Educational only · Wallets & apps
Digital wallets &
mobile card payments.
Digital wallets store tokenized versions of your credit cards inside your phone, watch or browser. They let you pay in stores, apps and on the web without typing the full card number each time.
This guide explains how wallets connect to issuers, how tokens differ from your physical card number, and what to understand about device security and card selection.
- How cards are added and verified inside wallets.
- What payment tokens are and why they exist.
- Where wallet payments show up on your card statement.
Informational only. Not financial advice. Availability of wallets and features depends on country, issuer and device.
Typical wallet features
- Store multiple cards and pick one as default.
- Pay in stores using tap-to-pay at NFC terminals.
- Pay in apps and on websites with a single tap.
- See recent transactions from the linked card.
- Remotely remove a card from a lost device (through issuer or device account tools).
How cards are added and verified
When you add a card to a wallet, the wallet provider sends card details to the issuer or network for verification. The issuer may send you a text message, email or app notification to confirm that you really control both the card and the device.
If approved, the issuer returns a token: a device-specific number that replaces your physical card number inside the wallet. This token is what gets used at checkout — the merchant never sees your full underlying card details.
Security model: device + token
Wallet payments depend on both the security of your device and the wallet itself. Most wallets require:
- A screen lock (PIN, pattern or password).
- Biometric confirmation (fingerprint or face) for most payments.
- A separate device account (such as a platform account) to manage devices remotely.
If a token or one device is compromised, issuers can usually revoke that token without cancelling your physical card. That said, no system is perfect. It is still important to treat your phone as a payment device and report suspicious activity promptly.
Everyday use and trade-offs
Wallets make it easier to choose the “right” card at checkout — for example a travel card at airports and a cashback card at supermarkets. However, some merchants may still process payments differently depending on card network and country.
Statements will usually look similar whether you paid with plastic or a wallet, but you may see references to device tokens or wallet services in technical sections of your transaction details.
For more on how individual card features interact with wallets and tap-to-pay, visit the Technology & Payments hub.