The Apple Wallet feature is one of the most useful features on an iPhone, but it also might be one that is widely under-utilized. Apple Wallet is often thought of as just a digital wallet for storing credit and debit cards for contactless payments wherever they are accepted. But there’s a lot more that can be stored in the Apple Wallet on both an iPhone and an Apple Watch.
From a COVID-19 vaccination QR code that can be scanned at restaurants, hotels, airports, or wherever else they might be required to quick access to store loyalty cards, the Apple Wallet can store a full digital wallet of virtual cards. It really makes it possible to leave the traditional wallet at home.
10 COVID-19 Vaccination QR Code
COVID-19 has dominated the conversation over the last few years, even leading to TV shows working the pandemic and virus into their storylines. For those who choose to get the vaccine, after downloading the COVID-19 vaccination receipt, it’s simple to load the QR code-enabled confirmation to Apple Wallet. Once stored, the digital vaccination receipt notes which vaccines were received and when, along with the patient’s name and a QR code that can be scanned for authenticity.
This makes it possible for those looking to gain entry into places where vaccination is required to show proof (along with a photo ID) without having to bring additional documentation with them, or search for an e-mail.
9 Credit And Debit Cards
One of the features most known about Apple Wallet is the ability to store credit or debit cards for making contactless payments at compatible terminals. Typically permitted for purchases up to about $150, hold the phone up to a terminal the same way as a contactless card and the payment will be triggered.
Typically, a double tap and face ID will also be required to confirm the owner’s identity and that it isn’t a fraudulent purchase. This feature, which uses Apple Pay, makes it simple to leave credit and debit cards, which can be easily lost or stolen, at home when traveling light.
8 Store Coupons And Offers
Some stores have coupons and offers that can be loaded to Apple Wallet then scanned at the checkout to log discounts and other special offers. This works with shops like AMC Theaters, Apple Store, Express, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Macy’s, and others.
In many cases, these offers will be available through the form of store loyalty and rewards cards. But in some cases, there may be specific coupons that can be loaded into the Wallet individually for access as needed.
7 Store Loyalty And Rewards Cards
Store loyalty cards from popular stores like Lowe’s Home Improvement, Office Depot, Sam’s Club, Target, Walgreens, and others can be loaded into Apple Wallet. This makes it simple to access them all in one space instead of fumbling in a physical wallet or scrolling through pages of apps to find the right one.
Open the Wallet, find the right card, open the scannable code, which sometimes involves turning the phone to the side, and hold it up to be scanned. This will register the same way it would from the retailer’s own app or with a physical card.
6 Gift Cards
For merchants that support Apple Wallet, certain gift cards might be loadable directly into the Apple Wallet where they can be redeemed through a scan at checkout. It’s not uncommon to lose physical gift cards, and in many cases, once they are lost, they can’t be retrieved. Sadly, while there are plenty of items you can keep tabs on with a Bluetooth tracker, a gift card is not one of them.
Being able to load gift cards in a digital wallet provides peace of mind that they are always there and not left at home in an old purse or wallet, or another jacket pocket. It might also remind owners to use them sooner rather than later.
5 Event Tickets And Membership Cards
For many events these days, after signing up, a digital card can be loaded to the Wallet which can then be scanned at the event to permit entry. This makes it simple to travel light, especially for concerts where certain items aren’t permitted or where the attendees don’t want to carry around bags, purses, or heavy jackets.
This can work for passes as well, for places like amusement parks where attendees have seasonal or annual entry codes. Rather than bring another card and show it, call it up in the Wallet and go on in.
4 Flight Boarding Passes
There’s a lot that has to be presented at an airport, including a boarding pass, luggage tag upon arrival, and passport. Combine this with carrying loads of luggage and it can be a chore. Loading a digital boarding pass in the Wallet not only means one less piece of paper to carry but also less likelihood of misplacing the pass.
What’s more, this goes hand-in-hand with early and remote check-in, which can eliminate the need to stand in a long line. It also reduces the need for printing more paper. With plenty of documentaries reminding fans to cherish and learn about the planet, eliminating unnecessary paper is one small thing that can go a long way for the environment.
3 Transit Card
Those who take public transportation know that it can be a chore to search for the right amount of change to get on the bus, subway, or train, hang on to tokens, or search for a card for every entry or departure.
Storing a transit card in Apple Wallet allows for easy scanning from a device that is likely already in hand. It works anywhere Apple Pay is accepted for riding transit. Choose to add a card and scroll down the list of options to search by country and find what’s available.
2 Student IDs
Students can often store their student ID cards in the Wallet, whether it’s to gain entry into a specific educational institution, or enjoy special student discounts at certain shops, restaurants, or venues, like movie theaters.
Compatible with most of the latest iPhones dating all the way back to the iPhone 6, once on campus, students can sign in to a student account to do everything from pay for laundry to gain access to a dorm room, enter the library, or get into various campus events. Used on one of the best iPhones, students will be ready to tackle the day.
1 Hotel Key Card
With hotels that offer them, it’s possible to save a digital hotel key in not only Apple Wallet on an iPhone but also an Apple Watch. This makes it easy to unlock the door to gain entry as needed. For a resort, for example, where family members might be out with nothing but a bathing suit and towel, they don’t have to worry about bringing a bag to store the hotel key.
It only works with select Hyatt properties right now, but the plan is to add other hotel properties in the near future.
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