Carrying around a bulky wallet full of credit and debit cards is not just inconvenient, it's a security threat when it goes missing.
Apple Pay may be the solution you're looking for. This mobile payment app, introduced in 2014, has become increasingly popular, especially during the pandemic when people sought contactless payment options to avoid touching shared surfaces.
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Before you set it up, we want to let you know four reasons why Apple Pay is considered safe to use.
- When you use Apple Pay, your payment information is encrypted and stored on a secure element on your device. This means that your actual credit or debit card information is never shared with merchants, reducing the risk of fraud or theft.
- Apple Pay also uses biometric authentication, such as Touch ID or Face ID, to verify your identity before allowing a transaction to go through. This adds an extra layer of security to your payment.
- In addition, it also utilizes tokenization, which means that a unique token is created for each transaction. This token is used to identify your payment rather than your actual card number. Even if the token is intercepted, it cannot be used to make additional purchases.
- Furthermore, Apple Pay uses machine learning algorithms to detect fraudulent transactions. If a transaction looks suspicious, it may be blocked, and you will be notified.
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Setting up Apple Pay is a straightforward process and can make your life so much easier. First, ensure you're signed in with your Apple ID on your iPhone or iPad. Here's how to check if you are signed in:
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Screenshot instructions on how to select your profile in iOS. (CyberGuy.com)
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Instructions on how to open the Wallet app. ( )
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Instructions on how to add your debit or credit card to the Wallet app. ( )
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Once your card is verified, you're good to go. Using Apple Pay at the store is just as easy.
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Using your iPhone to pay can be as easy as tapping the card reader. ( )
One of the benefits of using Apple Pay is its widespread acceptance. Over 85% of retail locations in the U.S. accept Apple Pay, according to Apple.
Look for the contactless payment symbol or the Apple Pay logo to know if a location accepts it.
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Many locations that accept Apple Pay will display their logo. ( )
You can also use Apple Pay for online purchases instead of just physical purchases by tapping Buy with Apple Pay and confirming the payment with your biometric authentication (face ID) or manually entering your password.
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Online stores have also integrated Apply Pay into their payment options. ( )
One potential drawback of using Apple Pay is that not all banks or credit card issuers may support it. Before setting up Apple Pay, ensure your bank or credit card issuer is compatible.
Additionally, if your iPhone gets lost or stolen, you must protect your personal information to prevent unauthorized use. If this happens, you should first use the Find My app to remotely lock your device and display a message with your contact information.
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One drawback of using Apple Pay is if you lose your phone, your card information goes with it as well. (CyberGuy.com)
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Instructions on how to lock your phone. (CyberGuy.com)
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Instructions on how to mark your device as locked. (CyberGuy.com)
After your iPhone has been lost or stolen, monitoring your bank and credit card accounts closely is important to look for any unauthorized charges or suspicious activity. Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately if you notice anything unusual.
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Overall, Apple Pay is a convenient and secure way to make in-store and online payments. In some countries, like Italy, for example, contactless payment options are the preferred mode of payment.
With its easy setup process and widespread acceptance, it's worth considering if you're looking for a contactless payment option. I know it's saved me more than a few times on a night out when I left my wallet back in the car or at home. Just be sure to check with your bank or credit card issuer and take precautions to protect your personal information.
Ever lost your wallet to find that someone has stolen and used your credit card? What did you do about it? Let us know by writing us at CyberGuy.com/Contact.
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