If you’re an iPhone user (and even if you’re not), you’ve undoubtedly heard of Apple Pay. In recent years, Apple Pay has become a popular alternative to traditional payment methods among many Apple users. But if you’ve never used Apple Pay before, relying on your phone when you need to pay for a purchase or having your credit card information readily available on your phone might feel a little intimidating.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what the big deal is with Apple Pay, and whether you should really bother with it at all, this article is for you. And for all your new Apple Pay purchases, don't forget to install the Mulberry browser extension. You can view product protection plans for your items in real time while you shop.
What is Apple Pay?
Apple Pay is basically a virtual wallet. To use it, simply plug your credit card information into the app on your iPhone, and you’re good to go! All you’ll need in order to pay for an item is your phone. You can use Apple Pay at many in-person stores and as you’re online shopping too. While it may seem like the stuff of sci-fi movies, it’s a payment method that many people rely on and many stores accept.
How does Apple Pay work?
If you’ve never used Apple Pay before, you might be feeling skeptical that it will even work. After all, how can your phone communicate with the payment terminal, anyway? Although it may seem impossible, it really works–and works smoothly! This is because Apple uses a type of technology called NFC, or Near Field Communication. NFC allows your phone to communicate (thanks to the NFC chip inside) with the payment terminal without even touching it. Of course, it can only work across very short distances, so don’t be afraid that you’ll accidentally pay for something you didn’t intend to.
Reasons to use Apple Pay
So why should you start using Apple Pay? Here are a few reasons.
Everyone forgets their wallet sometimes
While we wish it never happened, the truth is that we all forget our wallets from time to time, and there’s nothing worse than being in the checkout lane at Target and realizing you can’t pay for anything in your cart. Luckily, if you have Apple Pay, this scenario can frequently be avoided.
If you're wondering, does Target take Apple Pay? The answer is yes! At Target, you can always simply pull out your phone to pay for your purchase. Apple Pay can be a lifesaver!
It’s weightless
If you’re like most people, your wallet is probably too full. From your library card to your credit cards and that gift card you keep forgetting to use, chances are good that your wallet is chock full of different cards and can be bulky to carry around. Luckily, with Apple Pay, you can skip the traditional wallet and bring your virtual one with you instead! Simply check if the store you’re planning to visit accepts Apple Pay, and you’re good to leave that bulky wallet at home.
Currently, thousands of businesses accept Apple Pay. There are even restaurants and gas stations that take Apple Pay, such as Subway, ARCO, Costco, Exxon Mobil, and Love’s!
You can earn cashback
Besides the obvious advantages of using Apple Pay, such as convenience and flexibility, you might be surprised to learn that you can even earn cashback. Some credit cards, particularly the Apple credit card, offer incentives for using Apple Pay. Apple Pay cashback is one of the best perks of using Apple Pay because you can passively earn money while enjoying the obvious perks.
Apple Pay Later
Ever wished you could spread out an expensive purchase across a few weeks? With Apple Pay Later, you actually can. When you make a purchase with Apple Pay, you are allowed to pay for the item in fourths over a 6-week period. The app will even remind you every time one of your payments is due.
Final thoughts
As you can see, there are many perks of using Apple Pay. From cashback to pure convenience, once you try Apple Pay, you’ll never want to go back to carrying your bulky wallet around, or finding yourself in a pinch when you realize you left your money at home.
And whenever you're browsing online, shop with the Mulberry browser extension. You'll be able to view product protection plans available for your items in real time, earn rewards, and more!
