Q: why would I want to use apple pay over my actual card?

Hi

You can learn about the features and benefits of Apple Pay here:

http://www.apple.com/apple-pay/

Good question, sharfoe.

I think Apple simply regard Apple Pay as another useful feature for those who want to use it.   Frankly, I wouldn't.   I like to receive my monthly bill from the CC company, check it off against the receipts and have a copy filed at home.   I'm sure you know that it is wise to back up all significant matter, not once but twice, all of which underlines the value of an organised household file.   Paperwork is not passé, it's an excellent backup.

seventy one wrote:

 

.. I like to receive my monthly bill from the CC company, check it off against the receipts and have a copy filed at home.

You can continue to do that when using Apple Pay.

All transactions are still charged to your card account individually. They are also confirmed, in due course, on the statements that are issued by your card issuer (whether in paper or electronic form, depending on how you have chosen to receive them).

You can also still request a receipt from the merchant (if they do not provide you with one automatically).

The transaction description for a purchase at any given merchant may differ, depending on whether you paid via Apple Pay or using the card directly.

For example, the difference between using Apple Pay and using the card directly at McDonald's may be reflected as follows on a card statement:

• Paid via Apple Pay:
  • MCDONALDS ApplePay <last few digits of device account number>

• Paid via card:
  • MCDONALDS

I guess it depends on each person's preferences. I tend to wear dresses (with no pockets) and have a small handbag so I prefer not to have all my cards with me. That's why I use Wallet : I always have my iPhone, so there is no need for me to have the cards with me. My financial institution does not support Apple Pay and the like, but if they did I would have one less card to bring along everywhere. Also I normally have my iPhone in my hand or very near because I'm listening to music or a podcast.

Also, sometimes people forget their cards at a store. I would never forget my iPhone, so if everything is on my iPhone, there is no card for me to lose.

The iPhone has thousands of features; not every feature is for everyone. I just pick and choose what I want to use.

The simplest answer to your question- major benefit is security. Let me explain. When you use your actual card- your card numbers gets passed through all payment networks and if your number gets compromised (stolen by crooks) and sold on a black market, then there will be fraudulent charges on your account potentially and your bank will send you a replacement card.

However when you use it in Apple Pay, your card gets assigned a token (a new card number) that will be exchanged between payment networks when you make a purchase. In case this token numbers gets compromised, first of all this number can not be used as a regular credit/debit card, and in a case it will somehow be used fraudulently, all your bank needs to do is remove the token from their database without issuing you a new card number.

So at the end, using apple pay will save you a headache of needing to contact your companies (like gyms or cable company or cell phone) and get them a new card number if you card gets compromised  and no need to deal with fraud on your card as well.

Hope it makes sense.