How and Why You Should Use Your Digital Wallet

Digital wallets are more popular than ever. Even though digital wallets are convenient, are they safe? The short answer is YES! The long answer is, digital wallets are...

Easy to use
Digital wallets retain high-level security while completing transactions in mere seconds. With Apple Pay, all it takes is a few taps on the Home button, a quick biometric scan or PIN input, and then holding your phone close to a compatible card reader.

Digital wallets, as their name suggests, hold more than just debit or credit cards (although they are a great start). They also store transit passes, event tickets, and even IDs. Even with credit cards alone, you can link your account to your wallet, and check your balance in real time!

The best part? Digital wallets work online, too. Numerous online vendors for food, travel and entertainment accept Apple Pay or Google Wallet, meaning you make mobile purchases straight from your phone.

Super safe
While convenient, Digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and Samsung Pay heavily protect your sensitive info during the entire transaction process with:

Multi-factor authorization
Using your card in a digital wallet requires a quick login. You can choose whether you use a PIN, a passcode, or a biometric identifier like your fingerprint or your face.

Tokenization
As payment is processed, your card information is "tokenized" into a one-time string of random numbers that are meaningless to any would-be criminals looking to hack the exchange.

Contactless payments
Digital wallets have all the benefits of a contactless card and then some! Using your phone to pay means you can avoid germs, losing your card, and card skimmers.

Essentially, if you treat your smartphone or smartwatch with as much care as you do your wallet, your digital wallet will be a safer space for your cards.

Easy to set up
Let's look at how to quickly add a debit or credit card to your new digital wallet:

Apple
For Apple devices, your most convenient wallet is Apple Pay. Here's how to set it up:

1. Go to your Wallet app. You can even put it on your Home screen for future convenience.
2. At the top right, tap the Add button. (It's the little plus sign.)
3. In the Add to Wallet menu, tap Debit or Credit Card.
4. Scan your card with the prompted camera. It's pretty quick, but you can enter the card details manually if you prefer.
5. Verify your information with your bank. You can choose between a text, email, phone call, etc.
6. Read and accept the agreement (if there is one), and you're all set!

Android
Android's default wallet is Google Wallet, formerly known as Google Pay. Here's how to set it up:

1. Go to your Google Wallet app. If your device does not have it yet, visit the Play Store and download it.
2. When opening the app for the first time, you will be asked automatically to set up a card. If this does not happen, tap Add to Wallet at the bottom, tap Payment card, then New debit or credit card.
3. Scan your card details with the prompted camera or enter the details manually.
4. Depending on the card, you may have to verify your info with your bank.
5. Read and accept any Terms & Agreements, and you're all done!

Fortera Cards App
We make things even easier for you with our Fortera Cards App. Underneath each card you register with our app is an "Add to digital wallet" button. Click it, and the app will automatically add that card to your default digital wallet based on what kind of phone you are using.