Step by step, Samsung copies almost every action of its main competitor - the American corporation Apple. As soon as Apple launches some new feature, the Koreans cleverly copy it and offer it to their fans. The same happened in the case of the payment system. Samsung Pay is a direct analogue of Apple Pay, with minor changes that, by the way, Russian users may like. So, let's figure it out. What is Samsung Pay? How to use Samsung Pay in Russia? And is it safe?
System Requirements
Before running to connect Samsung Pay, make sure that your smartphone is ready to work with this technology. To work with a digital payment system, a specialized chip is required, which not all Samsung gadgets are equipped with.
If you currently have one of the phones listed below in your hands, you can safely connect Samsung Pay.
- Samsung S8.
- Samsung S7.
- Samsung S6 (terminal restrictions apply).
- Samsung Note 5.
- Samsung A7.
- Samsung Gear.
Found your phone? Read on.
Banks
So, if the phoneis suitable for working with a new payment system, consider half the battle done, now you need to make sure that your bank cooperates with Samsung Pay. To do this, you will have to familiarize yourself with the full list of banks and the conditions for their support on the official website of Samsung. Even if your bank is not there, it will most likely be there soon, as new banks and e-wallets are looking at the new payment system with great enthusiasm.
It's important to note that the list of supported banks is impressive, with everything from the ultra-progressive Tinkoff Bank to the state old Sberbank.
How to use Samsung Pay: attaching a card
Since both the phone and the bank support the new technology, it's time to move on to its initial setup.
- First, install protection on your phone. This can be a passcode or a fingerprint scanner (these will be required to confirm each payment, so it is better to choose the second option).
- Download the Samsung Pay app if you don't have it on your phone.
- Click on the "Attach a card" button and scan it with your smartphone's camera. Then manually enter the remaining data (CVV, for example).
- Verify the bank using the SMS code it will send you (in some cases, you may need to call the bank or appear in person).
- Further optional, but if you want, you can add an electronic signature, it will come in handy.
That's all,the addition of the card is completed, you can safely move on to shopping. It took us about 5 minutes to set up.
Pay for purchases
How to use Samsung Pay now that it's set up? The most interesting part begins - shopping. According to the principle of operation, the payment system is not much different from a regular bank card. We just take a smartphone, apply it to the terminal, put our finger on the fingerprint sensor and wait for confirmation. That's all. Payment completed. Many users are wondering how to use Samsung Pay on the subway. Everything is just as simple here. The main thing is to find a suitable terminal (they are usually located to the right of all the others).
Interestingly, Samsung phones can work not only with advanced NFC terminals, but also with outdated models that only work with magnetic tape. The company's own development allows creating a special magnetic field between the terminal and the phone, imitating classic bank cards. Works flawlessly. Terminals are easily deceived by such a trick and the payment is successful. This means that you can pay with your smartphone everywhere. Payment can be made using the latest smartwatch from Samsung. By the way, many people talk about commission for payments, but in fact there is no commission for users, Samsung takes it upon itself.
Payment Security
The emergence of new technology has greatly excited users and banks, because large sums can be at stake, and companiesthose offering such services should secure bank customers. Fortunately, the Koreans also took care of this.
Your payments are protected on all fronts:
- Firstly, during the transaction, your personal data remains in the phone and is not transmitted to the terminal. The terminal receives only a random set of numbers, which is enough for it to contact the bank and confirm the payment. This principle of operation is called tokenization.
- Second, every purchase must be verified with your fingerprint, which cannot be faked and used elsewhere.
- Thirdly, Samsung phones have active protection against viruses and unauthorized actions on the phone. This means that if the system suspects that it has been hacked, it will automatically delete all banking data, including card numbers, payment history, and so on.
Possible problems
Problems in the operation of the payment system are rare, but they still exist, and many users have encountered them.
- The first problem is not updated software. Many smartphones run older versions of Android or hacked builds of it. Until you install the latest official firmware, the payment system will not work.
- The second problem is that many phone owners do not have an account. Before you can use Samsung Pay on your smartphone, you need to create this account. To do this, open the phone settings and select the submenu"Accounts". There you will be asked to go through a short registration, after which you will be able to use all the company's services.
- The third problem is a damaged NFC chip. Yes, it happens. Sometimes the smartphone's NFC module simply does not work properly, and therefore needs to be replaced. With such a problem, you must contact the service center.
Impressions, reviews, discounts
Samsung has managed to create a big resonance among consumers. The novelty rushed to test all and sundry. Many even decided to try a new payment system only because the company organized an auction of unprecedented generosity and forced many companies to provide discounts to users of the payment system. Even the Moscow administration took a similar step. All summer, subway fares are half the price when you pay with Samsung Pay. And this is just the beginning.
In America, Samsung has already launched a new bonus system. Each purchase made using their proprietary payment system credits a kind of cashback to the user's virtual account, which can later be spent on various goods from the Samsung store. What exactly the company will sell is still unknown, but the Koreans have enough money to attract large partners.
Instead of a conclusion
What do we end up with? A simple and secure wallet right on your phone. Thus, IT companies have once again proved that theycan change our lives. Every aspect of life. Now that you know how to use Samsung Pay properly, it's time to try it out.
Pros:
- Works with any terminal, regardless of the presence of an NFC chip.
- There are several ways for the user to confirm payments.
- Bonuses, promotions and potential cashback system.
Cons of the payment system:
- Works only on official firmware.
- The number of smartphones supporting the technology is not impressive.
