Digital wallets are one of the contactless payment possibilities that have become so popular during the pandemic. They are, as the name implies, a digital version of a wallet, card or bank account. Basically, they work as an app that allows you to make instant payments without having to have your wallet (and cash or cards) nearby.

Digital wallets use a technology called NFC – Near Field Communication – that allows you to make secure payments by simply bringing a device close to the terminal. These payments can be made through native systems of smart phones with NFC, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or from other devices such as Smart Watches – as is the case with Garmin Pay or Fitbit Pay, also two famous brands in this universe. UNIBANCO cards can be used with any of the options mentioned.

Digital wallets allow us to have a more integrated world with less bureaucracy. In payments at payment terminals, they allow us to leave the cards at home – or at least some of them. In the future, they will be even more integrated: in some European cities it is already possible to pay for public transport tickets through this system, for example.

Paying with a digital wallet is as safe or more secure than paying with a card. In addition to the data being highly encrypted, the card number is also hidden from the merchant and the company.

The correct answer is: tendentially (that is, in a short period of time) yes. For a transition to the digital wallet to take place, the device must have NFC technology (already present in almost all new smart devices) and the terminal must allow contactless payments (also already widespread). Even so, today there are still exceptions. However, physical cards are getting closer to being a minority.

Almost all smart gadgets that have NFC technology. We are talking about smartphones, smart watches and smart rings (yes, there are!). In the case of UNIBANCO, you can associate your UNIBANCO Visa credit card or UNIBANCO Account with the famous Google Pay and Apple Pay or with Garmin and Fitbit smartwatches, for example.

Associating your UNIBANCO Visa card or UNIBANCO Account with a Garmin or Fitbit smartwatch is very easy. First of all, you must download the Fitbit or Garmin application on your smartphone (depending on the brand). Then, choose the Wallet application on your smart watch and link your UNIBANCO Visa credit card or UNIBANCO Account. Once done, the app will ask you to set an access code (PIN). Finally, you will receive a message on your mobile phone with a code that you must enter and that’s it… you’re ready to pay!

It’s also quick and easy. You need to press the button on your smartwatch for 2 seconds and enter the PIN (the same one you set in the Wallet app). Then just bring the watch close to the terminal and… that’s it. Payment made.

Undoubtedly. All you need is an Apple device (iPhone, Mac, Apple Watch or iPad) or an Android device. In this case, you don’t have to install a specific app because you have everything you need in your Apple Pay or Google Pay app.