The new safest way to pay for your goods using the innovative NFC (Near Field Communication) and banks are rushing to be the first card in your Apple Pay. With things like Google Wallet, NFC has been around for a while, but Apple’s niche involves a far more secure avenue.
Over 10 million iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus owners have been waiting for Apple Pay to released, not to mention all the Air 2 and potential Mini 3 users (to be released this Friday).
Major payment networks Visa, MasterCard and American Express and more than 500 banks are on board. Retailers include McDonald’s, Macy’s, Chevron gas stations, Walgreens and Panera Bread. Instead of fumbling through a wallet or the bottom of a purse for a credit card, just pull out your phone or tablet.
Before you can start using Apple Pay, you need to have a compatible device and the iOS 8.1 update.
This update will turn on your phone’s Apple Pay feature. Apple Pay is compatible with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, which are the only iPhones equipped with the NFC radio antennae. Besides NFC compatibility, the other major function is the Touch ID censor, but iPhone 5S owners are out of luck.
Once you have the latest update, you’ll then have to link a credit or debit card. You’ll be able to use American Express, Bank of America, CapitalOne, Chase, Citi Cards, MaterCard, Visa and Wells Fargo. Keep in mind, if you already have a card linked to your Apple ID for making iTunes and App Store purchases, you can keep using that card for your Apple Pay. You can also add different cards by using your iSight camera to enter your card information by simply taking a picture of it. Then just store them into Passbook.
Once you finish organizing your electric wallet, just go shopping! It seems pretty easy to use. I haven’t had the change to check in out yet, but I have a good idea of how the system works. When buying something, you’ll hold your iPhone up to the merchant payment device, and then use the Touch ID to verify your purchase. It’ll release that token that Apple can’t even get information from, then you’re safe from hackers.
We’ll keep you posted on new developments with Apple Pay. Don’t hesitate; let us know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.
