Cash is gradually giving way to digital methods and, especially, to the use of mobile payment applicationsThis change, accelerated especially by the need for contactless payments, has turned the smartphone into the perfect ally for making purchases, sending and receiving money, and organizing our finances without relying on cash or physical cards. However, the range of options is so wide that many people are wondering... What are the best apps for paying with your mobile?, which ones are more secure, how to configure them, and how they differ. In this extensive article, you'll discover everything you need to optimize your mobile payment experience, including advantages, disadvantages, configurations, security methods, and a comparison of the main apps available in Spain.
What is mobile payment and how has it evolved?
El mobile payment Refers to any method of conducting financial transactions using a mobile device, such as a smartphone or smartwatch, instead of cash or cards. This technology has revolutionized the way we spend and manage money, becoming a fast, safe and extremely comfortable alternative compared to traditional methods.
The key to the success of mobile payments is NFC technology (Near Field Communication), which allows your phone to act as a contactless card: just bring it close to a Compatible POS to pay instantly, without any physical contact or direct exchange of bank details. In addition to NFC, many applications allow online payments between people (P2P), purchases in digital stores, and even the storage of loyalty cards, tickets, and digital passes, turning the mobile phone into a multifunctional digital wallet.
The popularity of these methods grows every year due to the ease of use, security and adaptability both physical stores and online purchases, in addition to integration into other devices such as smart watches or w.
Advantages and risks of paying with your mobile phone
Advantages of mobile payment apps:
- Total comfort: You can leave your wallet at home and continue shopping using just your phone or smartwatch.
- Speed: Paying is as easy as holding your phone up to the payment terminal; the transaction time is minimal.
- Advanced Security: Technologies such as tokenization, data encryption, and biometric authentication are applied, reducing the risk of fraud.
- Centralized financial managementMany apps allow you to manage multiple cards, accounts, receipts, rewards cards, and discounts on a single platform.
- P2P payments: Sending money to friends and family is almost immediate, with no peer-to-peer fees.
- Growing acceptance: Most retailers (both physical and online) accept major mobile payment methods.
Drawbacks and risks:
- Mobile addictionIf your battery runs out, your device is lost, or it is stolen, you could lose access to your payment methods.
- Loss of spending control: : Ease and speed of payment can lead to loss of control over expenses.
- Privacy and data control: Your financial activity becomes more exposed to banks and entities that can track your every move.
- Compatibility: Not all banks or POS terminals accept all applications or devices.
It's important to balance convenience and security, and choose apps with strong privacy and security guarantees.
How does mobile payment work? Technology and requirements
The operation of mobile payment applications It depends on two main technologies:
- Step 1: NFC TechnologyMost apps for paying in physical stores require a mobile phone with an NFC chip. This chip allows for secure data exchange between the mobile phone and the payment terminal (POS) when the two devices are brought together.
- Step 2: Bank linkage: You need to link a credit/debit card, bank account, or even digital wallet to your chosen app.
- Step 3: Additional Security: Apps often require biometric confirmation (fingerprint, face) or a PIN to validate each payment.
- Step 4: Compatibility: Make sure your bank, the merchant's POS terminal, and your mobile phone are compatible with the app you want to use.
Many banks also allow mobile payments directly from their corporate app, although the most universal and widespread methods tend to be Google Pay, Apple Pay, or Samsung Pay.
Basic setup: How to start paying with your mobile
Setting up your mobile for payments is simple:
- Activate the NFC in your phone settings.
- Download the app chosen compatible with your bank or device.
- Add your card or bank account following the app's instructions (you can scan it or enter the details manually).
- Verify your identitySome apps require an SMS code from the bank or biometric verification.
- Select the default card if you have several linked.
From that moment on, you can hold your phone near the POS terminal in stores that accept contactless payments, or pay online and send money according to your app's options.
Comparison of the best apps for paying with your mobile phone
Below we detail the The most popular and secure apps for paying with your mobile phone in Spain, with its most relevant characteristics and differences:
Google Pay (Google Wallet)
Google Pay, now integrated into Google Wallet, is one of the most comprehensive options for Android users:
- Allows you to pay in physical and online stores, use loyalty cards, and save transportation tickets..
- Works on Android phones, Wear OS smartwatches, and Fitbit devices.
- Doesn't share your real card number with merchants; uses tokenization and encryption to protect every transaction.
- Integration with Google Assistant, Google Maps and Gmail: You can access useful information, view purchase history, and much more.
- Quick linking: You can import cards and passes saved in Gmail.
- Advanced Security: Biometric authentication, PIN, remote lock and wipe with Find My Phone.
Google Pay is one of the most universal mobile payment methods, both in physical stores and in apps and online stores.
Apple Pay
Apple Pay is Apple's exclusive solution for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch users:
- Allows you to pay in physical stores, apps and websites by simply bringing your device closer.
- Use biometric authentication with Face ID or Touch ID for maximum security.
- Compatible with most Spanish banks and cards.
- Securely storing cards in Apple Wallet without sharing real information with the merchant.
- Allows sending and receiving money between Apple Pay users.
Apple Pay stands out for its integration into the Apple ecosystem and its ease of use.
Samsung Pay
Samsung Pay It is the own alternative for Samsung mobile phones and wearables:
- Allows NFC payments and also with MST technology, even compatible with older dataphones.
- Add credit, debit, points and loyalty cards to centralize everything on the mobile.
- Samsung Rewards System: points program redeemable at partner stores.
- Biometric authentication and encryption for maximum security.
