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How to pay using your phone

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If you have a smartphone (and 81 percent of Americans do in 2019, according to Pew Research Center), you’re probably carrying a digital wallet right now. But are you using it? When you add your credit or debit cards into your smartphone’s wallet app, you can bypass swipes and chip-dips to make more secure transactions at retailers. No more fumbling for cards at checkout; try this simpler way to pay.

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Going mobile: The other wallet in your pocket

This makes it easy for you to try out digital wallet technology. Whether you have an Apple®, Samsung, Android or other type of smartphone, all you need to do is enter your credit or debit card info into the wallet app. That’s as easy as taking a picture of your card or using your bank’s mobile app to seamlessly upload the information. And you may be able to add as many cards as you want.

Multiple ways to pay

Once your card information is in your digital wallet, you have more options.

Hold your phone up to an in-store terminal instead of swiping your card.

When shopping online, some sites let you select your digital wallet as your payment option instead of entering your card information.

Use your digital wallet for in-app purchases. You can pay quickly on the go (think your morning coffee or last-minute rideshare) and still get the benefits offered by many retailer-specific apps.

Cash without the card

Some ATMs give you access to cash using the debit card loaded in your digital wallet. Learn how to use this technology at most Bank of America ATMs.

Your information is secure

Mobile payments offer enhanced security features. When you set up your digital wallet, your account information is not stored on your device. Each card is assigned a virtual card number that’s only associated with the digital wallet and mobile device you use. Don’t stress if you lose track of your phone—all digital wallet transactions require the verification you set up, like a fingerprint scan.

Your digital wallet might also use:

Tokens
A virtual card number that replaces sensitive card information in a transaction.

Enhanced authentication
Depending on your phone type, you can authorize payments with a fingerprint, passcode or even an iris scan.

Strong encryption
Your card information will not be shared with most merchants.

More ways to pay using your phone

Much like mobile wallets make shopping more seamless, Zelle®, lets you send money to almost anyone with a bank account in the U.S. using just their email address or U.S. mobile phone number. Learn more about how to send Money with Zelle® to friends, family and others you trust using the Bank of America mobile app or online banking.

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The material provided on this website is for informational use only and is not intended for financial, tax or investment advice. Bank of America and/or its affiliates, and Khan Academy, assume no liability for any loss or damage resulting from one’s reliance on the material provided. Please also note that such material is not updated regularly and that some of the information may not therefore be current. Consult with your own financial professional and tax advisor when making decisions regarding your financial situation.

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Zelle and the Zelle related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.

Mobile Banking requires that you download the Mobile Banking app and is only available for select mobile devices. Message and data rates may apply.

Zelle should only be used to send money to friends, family or others you trust.

We recommend that you do not use Zelle to send money to those that you do not know. Transfers require enrollment in the service and must be made from an eligible Bank of America consumer or business deposit account to a domestic bank account or consumer debit card. Recipients have 14 days to enroll to receive money or the transfer will be canceled. Transactions typically occur within minutes when the recipient’s email address or U.S. mobile number is already enrolled with Zelle. We will send you an email alert with transaction details after you send money using Zelle. Dollar and frequency limits apply. See the Online Banking Service Agreement at bankofamerica.com/serviceagreement for further details. Data connection required. Message and data rates may apply. Neither Bank of America nor Zelle offers a protection program for any authorized payments made with Zelle.