Does it seem like it’s impossible to keep up with the ever-changing technology? No sooner do we have the latest apps, smart phones and ebook readers than a new and improved model is released. Of course, there are some things better left alone – and those efforts of keeping up with the newest “must have” often falls into that category.
Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t keep up with the best smartphone apps and other technological marvels from your credit card companies. Here are some of the newer apps designed to help you make the most of your credit card usage.
Discover Money Messenger
Discover and PayPal have teamed up to make it easier to send money through your mobile. The service is free and all you need is the recipient’s mobile phone number or his email address. The best part, though, is you’re earning cash back on every single transaction you make through the Money Messenger app. A few of the examples Discover uses includes a fast way to pay babysitters as well a convenient way to chip in on dinner, gifts or the office party.
You can send money from your own smartphone or via your computer. PayPal the sends a message to the person you’re sending money to and lets them know it’s waiting for them. Keep in mind, the recipient must have a PayPal account in order to receive the money. For those who don’t have PayPal, signing up is a breeze. When you use you Discover card, the transaction goes through just like an online purchase would.
Visa PayWave
We’re all aware of how fast and convenient electronic payments can be. Visa is building in even more convenience with new contactless technology features. With new and faster payment methods that don’t compromise security, the Visa PayWave is an idea whose time has come. Visa is all about payment options for lifestyles these days. One of those options allows those consumers to quickly – though safely – wave their pay-Wave enabled Visa. It uses either a new chip embedded credit card or your mobile device.
One of the best features with this is the fact your credit card never leaves your hands during a transaction. It’s a great security feature.
Also, Visa now has mini cards, which are about half the size of a traditional card and “key fobs” which are round “buttons” durable enough to live on your key ring. Finally, the company is a leader in security, so all of these new products include the absolute latest in credit card security.
MasterCard PayPass
MasterCard has more than a few new technological conveniences. The Google Wallet mobile app securely stores credit cards and offers on a consumer’s phone. When they check out at brick-and-mortar stores that accept Google Wallet, it’s a breeze to pay and redeem offers quickly with just the tap of a mobile phone at the point of sale.
It also uses cloud technology when using it online. For those consumers who checkout at online merchants that accept Google Wallet, they can pay in seconds by signing into their Google Wallet account. Not only that, but consumers are always synced with their Google Wallet and – here’s the best part – you can store many of your favorite rewards cards in the app – no matter if they’re Visa, AMEX or Discover.
At the time of this writing, MasterCard PayPass is available in more than 140,000 merchants across the U.S. Finally, consumers are allowed to also store both their billing and shipping addresses (if they’re not the same) in their PayPass account. If the merchant needs it, it’s already part of the transaction.
We also discovered news that the PayPass Wallet account is soon to have its own Android and iPhone apps.
AMEX Mobile
American Express also has several convenient apps and offers. You can reach the American Express mobile site by logging in on your smart phone. Once you have it set up, you can log into your account anywhere there’s a wifi connection. It’s great for finding airport lounges, driving directions and tons of exclusive offers. Further, in order to keep it streamlined, American Express allows card members to keep their current login features.
The actual phone app is brilliant with easy to navigate features and fast loading (courtesy of the absence of too much “stuff” on the site). You can also take advantage of special offers when you’re out and about, provided you have your GPS on. Further, you can make payments, find tickets to all the movie theaters within a certain range and even order gift cards online.
There are currently apps for iPhone, iPad and iPod in the Apple family. Android also has its own app which can be found on the Android site or via American Express. BlackBerry has its own unique app as well. It’s a win-win situation, no matter your smartphone.
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