Samsung Pay is especially recommended for users of Galaxy smartphones and smartwatches.
Paypal
Paypal It is one of the oldest and most internationally accepted payment platforms:
- Ideal for online shopping and sending money between users.
- Widely accepted in international stores, services and websites.
- It doesn't show your real card details to the seller, guaranteeing privacy.
- Integration with apps, stores and some physical dataphones.
- Easy to use; you just have to link your card or bank account.
Paypal is especially useful for international payments and for shopping at stores where you don't use your usual banking.
Bizum
Bizum It's not a standalone app, but rather a service integrated into the app of most Spanish banks. It allows you to:
- Send and receive money between individuals instantly, using only the phone number.
- Pay at physical and online stores associated with Bizum.
- There are no commissions for individuals and is very popular for payments between friends, in bars, sharing expenses, etc.
- Requires associating only one bank account per phone number.
Bizum has become the standard for immediate national transfers in Spain.
Fresh
Fresh It is a Spanish application that allows you to:
- Instant and free payments between users, regardless of the bank.
- Create mutual funds and divide expenses for travel, gifts or group events.
- Useful for groups of friends, families or couples.
Verse stands out for its social features and ease of use for organizing group activities.
Other apps to consider
- Skrill: Similar to Paypal, it allows international payments and transfers, as well as the management of multiple currencies.
- Venmo, Zelle y Cash AppMost popular in the United States, they allow P2P payments and, in some cases, investment in stocks or cryptocurrencies. They're not widely used in Spain, but can be useful for travelers or those making international transactions.
- Twyp: A Spanish alternative created by ING for personal transfers and NFC payments via a virtual card. Its use has declined compared to Bizum, but it remains functional.
Mobile payments by operating system and device
The mobile payment experience varies depending on the device you use:
- Android: Google Pay (Google Wallet) is the default app on many models. You can also choose your bank's app, Samsung Pay if you have a Galaxy phone, or international apps like PayPal or Verse.
- iOS (iPhone and Apple Watch): Apple Pay is the exclusive option, integrated into Wallet and with broad compatibility. You can also install PayPal, Bizum (via your bank's app), or Verse.
- Wearables: Smartwatches with Wear OS accept Google Pay, and Samsung and Apple Watch devices accept their proprietary apps.
Before installing an app, verify that your phone has an NFC chip, a compatible operating system version, and support from your bank.
How to add and configure your cards in mobile payment apps
The process of adding a card is very similar in all applications:
- Open the app and look for the "add card" section.
- Enter your card details manually or use the camera to scan it..
- Check the card following the instructions, usually via SMS, call or through the banking app.
- In some cases you can link the bank account directly instead of a card.
Some apps allow you to automatically import cards, passes, and tickets from your email (Gmail), saving time and centralizing management.
How to use your mobile phone to pay in stores and shops?
To pay in physical stores, follow these steps:
- Activate NFC and unlock your mobile.
- Bring the device close to the contactless payment terminal or POS terminal until you hear the beep or vibration confirming the payment.
- Some payments require biometric confirmation or PIN, depending on the amount.
- In online stores, choose your app's payment method and confirm the transaction.
Remember that you can use multiple cards and choose the default one for each occasion, as well as manage gift cards, transit passes, and more.
Mobile Payment Security: How to Protect Your Money
Security is one of the most advanced aspects of mobile payment applications.They use various technologies to ensure the protection of your data and money:
- Tokenization and encryption: : the actual card information is never shared with the merchant, single-use codes are generated.
- Biometric authentication (fingerprint, facial recognition) and passwords to authorize payments.
- Remote wipe systems if you lose your cell phone.
- Two-step authentication and instant notifications of each payment.
- Constant updates in apps and operating systems.
To make sure everything is under control:
- Do not share your passwords or financial information.
- Install apps only from official sources (Google Play, App Store).
- Activate the screen lock and periodically review the movements.
- In case of theft or loss, block your phone and associated apps as soon as possible.
What to do if you can't pay with your mobile phone?
If you're having trouble paying with your mobile phone, try the following solutions:
- Check that NFC and internet connection are activated.
- Make sure the merchant's terminal accepts contactless payments and that the chosen app is updated.
- Check that your phone has enough battery and is unlocked.
- Restart your device if the problem persists.
- Contact your bank or app support if the issue persists.
As a last resort, it's always a good idea to have a physical card or an alternative method in case of any unforeseen events.
Future trends in mobile payments
Mobile payment technology continues to evolve rapidly. Among the most significant trends are:
- Expansion of artificial intelligence to detect fraud, personalize offers and improve user experience.
- Increased use of wearables and digital cards, such as smart watches and bracelets.
- Invisible and automatic payments: Cashierless ATMs, ride-hailing app payments, automated recurring payments.
- Integration of cryptocurrencies and electronic wallets in some international apps and services.
- Improvements in privacy and user control when sharing financial and personal information.
It is expected that, in the near future, mobile devices will almost completely replace cash and physical cards, establishing themselves as the preferred method for all types of transactions.
The advancement of the mobile payment applications It has revolutionized daily money management. Thanks to the combination of convenience, security, speed, and an ever-expanding offering, it's easier than ever to leave cash at home and rely on your smartphone for payments in physical stores, online with friends, splitting expenses, accessing promotions, or even integrating transportation tickets and loyalty cards. A thorough analysis of each app and taking security precautions allows you to enjoy this new financial ecosystem with peace of mind, ensuring control and protection of your daily transactions.