Active Alert: MIT Federal Credit Union will never text, email or call you asking for personal or account information. Never click a link or download an attachment from someone you don't know. Fraud is on the rise; learn how to protect yourself. Learn more at our Security Center

Go to main content MIT Federal Credit Union

Join now

MIT FCU image
MIT FCU image
« Return to "Blog"

The Benefits of Using Mobile Wallet

Authored By: MIT FCU

Why fumble for your wallet when checking out when you can pay using your phone?

With more than 81% of Americans owning smartphones, contactless payment via digital wallet and mobile payment apps are more popular than ever.

Here are some benefits to consider.

 

Convenience

The biggest and most obvious draw of mobile payments is their convenience. No more pawing through cards or cash at the checkout. Just pull out your phone, open your digital wallet app and tap or wave your phone near the payment-enabled terminal.

 

Security

Using a mobile payment app to complete a purchase has several security advantages over traditional payment methods.

First, it eliminates the need to carry around cash or credit cards, which always has the risk of being stolen or lost. Misplaced credit cards, in particular, can be a nightmare for consumers, making them vulnerable to full-blown identity theft.

Second, mobile-payment apps use extra security measures to protect user data, such as encrypting all personal information and utilizing biometric authentication features like fingerprint scans and facial recognition.

Finally, each transaction on a mobile payment app is tokenized. This involves a one-time code generated by the payment terminal, or a “token.”  The token is used to complete the transaction in place of the buyer’s actual payment information. The token cannot be used for any other transaction and is effectively useless if hacked. The buyer is thus protected from fraud.

 

Speed

Mobile payments are super-fast. It’s just a one-two-three tap to pay.

Budgeting and expense-tracking

Digital wallets can easily be integrated with money-management apps, making budgeting easy. Every transaction is instantly recorded for future reference and review.

 

Safety

Ever since the world entered the alternate reality of COVID-19, mobile-payment apps have enjoyed an enormous boost in popularity. This is likely due to the fact that consumers are wary of shopping in brick-and-mortar locations and are hesitant to handle germ-infested cash. Inserting a debit card or credit card into a public payment terminal that processes hundreds of cards a day is not much of a better option. Mobile payment apps enable the consumer to complete their purchase without making any physical contact at germ-laden terminals.



« Return to "Blog"
All You Need to Know About Money Market Accounts

All You Need to Know About Money Market Accounts

Money market accounts offer many convenient features, with an attractive rate of return to help your money grow.

Read More

All You Need to Know About Personal Loans

All You Need to Know About Personal Loans

Let’s take a deeper look at personal loans, how they work, and their pros and cons. 

Read More

Woman sitting outside of a cafe smiling with a tablet in hand

Direct Deposit: Safe, Simple, and Convenient

Let’s look at three reasons why direct deposit is right for you.

Read More