Shop, Tap, & Go: SPC introduces Mobile Wallet options

What you need to know about the Mobile Wallet movement

C’mon, folks, this is the 21st century...bulky, bulging wallets are SOOOO 1999! If you’re ready to get with the times and leave your wallet behind (since you’ve already done that on accident countless times, anyway), we’ve got just the thing. This September, we’re introducing a new way to mobilize your money with Mobile Wallet compatibility for your SPC Visa® Credit & Debit Cards. After a soft launch with our staff, this is what they had to say: 

“This feature is easy to use: fast and convenient!” -Dawn 

“I’ve only used it a few times, but I really like it so far! My kids have been embarrassed of me at the stores when I get super excited about it!” -Sue Ann 

“I have been using it for a while now and love it. I’ve used Mobile Wallets for a long time with another card I have, but now having the ability to use my SPC card in my Mobile Wallet is a win-win!” -Lynn

Needless to say, SPC Visa® Credit & Debit Cards + Mobile Wallets have been a hit, and we’re thrilled for you to give this new tool a try! If your mobile device uses Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Garmin Pay, or Amazon One, you’re in luck! Adding your card into your Mobile Wallet takes no time at all and adds both safety and convenience to your shopping experience. Here’s the thing: tap-to-pay options not only streamline your grab & go routine – keys? purse? wallet? phone? – but also add an extra layer of safety to your point-of-sale experience. 

In-store shopping: Unlike swiping or inserting your card into a card reader, which sometimes requires you to hand it over to a cashier, making purchases from your mobile device is as easy as opening up your Mobile Wallet app; selecting the card you’d like to pay with; and holding it near the card reader. You can use this feature anywhere you see the contactless indicator symbol – on a bus, in a store, at a vending machine…You get the gist! 

Online shopping: Once your shopping cart is full and you’ve started the online checkout process, look for an icon with your preferred Mobile Wallet payment option (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or Garmin Pay). Click the icon you’d like to use, and your payment information will auto-populate. Keep in mind: depending on the devices you have, you may be able to use your phone, watch, AND laptop to access Mobile Wallet features!

Transferring Money: Send (or request!) money to your contacts through messages or your Mobile Wallet app, depending on your device. Like other mobile payment options, Mobile Wallet money transfers happen with the touch of a button. However, using Mobile Wallets removes the middleman from the equation, so your money gets to its final destination faster (and safer).

By the way, if you’re wondering if Mobile Wallets and Virtual Wallets are the same thing, the answer is “no”! (We know, it’s confusing. We didn’t make the rules, we just follow them!) Here’s the difference: Mobile Wallets store digitized versions of your physical credit and/or debit cards on your device. (There’s a whole system of multifactor authentication, encryption, and tokenization that’s involved in keeping your digitized card safe on your mobile device, but that’s another story!) Virtual Wallets on the other hand, (which are also referred to as Digital Wallets, and sometimes even Mobile Wallets—just to add to the confusion) hold cards that only exist in the digital space. Some larger financial institutions offer virtual-only credit cards, which have a unique card number that’s generated anew with each purchase and is not tied to your main credit card account. They’re connected to a traditional bank account and are offered as an add-on—not an alternative—to your credit card account. But alas, another story for another day. We just wanted to keep you in the know, because there’s certainly lots to stay up-to-date on!

Back to Mobile Wallets. Here’s the skinny on Mobile Wallets that are compatible with SPC’s Visa® Credit & Debit Cards:

Apple Pay is the safer, more private way to pay with your SPC Debit or Credit Card on your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or MacBook Pro with Touch ID. When you make a purchase, Apple Pay uses a device-specific number and a unique transaction code. Your full card number is never stored on your device or on Apple servers, and it can’t be shared with merchants. Apple Pay doesn’t keep transaction information that can be tied back to you, ensuring all purchases are private. Click here to watch a quick video to learn how to set up your card in your Apple Wallet.

Google Pay is the faster, safer, easier way to pay in stores with the Google Pay icon, online wherever you see the Buy with Google Pay button, and using autofill on Android and Chrome. You can even send money to friends through your Google Account, using only email. Click here to watch a quick video to learn how to add your SPC Debit or Credit Card in your Google Wallet.

Samsung Pay allows you to add your favorite payment cards to your phone using Samsung Wallet, so you can carry your SPC Debit or Credit Card with you wherever you (and your phone) go, conveniently and securely. Once you’ve uploaded your card into the app, just swipe up from the bottom of your phone’s home screen to access it. Soon, you’ll be putting your Samsung Wallet to work to check out with your SPC Debit &/or Credit Card in-store, in-app, or online. Click here to watch a quick video and learn how to add your card to your Samsung Wallet.

Amazon One is a free service that allows you to enter an Amazon One retailer or other venue, identify yourself using only your palm, shop freely, and pay with your SPC Debit &/or Credit Card using contactless technology. Start by pre-enrolling online by signing in with your Amazon account (make sure your SPC Debit &/or Credit Card is connected to this account!). Once you’ve pre-enrolled, you’ll receive a digital QR code. Take this to your nearest Amazon One device and complete enrollment by scanning one or both of your palms. It’s that simple! Ditch your wallet and hover your hand over Amazon One devices for a simple, secure, and contactless payment solution. Click here to watch how it works.

Garmin Pay™ works with your SPC Debit &/or Credit Card to bring contactless payment options to your favorite accessory: your Garmin watch! By adding your SPC Debit &/or Credit Cards to your Garmin Pay mobile wallet, you'll be able to enjoy all the rewards and benefits of your physical cards right on your wrist. Click here to watch a quick video to learn how to set up Garmin Pay on your Garmin Watch.