If you haven't joined the Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay bandwagon, you may want to consider it now. More stores and restaurants will begin accepting the electronic payment.
"I think that this is the beginning of the end for traditional credit cards,” says cyber tech expert Kevin Beaver. “I really do."
Beaver says he trusts this form of payment over cash or card.
"Knowing what I know about the technology, it's secure," he says.
Here's how it works:
- First, tap the wallet app on your phone
- Next, add your credit or debit card information and click save
- Then, use your phone to pay at participating retailers by holding your mobile device over the payment scanner
"It's so much more convenient, it’s streamlined, it’s automated," Beaver says.
Although this type of payment has been around for years, many big stores in the US haven’t offered the option to use it until now.
In 2017, the US accounted for 47 percent of all credit card fraud in the world, according to a Barclays report.
Other countries have seen less credit card fraud, because they have been more open to alternative payments.
If you're worried about someone else getting into your phone to use it as payment, Beaver suggests you set the timer for your lock screen under a minute.
"That way if someone does have it, they won't be able to get back in unless they have your password or finger print or facial recognition," Beaver says.
The convenience is great, but Beaver says so is the protection.
