Credit cards have become a prevalent way to pay for goods and services, however, in 2016, credit cards have been given a serious run for their money. Well, at least the physical card, as Apple and Android devices have their own way to pay for shopping expenses. With Google, Samsung, and Apple mobile payment systems available today, consumers have many options for paying for goods and services. So what are the differences between the different smartphone payment systems? Let’s find out.
Jane McCallion and Caroline Preece from IT Pro examine a similar question, “Is Android Pay the same as Apple Pay?” Their answer is mostly, yes. While both Apple Pay and Android Pay use near field communication (NFC), Apple Pay has one advantage: the Apple Watch. Apple Pay works on the Apple Watch, which means iPhone users who shop in stores that accept Apple Pay don’t have to take out their phones to pay, which makes paying for goods that much easier. Currently, Android Pay doesn’t work with smartwatches, the IT Pro writers point out.
The iT Pro writers go on to explain how Samsung Pay is different than Android Pay. Samsung uses Magnetic Secure Transmission technology, which means it’s compatible with card machines that only have a magnetic strip reader. Sadly, Samsung Pay does not work online, like both Apply Pay and Android Pay do.
Why use Apple Pay or Android Pay? Two words: convenience and security. Both mobile payment systems are safe and secure. They don’t send private credit card information like the traditional credit card reader does. Apple Pay also uses the Touch ID sensor, replacing the traditional signature with a thumbprint, writes Matt Swider from TechRadar. Swider goes on to say recent purchases with Apple Pay won’t store transaction information on the phone, instead referring the user to their bank, so charges can’t be tied back to the user. The user’s name, card number, and security codes are not revealed to the in-store cashier and ID checks are not necessary either.
Andy Boxall from Digital Trends simplifies Android Pay’s security, which is similar to Apple Pay, writing, “Android Pay comes with all the necessary security [features], including a way to shut down devices that have been stolen, so nobody can use your card. The system uses tokenization, which processes transactions via individual random account numbers, rather than your actual credit or debit card account number. In-app purchases are as safe as its NFC contactless counterpart.”
What’s the takeaway? Apple Pay and Android Pay are very similar, though Android Pay doesn’t yet work with smartwatches, but it will in the future. Samsung Pay works with more point of sale systems, but doesn’t work with online shopping. Both Apple Pay and Android Pay are adding more stores to their compatibility list, but for now Samsung seems to have the edge simply due to the fact that Samsung Pay will work anywhere your credit card does. They each have their pros and cons, however, no matter which system you choose, it’s clear paying with a smartphone is more secure than the traditional credit card swipe and much more convenient.
What do you think? Do you use/like mobile payment systems?
Do you prefer to pay with cash or a traditional credit card? Let us know in the comments!
Source: idropnews.com