THE WALLET ON YOUR PHONE
There’s an episode of the TV show, Seinfeld, where Jerry makes fun of George’s huge leather wallet and how he stuffs it into his back pocket. George goes on to explain that he keeps everything in there: paper money, coins, receipts, Irish money (he might go there), a coupon for Orlando-area Exxon stations to get a free poster, and even packets of Sweet’n Low. The only problem is that his wallet is now so fat that he can’t sit down without leaning to one side—so much so that his back hurts.
Unfortunately for George, smartphones hadn’t been invented yet. If they had, he could have put many of his important items in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, saving himself the backache. Fortunately for you, however, you likely have a smartphone and already have one of these wallet apps installed.
So, what exactly can your phone’s wallet do for you? Let’s take a look:
•Credit Cards. You can securely store multiple credit cards in your wallet app and use them for Apple Pay and Google Pay whenever you make a purchase. (Note: Both Apple and Google take your privacy and security seriously. When you make a transaction with Apple Pay and Google Pay, the merchant receives a unique, encrypted code that hides your real card number. It’s actually the safest way to pay for something nowadays.)
•Membership and Loyalty Cards. From your Michigan Theater membership to your CVS Extra Care card, you’ll have these cards with you when you need them.
•Airline Boarding Passes. When you check in online through your airline’s mobile app, you can add your boarding pass to your wallet and use it at the airport.
•Sports and Concert Tickets. You can store your event tickets on your phone. It’s becoming mandatory at all University of Michigan events. (I suggest learning how to show your ticket ahead of time so you don’t hold up the line.)
•Driver’s License. Keep your drivers license or other state ID securely on your phone. (Not in all states.)
•Other items your digital wallet app can keep: theme park tickets, transit cards, ID badges, and digital keys (car, hotel room, etc).
•What Doesn’t the Wallet Keep?
While your phone’s wallet doesn’t keep physical cash, many younger people find that they don’t need it to. They mostly use Apple or Google Pay for charges, and cash payment apps (Venmo, PayPal, etc.) for cash transactions.
The bottom line, though, is that your phone’s wallet app allows you to carry numerous items that you traditionally would have to remember to bring with you and put in your pockets. With a digital wallet, you don’t even need an internet connection for most functions—all you have to do is remember your phone. It may be likely that leather wallets, like George’s, will soon disappear. Everything we'll need may be held securely in our smartphones. The only issue I see, however, is where will we keep our Sweet’n Low packets?