Samsung Pay – My New Fav

Here recently I decided to sign up for Samsung Pay. I am personally super excited about using it. I’m going to outline the things I like and the things I do not like but as of right now, 2 weeks into using the app, I love it. Also, I’ve read reviews on other apps and this is why I made the choice to try Samsung Pay over any other mobile payment system such as Apple Pay, Android Pay and Google Pay. Although, I haven’t tried any of the others, the biggest different between them and Samsung Pay made the call for me. Later, I will show you how to set up the app.

I want to get this out of the way, so that you do not read this and it does not work on your device. Samsung Pay only works on Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, S6 Edge+, S6, S6 Edge, S6 Active and Galaxy Note 5. Also, includes the Gear 2 Watch. 

The GOOD:

1. Samsung Pay is the only mobile payment system that uses both NFC and MST to complete transactions

   1. This means you can use Samsung Pay at more locations that Apple Pay, Android Pay and Google Pay. This is the main reason I choose Samsung Pay, what’s the point if most places won’t take your phone or watch to make transactions.

1. DOES NOT WORK ON ATMS or machines where you put your card inside, gas pumps.
2. Near Field Communication (NFC) works at tap-to-pay terminals
3. Magnetic Stripe Terminals are older systems and very commonly used, the phone emits a magnetic signal through a Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) which simulates the magnetic strip on your card.

4. You can store most major banks and credit cards

   1. You can load up to 10 cards.
   2. It is easy to swap between the cards loaded, just swipe to the left or the right
   3. Keeps track of your payment history when you use the app, also gives you a notification when it is used, which card and how much.
5. Works with the major phone providers
6. Other cards you can load; gift cards and membership/loyalty cards

7. Security was a big concern of mine but I noticed a few dope things they do

   1. It does not store the account or credit card numbers of cards on the device, instead using tokenization for transactions
   2. Payments can’t be made from your phone without being authorized via fingerprint or the PIN chosen during the setup process. I suggest the fingerprint.
   3. If you register with Samsung’s Find My Mobile service you can remotely erase information on the phone, including any cards stored in Samsung Pay. You should sign up.
   4. Using a mobile payment app can protect you from skimmers used on various payment systems as they need the card to be actually swiped to copy the information.
8. You can use Samsung Pay while you are on the phone, if you do not have a reception or if there is no Wi-Fi
9. Works on returns as well!

10. In app rewards program where you are able to earn points which can be redeemed for various items

    1. Signing up gives you start at Member level at 1x points per purchase, 5 purchases per month is the Silver level at 2x points, 20 purchases/month is the Gold level at 3x points, 30 purchases/month is Platinum level at 4x points.
    2. Rewards include gift cards and other Samsung products.

The BAD:

1. Samsung Pay only works on Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, S6 Edge+, S6, S6 Edge, S6 Active and Galaxy Note 5. Also, includes the Gear 2 Watch.
2. Adding your information into an app like this is just as safe as storing it in Amazon or having your banking information on your phone. Although this means it’s just as secure as the information you have in any other place, it is still a scary thing.
3. Samsung Pay keeps a transaction history in the app of purchases made using the app. There is not any word on whether they store, sell or use that information but this is the life we live these days.

Overall, this is the best thing I have used in a while. It is very convenient and it is not a big deal when the app does not work at a terminal. It is secure, quick and pretty dope, plus you don’t have to worry about whether you need to use your chip or to swipe. The rewards program is dope because it’s an easy way to make money or get products by spending money at places you were already going to spend money. I am down for anything maximizing the use of the money I spend.

Use my code CB591E when you sign up and get $5 in rewards!!!

References:

http://www.samsung.com/us/samsung-pay/rewards/

http://fortune.com/2015/09/30/samsung-pay-review/