What Is a Digital Wallet and How Does It Work?

A digital wallet is a virtual tool that securely stores your payment information and personal details. It uses technology such as Near Field Communication and QR codes for your transactions.

By Nathan Paulus

Edited by Victoria Copans

Updated: October 23, 2024

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A woman in a restaurant with her friends pays for their drinks using her smartphone.

Digital wallets are changing how we manage our money, offering a modern, convenient alternative to traditional wallets. With your payment information and other essentials stored securely on your smartphone, you can easily make purchases, send money and keep track of important documents.

Understanding the features and functionality of digital wallets can help you make the most of this technology. In this MoneyGeek guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about these platforms, from how they operate to the various options available to you.

Key Takeaways: Digital Wallets

Digital wallets allow you to use your smartphone to make payments, transfer money and store essentials like boarding passes and loyalty cards.

There are various types of digital wallets — open wallets offer flexibility for a wide range of transactions, while semi-closed wallets are ideal for payments within a specific merchant network.

Digital wallets come with security features like biometric authentication and two-factor verification.

Stay vigilant against scams like phishing, fake apps and SIM swapping to protect yourself.

What Is a Digital Wallet?

A digital wallet, also known as an e-wallet or mobile wallet, is a virtual tool that stores your payment information, personal identification and other digital assets on your smartphone or computer. It allows you to make payments, transfer money and store non-payment information like boarding passes and loyalty cards, all in one place, making everyday transactions more convenient and secure.

Digital wallets like Cash App and Venmo are becoming more common in the U.S., with over half of Americans now using them more frequently than traditional payment methods. From everyday transactions to managing personal information, digital wallets offer various practical uses, including:

Everyday Transactions

Whether you're buying groceries in-store, shopping online or paying your utility bills, digital wallets allow you to complete transactions with just a few taps on your phone, eliminating the need for physical cards or cash.

Peer-to-Peer Payments

Digital wallets let you quickly transfer money between friends and family or divide expenses, even across different banks. This makes them perfect for everyday situations like sharing rent or splitting a dinner bill.

Storing Non-Payment Information

Your digital wallet can also store boarding passes, event tickets, loyalty cards and even your ID. This feature enables you to access important information on the go, all from your phone.

International Transactions

A digital wallet simplifies cross-border payments. Whether sending money abroad or purchasing from international merchants, digital wallets streamline the process and often provide better exchange rates and lower fees than traditional methods.

Types of Digital Wallets

Digital wallets can be categorized into closed, semi-closed and open types, each with a different level of flexibility. Closed wallets are limited to specific brands while semi-closed and open wallets offer broader usage across multiple merchants and services.

Closed Wallets

Closed wallets are designed specifically for use with a single company or brand. They allow users to store funds that can only be spent within that company’s ecosystem.

For example, Amazon Pay lets users make purchases exclusively on Amazon's platform, and the Starbucks app allows customers to load money and pay for items at Starbucks locations.

Although these wallets offer convenience (especially with integrated rewards or discounts), their primary limitation is that the funds stored in them cannot be used outside the company's services. This drawback makes them less versatile compared to other types of digital wallets.

Semi-Closed Wallets

Semi-closed wallets provide more flexibility as they enable users to store funds and make payments at various merchants that have partnered with the wallet provider.

Venmo, for instance, is commonly used for peer-to-peer transactions and at select retailers, making it a practical choice for those who frequently transfer money between banks. Similarly, Zelle allows users to send and receive money quickly between participating banks and credit unions, but it can’t be used for cash withdrawals or purchases outside its network.

Although semi-closed wallets offer more usage options than closed wallets, their functionality is restricted to the network of participating merchants and services, limiting their overall versatility in certain scenarios.

Open Wallets

Open wallets, such as Google Pay and Apple Pay, offer the highest level of versatility among digital wallets. They allow users to make payments at any merchant that accepts these wallets and even withdraw cash from ATMs, providing a seamless, all-in-one payment solution.

Open wallets are able to handle a wide range of financial transactions beyond simple payments. Users can transfer funds between accounts, make bank payments and even use them abroad, which is especially helpful for a first-time international traveler. Their widespread acceptance across various platforms and services makes them a convenient option for everyday financial needs.

How Does a Digital Wallet Work?

To use a digital wallet, download the wallet app on your smartphone or device. Enter your card information or link a bank account within the app, which securely encrypts the details. Then, access your digital wallet using facial recognition, fingerprint scanning or a PIN code.

