I have a confession to make and it’s a big one. I’d rather leave home without my purse and wallet than without my cell phone and I’m not at all embarrassed to admit it. It turns out I’m not alone because in a recent U.S. Cellular survey 65% of smartphone users said they never leave home without their device, either. For me, the less I have to worry about when I’m out, especially when I’m shopping, the better because I had my purse stolen several years ago and that’s something I’d never want to experience again. Speaking of shopping, one of my favorite places to visit when I’m in the “city” is Starbucks. Not only is their coffee some of my favorite, but I also love that I can pay for my purchase with my Samsung Galaxy S7 and not have to worry about digging my wallet our of my purse. As a matter of fact, if I go inside I usually just leave my purse in the car, which makes my shoulder really happy. Mostly I use the Starbucks app, but I’ve recently downloaded the Google Wallet app and I think I might start using it regularly in hopes that more and more retailers will become hip to the mobile payment trend. I’m especially eager to give it a try at my local Hannaford grocery store since I’m there practically every day to pick up a few things and since I like to get in and out of the store as quickly as possible.
Let’s face it, technology is going to continue to advance so we may as well keep up with the trendsetting young adults who are already more than twice as likely to utilize mobile payments as the rest of the population. Of course this means that retailers have to also get on board with accepting mobile payments, which would obviously be a huge investment for them, but definitely a worthwhile one. Did you know that several places including Panera Bread, Best Buy, and Trader Joe’s already accept mobile payments? I’m hoping it’s only a matter of time until several other big names follow suit because I have a feeling it would make a lot of consumers, including myself, very happy. The great thing is that you can get comfortable with your device’s mobile wallet in preparation for using it at your favorite retailer and I’m here to walk you through the steps.
How to Set Up Apple Pay on the iPhone 6s
The most important first step when downloading your mobile wallet is to be sure you’re on a secure network or WiFi connection and not a public one. I’d personally recommending do it at home if possible.
- Open the Settings on your device and tap on Passbook & Apple Pay.
- Add a credit card by entering your Apple ID because touch ID won’t work during the set-up process. You also have the option of using the card on file in your iTunes account by entering security code located on the back of your card.
- Agree to the terms and tap on your location preference.
- To use Apple Pay simply tap your device on any payment terminal while holding the Touch ID sensor. You don’t even have to unlock your phone because Apple Pay uses your fingerprint to verify the transaction.
How to Set Up Google Wallet on a Samsung Galaxy S7
- Open the Play Store and download the Google Wallet App.
- After it’s installed simply tap the app and get started setting up your Google Wallet.
- Create a 4-digit PIN and enter it into your Google Wallet to set up payment.
- Input your credit card information on the main Wallet screen. After you’ve entered your card information Google Tap & Pay will be ready to use.
- To make a payment just unlock your phone and launch the app to tap and pay. In some cases you might need to enter your Google Wallet PIN, so make sure you have it memorized.
One of my favorite things about U.S. Cellular is that they provide a reliable network so I never worry about needing a connection wherever I am. Another cool benefit you might not already know about is that they regularly hold device workshops, so if you’d like to learn more about mobile payments and using a mobile wallet on your smartphone I highly recommend you attend one in your area. Even better? You don’t even have to be a U.S. Cellular customer to attend one of the workshops, so be sure to bring a friend!
P.S. I know it’s time for back to school for a lot of you and I can’t think of a better time of year to make sure the entire family is on the same page when it comes to smartphone rules, so I have this handy Parent/Child Cell Phone Contract that you can totally personalize to suit your family’s needs. It’s a great way to keep everyone accountable, safe, and responsible in the coming year.
Have you ever used a mobile wallet or would you use one if more retailers offered it as a payment option?
Disclosure: I’m a compensated member of the U.S. Cellular Blogger Brigade, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I need to do this. You are so right. I always have my phone on me and this would be such an easy way to pay instead of bringing everything with you.
Kerri recently posted..A Teacher Rewards Kit That Makes Your Students Feel Super
Now if we could just convince ALL retailers to accept mobile payments, we’d be all set, Kerri!
I just started using Google Wallet for some things and I’m loving it so far. It’s so convenient!
Alicia recently posted..Boy’s Sporty Looks {For Less!}
Ooh, I love hearing that Alicia. I eager to start seeing it accepted by more of the places I shop most often.
I haven’t tried apple pay yet, but it sure sounds like an easy way to pay! Thanks for the step by step instructions!
Amanda recently posted..Tips for Homeschooling Upper Elementary Kids…Without Pulling Your Hair Out!
It sounds super easy, right Amanda? I hope you give it a try soon!
i love using apple pay. just like at starbucks i use my app to pay and earn points at the same time.
Sounds like a win-win to me, Katrina!
I’ve only started using Apple Pay – I was hesitant at first, but now I love it. I love how easy it is to use!
Debra recently posted..5 Things You Need To Know About…Back To School Organization/Schedules
I love hearing input from someone who already uses a mobile wallet, Debra. Thank you!
I love the idea of being able to make mobile payments. I really should do it more often becasue it’s so much more convenient!
Trisha recently posted..Tips for Back to School Shopping plus Golden Box Tops Challenge at Costco!
I know, Trisha. The convenience is SO awesome!
I use the Starbuck’s app, but I’ve yet to use Google Wallet to pay for anything in stores. I don’t know if there are any in my area that take Google Wallet. Maybe someday banks will get rid of ATM cards and go the way of phone apps?
Erlene A recently posted..Beach in a Glass Coastal Ornament – Thrift Store Decor Upcycle Challenge
I hear you, Erlene. It’s been tough to find retailers in my area, too, but hopefully more will spend the money to offer a little more convenience for customers.
I’ve just started using Apple Pay and so far so good. I love using it and earning points at the same time. I’m sure with time, these types of payment methods will be the only types.
I hope you’re right, Stephanie. I’d love to leave home with nothing buy my phone every day!
I love Apple Pay. I’m the same as you, sometime I can’t stand dragging my purse into stores, I’d much rather just use my phone.
Of course it might not be so bad if my purse wasn’t quite so heavy, Ashley. 😉
Thanks for the tips. I have yet to set up Apple Pay. I should do it since I don’t like carrying a purse.
Tatanisha W recently posted..Instant Pot Recipe: Sausage Cacciatore
I do a ton of online shopping and I too would rather not carry my purse or wallet with me. However, apple pay scares me for some reason. I really just need to bite the bullet and try it out because I am sure I would love it
This is definitely a convenient way to make payments. I need to look into it because I always have my phone on me.
Some might say it’s a little *too* convenient, but I hope you give it a try. 😉
I was trying to fiddle with this the other day. Thanks- because I got nowhere and needed this step by step!
Milena recently posted..Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children Press Junket #StayPeculiar
I’m the say way, Milena. Sometimes having a visual makes all the difference.