Step by step, Samsung copies almost every action of its main competitor - the American corporation Apple. Once Apple launches some new feature, the Koreans deftly copy it and offer it to their fans. The same thing happened with the payment system. Samsung Pay is a direct equivalent of Apple Pay, with minor changes that, by the way, may appeal to Russian users. So, we understand. What is Samsung Pay? How to use Samsung Pay in Russia? And is it safe?
System requirements
Before you run 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 are holding one of the phones listed below, you can safely connect Samsung Pay.
- Samsung S8.
- Samsung S7.
- Samsung S6 (there are restrictions on working with terminals).
- Samsung Note 5.
- Samsung A7.
- Samsung Gear.
Found your phone? Read on.
Banks
So, if the phone is suitable for working with the new payment system, consider half the work done, now you need to make sure that your bank works with Samsung Pay. To do this, you will need 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, then most likely it will appear there in the near future, as new banks and e-wallets are very enthusiastic about the new payment system.
It is important to note that the list of supported banks is impressive, it has everything from the ultra-progressive Tinkoff Bank to the state old man Sberbank.
How to use Samsung Pay: attach a card
Since the phone and the bank support the new technology, then it's time to move on to its initial configuration.
- To get started, install protection on your phone. This can be a password code or a fingerprint scanner (they will be necessary to confirm each payment, therefore it is better to choose the second option).
- Download the Samsung Pay app if it is not on your phone.
- Click on the "Attach Card" button and scan it using your smartphone’s camera. Then manually enter the remaining data (CVV, for example).
- Check the bank using the SMS code that it will send you (in some cases, you may need to call the bank or have a personal presence).
- Further optional, but if you want, you can add an electronic signature, it will come in handy.
That's all, adding a card is complete, you can safely move on to shopping. The setup took us about 5 minutes.
Pay for purchases
How to use Samsung Pay now, after setup? The fun begins - shopping. According to the principle of operation, the payment system is not much different from a regular bank card. Just take a smartphone, attach it to the terminal, put your finger on the fingerprint sensor and wait for confirmation. That's all. Payment completed. Many users are wondering how to use Samsung Pay in 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 everyone else).
Interestingly, Samsung phones can work not only with advanced NFC-terminals, but also with outdated models that work only with magnetic tape. Own development of the company allows you to create a special magnetic field between the terminal and the phone, which imitates classic bank cards. It works flawlessly. Terminals are easily deceived by such a trick and payment is successful. This means that you can pay with your smartphone everywhere. Payment can be made using the latest model of smart watches from Samsung. By the way, many talk about the commission for payments, but in fact there is no commission for users; Samsung takes care of it.
Payment Security
The advent of new technology has greatly excited users and banks, because large amounts can be at stake, and companies offering such services should protect 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 on the phone and is not transmitted to the terminal. The terminal receives only a random set of numbers, which is enough for him to contact the bank and confirm the payment. This principle of operation is called tokenization.
- Secondly, each purchase must be confirmed 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 nevertheless exist, and many users have encountered them.
- The first problem is non-updated software. Many smartphones work on older versions of Android or on its hacked builds. 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 using Samsung Pay on a smartphone, you need to create this account. To do this, open the phone’s settings and select the “Accounts” submenu. There you will be asked to go through a short registration, after which you can use all the services of the company.
- The third problem is a damaged NFC chip. Yes, it happens. Sometimes the NFC-module of a smartphone simply does not work properly, and therefore must 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. All rushed to test the novelty. Many even decided to try the 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. They even took a similar step in the Moscow administration. All summer metro travel costs half as much if you pay using Samsung Pay. And this is only the beginning.
In America, Samsung has already launched a new bonus system. Each purchase made with the help of their proprietary payment system credits a certain cashback analogue to the user's virtual account, which can later be spent on various products from the Samsung store. What exactly the company will sell is still unknown, but Koreans have a lot of money to attract large partners.
Instead of a conclusion
What do we have in the end? A simple and secure wallet right on your phone. So, IT companies have again proved that they can change our lives. Every aspect of life. Now that you know how to use Samsung Pay correctly, it's time to try out the system in practice.
Pros:
- It works with any terminals, regardless of the presence of an NFC chip.
- There are several ways to confirm payments at the user's choice.
- Bonuses, promotions and potential cashback system.
Cons of the payment system:
- It works only on official firmware.
- The number of smartphones supporting the technology is not impressive.