlines like it did when it first
launched, but it's still a very viable option on most Android smartphones. It's
your best bet if you have an Android phone but it isn't a Samsung device with
Samsung Pay.
Download Android
Pay from the Google Play App Store.
Open the app and tap "Add Credit or Debit card."
You can choose cards already associated with your Google Account or
add a new one. Agree to the terms and conditions that pop up. Then verify your
card via email (you'll receive a number to enter into the app)
That's it! Now, the next time you see a card reader with the
Android Pay logo, just open the app, choose your card, and tap to pay.
Samsung Pay
Samsung Pay is my favorite of mobile payment options because it's
able to work with more checkout terminals. In fact, it even works on older
machines that only have magnetic stripe readers, thanks to technology from
Samsung's acquisition of a company named LoopPay.
Here's how to set it up.
Open up Samsung Pay, which should be pre-installed on your Samsung
smartphone. (If for some reason you don't have it, get it here.)
If you're prompted to sign in, use your Samsung account credentials
or create an account. This is where you'll also create a PIN for accessing your
cards before payment.
Tap credit/debit cards and then tap "Add."
Use the camera viewfinder to center your credit card. This allows
your phone to capture the card number, expiration date and your name. You can
also enter this in manually.
Next add in the verification code.
You'll need to confirm your card with a code sent to you via email
or text message from your bank. Enter this in.
Now you're ready to go. Samsung lets you swipe up from the bottom
of the home screen to easily access your cards when you're ready to pay, and
you'll verify your identity with a pre-set pin code or your irises (if you have
a newer Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8+ smartphone.
Samsung Pay is even offering a temporary promotion for a free $20
gift card for registering your first card, which you can use anywhere Samsung
Pay is accepted.
Apple Pay
You might already have Apple Pay set up without knowing it. Apple's
iPhone asks if you want to get started while you're initiating your phone for
the first time, and Apple Pay can be used in the App Store or for mobile
payments.
If you're not sure, open up the Apple Wallet application, which is
pre-installed on your phone.
If you don't see any credit cards under the Pay icon, tap the +
button at the top-right of the screen to add one.
If you don't have Touch ID setup yet, you'll be walked through
registering your fingerprints.
Next, use the camera viewfinder to scan in your card. Just center
it in the frame and Apple Pay will grab all of the details, or you can enter
them manually.
Like with the other payment options, you'll need to verify your card
using a text message or email code sent to you from your bank. Enter that and
you're all set.
To use Apple Pay while your phone is locked, just double tap the
home button. It'll bring up your favorite debit or credit card, or you can
select others at the bottom of the screen. Hold your finger to Touch ID as you
tap the phone on an Apple Pay-approved reader (just look for the sticker.
That's it! Welcome to the future.
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