In this modern age, smartphones have become an absolute necessity for almost everyone. Whether you are doing work or searching for a product online, a smartphone is all you need to complete any online transaction in a few simple steps. The days when consumers would rely on cash-based transactions are long gone. Today, the majority of shoppers use their phones to make payments.
Mobile payments are considerably safer and faster than credit cards. If you are planning to switch from traditional payment methods to cashless and contactless payments through your mobile phone, you’ve come to the right place! Read on to learn 7 ways you can make payments using your phone.
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1. Near-field Communication
The latest mobiles come with NFC or near-field communication capabilities that allow users to process multiple transactions simply by holding their phone in front of the seller’s payment terminal.
Currently, Android devices feature NFC chips that make it possible for buyers to use this method to make payments in a single click. You only have to hold your mobile in front of the terminal, enter your PIN, and you’re good to go!
2. Credit and Debit Cards
Currently, you don’t have the option of storing your credit/debit card details on your phone for processing transactions at the store. Instead, you need plastic cards to make payments. However, many eCommerce sites accept credit/debit card payments through mobile platforms. They also have a feature that enables consumers to save their cards on the server so that they don’t have to type in the card number, security code, and expiry date for online shopping every time.
Most eCommerce sites accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and other popular cards for online transactions. However, experts and commentators tell us that most of us will soon be able to use platforms like Google Wallet instead of traditional credit and debit cards. There is a range of apps that will allow users to process contactless payments using their mobile phones.
3. Google Pay
It seems like there’s nothing Google hasn’t created an app for. Google has come up with plenty of apps that assist us in making online transactions. You’ve probably already used or at least heard of Google Pay.
This digital wallet is said to be the safest option for those paying using their mobiles. For an online transaction, you only need to enter the recipient’s mobile number or email ID and the specified amount will be transferred to their account. If you are processing a payment at a brick-and-mortar store, you will need to scan the bar code to make the payment.
4. Mobile card machine
Another easy way to make mobile payments is by using a mobile card machine. Nowadays, independent contractors and companies have started using card machines to accept payments via digital wallets, credit and debit cards, and other mobile payment methods.
With this payment system, customers no longer need to carry plastic cards or money in order to make a payment in-store.
5. PayPal
PayPal is all set to become the “Wallet in the Cloud” for regular mobile buyers. The app is, undoubtedly, one of the most popular and easiest options for mobile payments. Accepted across most countries globally, PayPal enables users to process international transactions. However, it takes time for the payment to be reflected in the receiver’s bank account. Being one of the oldest forms of mobile payments, PayPal is used by more than 300 million people around the world.
The only problem with this payment app is that it involves fixed fees that could vary from a fixed percentage on the amount paid to a few extra dollars on each transaction.
6. Cryptocurrency
Sending and receiving Bitcoin payments is one of the latest trends. Not only is it the safest mode of payment, but digital currency facilitates online trading. It gives you the opportunity to store your digital currency in an eWallet and use it for trading.
Alternatively, you can convert Bitcoin into fiat currency, i.e. US dollars, and withdraw the money to your bank account. These transactions are absolutely safe and transparent.
7. Digital Wallets
Like Google Pay, there are a plethora of digital wallets that store money and allow you to make digital transactions. Payments through digital wallets are generally very simple. Depending on the wallet you use, you may have to either hold your phone in front of the terminal or send the payment to your recipient’s number or email. You’ll usually have to verify your identity and bank account before being able to process digital transactions through eWallets. However, digital wallets may not the best option for you, because they only work in stores that accept that particular digital wallet.
Experts believe that mobile payments will become the new standard in the coming years. Many people have already started using their mobiles as cash wallets. And, why not, when you get the convenience of storing money and processing a large number of transactions in a few clicks?