When using a digital wallet for payments, select it as your preferred payment method, in-store or online. Tap your phone at a contactless terminal in physical stores or scan a QR code. For online transactions, choose the digital wallet option at checkout and authorize the payment. Your wallet securely sends your payment information to the store or service you're paying. This information is protected with encryption to keep your data safe. Once the payment details are received, the transaction is processed, and in just a few seconds, your payment is complete.

Core Technologies Behind Digital Wallets

The technologies that power digital wallets enable them to offer secure, fast and versatile payment solutions. Here's a look at the key innovations driving these tools:

1
Near Field Communication (NFC)
Contactless payments are made possible by NFC, which allows your smartphone to interact with payment terminals when brought close together. This technology is the backbone of services like Apple Pay and Google Pay, ensuring quick and secure transactions.
2
Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST)
MST allows your phone to make payments at traditional card readers by simulating the magnetic stripe on a card. Samsung Pay initially popularized this technology, though it's now being phased out in favor of more modern methods like NFC.
3
QR Codes
QR codes are the go-to solution for payments that require scanning. Merchants display a code that you can scan with your phone to complete a transaction, a method commonly used by PayPal and other payment services.
4
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Integration
Digital wallets sometimes utilize Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to connect with payment systems. This method doesn't require direct contact, offering a flexible way to process payments in various situations.

Security Features of Digital Wallets

Digital wallets protect data using advanced security measures, such as encryption, tokenization and biometric authentication. These features work together to safeguard transactions and ensure that only you can access your wallet.

Encryption and Tokenization

When you make a payment with a digital wallet, your data is kept safe through encryption and tokenization. Encryption scrambles your payment details, making them unreadable to anyone trying to intercept them. Tokenization further protects you by replacing sensitive information, like your credit card number, with a unique code that can’t be traced back to you.

Biometric Authentication

Biometric authentication adds a strong layer of security to your digital wallet using your fingerprint or face. Instead of just entering a password, you verify your identity with a unique physical trait. This approach makes it much harder for someone to access your wallet without your permission, as they would need to replicate your exact biometric data.

Additional Security Layers

Digital wallets also use other security measures like PINs, passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA). These features add extra steps to the login process, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to access your account, thus reducing the risk of bank fraud. For instance, 2FA requires a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, adding an extra barrier to protect your wallet.

Digital Wallets vs. Traditional Payment Methods

Choosing between digital wallets and traditional payment methods like cash or cards depends on your needs and preferences. Each has its own strengths and limitations in terms of convenience, security and cost.

Aspect	Digital Wallets	Traditional Payment Methods
Convenience & Accessibility	Easy to use for in-store and online purchases with just a few taps. No need to carry physical cards or cash. Integrated with mobile devices, making it accessible anytime, anywhere.	Requires carrying physical wallets, cards or cash. Accessibility depends on having the physical items with you. May require manual entry of card details for online purchases.
Security Comparison	Encrypted transactions and tokenization protect your data. Biometric authentication adds an extra layer of security. Can use PINs and 2FA for additional protection.	Physical cards and cash can be lost or stolen. Security depends on the card issuer’s protections. Fraud protection varies by payment method.
Costs & Fees	Often free for basic transactions. Some wallets may charge fees for certain transactions (e.g., cross-border payments).	Potential fees for ATM withdrawals, overdrafts or currency exchange. Credit card interest rates can add to costs.
Limitations & Drawbacks	Not universally accepted at all merchants. Requires internet access or mobile signal. Limited by device compatibility.	Cash is universally accepted. Credit/debit cards are widely accepted but may not work everywhere. No need for technology or internet access.

FAQ About Digital Wallets

Whether you're new to the concept of digital wallets or just looking for more information about this tool, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to get you up to speed.

Are digital wallets safe to use?

Yes, digital wallets are safe. They protect your data with encryption, tokenization and biometric authentication. When you pay, your card details aren’t shared with the merchant, adding extra security. Many wallets also offer two-factor authentication for added protection.

What are the best digital wallets available?

Popular digital wallets include Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay and PayPal. Each offers unique features for different devices. For instance, Apple Pay works seamlessly with iOS devices, while Google Pay is versatile for Android users. Your choice depends on your device and needs.

How is using a digital wallet payment similar to using a debit card?

Like a debit card, a digital wallet lets you make purchases directly from your bank account or linked card. However, digital wallets offer added security through encryption and tokenization. They also provide convenience by enabling contactless payments and storing multiple cards in one place.

Can you use a digital wallet at an ATM?

Yes, some digital wallets, like Google Pay and Apple Pay, can be used at ATMs that support contactless transactions. Learning more about the ATM process can help you navigate it smoothly. Simply tap your phone on the ATM’s contactless reader and follow the prompts, with biometric verification adding extra security.