Paying with my phone…the newest trend, but safe?
Disclosure: I am part of the PTPA Brand Ambassador Program with Verizon Wireless and I received compensation as part of my affiliation with this group. The Softcard related content is provided by Verizon Wireless. The opinions on this blog are my own.
What your mom used to say about your money
When I was growing up, my mom and dad taught me many things about money. One topic which got a LOT of attention was safety of your money. I can still hear them:
- Put your wallet in your front pocket in a crowd!
- Don’t let anyone see your IDs!
- Are you sure it’s safe to have a credit card?
- Do you think paying that bill online is okay?
- Don’t take all your money with you!
- Did you photo copy those credit cards in case that get stolen?
I am pretty sure today that they’d be asking me “Pay with your phone? Is that safe?”
Introducing Softcard from Verizon, a safer way to pay
Softcard is a new safer and better “Pay with my Phone” app. Use your smart phone enabled with the Softcard app from Verizon to shop, pay and save. What’s cool is you can use the free Softcard app to store payment cards, offers and loyalty cards in your compatible phone and transmits payment information to a contactless payment terminal at checkout using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. When you add eligible payment cards (like credit cards, debit cards, etc) to pay for purchases, YOU STILL get all the benefits and protections you would with your physical card. Psst…your buying information is not tracked by Softcard or Verizon.
Did you hear that Mom and Dad? I can leave my cards and cash at home and still get all the benefits and protections of the physical cards. But can’t you hear mom now…
Relax Mom! I am 53! And even if I DO lose my phone Softcard is PIN-protected to limit unauthorized access. My payment card credentials are stored in a special chip known as the Secure Element contained within my compatible smartphone. If the phone or it’s Secure Element is lost or stolen, I can protect my information by calling Verizon immediately to freeze the app and stop wireless service to the phone, and contacting the banks that issued your payment cards.
And look at how easy the Softcard app is to use! No more FAT WALLET!
Can you imagine not carring around all those darn loyalty cards?
Here’s are some of the great deals that are available with the Softcard app:
- Spend $40 and Get $20: Verizon customers with an American Express Serve Account on Softcard from Verizon can get a $20 credit after you spend $40 or more on one purchase with your Serve Account through September 30, 2014. Terms Apply.
- $1 back on purchases: Tap to pay with an American Express Serve Account in Softcard and get $1 back on each purchase of $1 or more. Up to $50 per month with the Serve credit through December 12, 2014. Terms apply.
- First 3 Coca-Cola® drinks are FREE. After the first three free drinks, if you buy 10 more, you get another 1 FREE through December 31, 2014. You must sign up for the “My Coke Rewards” loyalty card within Softcard to take advantage of this.
Have enough information? Just want to start to “Pay with My Card”?
The Softcard by Verizon app is a free downloadable app from your phone’s app store. Data and messaging rates may apply.
Want more information of the Softcard app? Attend a Twitter Party!
RVSP HERE and attend the party from 12-1pm EST via #PaywithMyPhone and you could have the chance to win one of the following prizes:
- 1 of 2 $75 Amex Serve Cards
- 1 $200 Amex Serve Card
ANN*H says
Boy ,technology sure is changing at a fast pace. I dont really use a cell phone except in emergencies .I still prefer not to use my phone or internet for any thing to do with store or bank transactions no matter how easy it looks – to much fraud now a days
Erika Messer says
This is something that has been becoming more and more prevalent lately – Steak and Shake and so many other restaurants are offering perks if you sign up. But it’s scary because of all the hackers and the recent release of information from companies that are doing this! I like convenience but I think I will stick to just using cash and be safe!
Amber Ludwig says
Im kind of one of those people that figures if people want your info that badly they’ll find a way!! This sounds like a great app!! Im curious to see where it is all accepted!! I’ll have to check it out 🙂
Anna says
I still only use cash or credit cards. No smartphone for me they are still expensive.
Sally says
I love using Softcard it is so handy to use and can be used all over!!
mel says
This is one great idea! I need to try this!
Tiffany (Fabulous Mom Blog) says
I think this is so neat. I agree that this method of paying would take some getting use to I’m willing to give it a try. I remember being afraid to go to the airport with my boarding pass on my phone, took some getting use to, but now I go paperless as much as possible. And getting the chance to not have to dig in my purse when it’s time to pay is worth it.
Amy Desrosiers says
My how times are changing!! I am sort of scared to do it myself but I am sure it is safe!
Dominique says
What an interesting idea!! It might take some getting used to, but I like it!
Marina says
While this is a super idea and incredibly convenient, I know it will have to grow on me. I’m terribly old-school! 😉
Christine says
I am all for technology! But, need to see this around for a bit!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
That sounds great. I do not carry these cards on my key ring but they sure take up a lot of space in my wallet!
Ann Bacciaglia says
I do not think i am comfortable enough with this technology to pay with my phone. I am unsure how secure it would be if the wrong person got a hold of your phone. I do believe this is the direction we are headed in. I will do some more research on this first.
Jenn says
My hubs is all into this. I’m still a bit wary. I suppose, before too long it will be way normal.
Shauna says
Hmm, I would have to think about this. Hubby is a major freak about our information so I just may have to attend that Twitter Party to get more info.
Janel says
I am ALWAYS digging through my wallet to find my right card or gift card. Great to learn about this!