The global pandemic has prompted us to go digital in almost every aspect of business. Now more than ever we are seeing establishments ask for digital payments instead of cash.
Here are our top 5 mobile payment solutions:
1. Samsung Pay
Android
Users of Samsung smartphones and wearables have access to contactless payments through their NFC-enabled devices. It uses a digital token so your actual card number isn’t used for a transaction. The support is across the range starting from the A-series, all the way up to S-series, Note, foldables, and most wearables. Some devices also support MST, which lets you pay at older terminals that don’t support tap to pay. Samsung has done a great job of supporting almost every bank and credit card out there. Security is tight and includes fingerprint, PIN, Iris scanning, and facial unlocking.
2. Fitbit Pay
Android / iOS
Users of Fitbit smartwatches such as the Sense, Versa 3/2/Special Edition, Ionic, Charge 4, and 3 Special Edition also don’t have to worry about taking out their wallets at the till points. It supports debit and credit cards and you can load up to six cards onto your wallet. It is controlled by a PIN code, so if your wearable is misplaced, your cards are not accessible. Like Samsung, it uses a digital token, so your actual card numbers are never used. It is supported by RMB, FNB, Discovery Bank, Nedbank, and Investec.
3. Snapscan and Zapper
Snapscan Android / iOS
Zapper Android / iOS
These two payment apps are similar and if you have any doubts, just download both. A lot of physical stores have adopted these payment methods, identifiable by the QR code at the till points. Zapper has the option to save loyalty cards and look for deals or access vouchers nearby. Snapscan supports paying for parking, utilities or donations to charities, and topping up prepaid services like Vodacom. Snapscan also has a wallet function so you can send credit to friends.
4. Ozow
Any device: scan.ozow.com
Previously called I-Pay, Ozow offers quicker checkout payments – in under 60 seconds – online or physically through supported QR codes via the Ozapp app. It allows for instant EFTs for ecommerce on major retailers like Vodacom, Takealot, Dis-Chem, Mr D Food, DStv, Travelstart, Safair, and Exclusive Books. Payments can be made from any device type and it promises a reduced risk of ID theft. You can also integrate your online banking and link it to a PIN code for fast checkout on the app.
5. VodaPay
This list wouldn’t be complete without Vodacom’s own contactless payment app called VodaPay, by MasterPass. It is open to everyone, on any network, but as a Vodacom user, you get exclusive prices on prepaid and top up bundles and airtime. You can buy prepaid electricity or water; pay your bills like municipality accounts, DStv and TV licenses. If you see a QR code in-store by Zapper or Snapscan, or for online checkout, VodaPay will work across these channels. The best part? Registration takes 10 seconds.
