Ever lose your wallet or forget your purse somewhere, only to find out the contents have been rummaged through and you have to cancel all of your debit and credit cards? It’s pretty much a nightmare, right? Enter mobile wallets. But what exactly is a mobile wallet and how do you even use them?

Getting started.

Many mobile wallets (also known as digital wallets or e-wallets) work through an app on your smartphone. Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Android Pay¹ are just a few examples of the most popular mobile wallets available right now. They’re meant to replace your actual wallet. So, when you’re ready, head on over to your app store and download your preferred mobile wallet app.

Once you download the app of your choice, you enter all of your credit card and debit card information. And yes, it’s totally safe. The information is encrypted and isn’t stored on your phone. Checking out at retail locations that accept mobile wallets is then a breeze. Just tap your phone and you’re done. Don’t think your favorite retailers accept mobile payments? Think again. Samsung Pay can be used at more than 10 million stores across the country, Apple Pay at more than 3 million stores, and Android Pay at more than 1 million stores.²

Online shopping.

You may be familiar with PayPal if you’re an avid online shopper, and guess what? That’s also a form of a mobile wallet! The other mobile wallet apps can be used in the same manner. So once you have all your cards loaded up, online check out is a breeze, too.

Stay loyal to your loyalty cards.

If you have a favorite store, chances are you have their loyalty card. You don’t have to give those up with a mobile wallet. Just enter the account info as the app prompts and you’ll be good to go to keep collecting those points.

But that’s not all.

You may be thinking that you can’t give up your wallet because you have bus passes, subway tickets, and gift cards that comfortably live there. Well, those can be stored in your mobile wallet, too! You can even keep your concert tickets tucked digitally away.

So download that app, enter your cards, charge up that phone, and get ready to go shopping!