UCU Debit Card is Going Mobile

Your UCU Debit Card can now be added to the mobile wallet feature on Apple, Google and Samsung smartphones.

If you carry a smartphone with you then you are also carrying a mobile wallet.  A mobile wallet is a fast, convenient and more secure way to pay with your debit or credit card using your smartphone.

What is a Mobile Wallet?

A mobile wallet is a digital version of a traditional physical wallet. It is an app on your smartphone, tablet and smartwatch that digitally stores your debit or credit card information.

Once the payment card information is added to your mobile wallet - you can use your smartphone, tablet or smartwatch to pay for purchases made in-store, through mobile apps, or on e-commerce websites.

How to add a card to your Mobile Wallet?

You can easily add your debit card to a smartphone’s mobile wallet. Each large smartphone brand has its own mobile wallet which comes as a built-in feature. Apple phones have Apple Pay, Samsung phones have Samsung Pay and Google phones have Google Pay.

Open the mobile wallet app on your phone and add your debit card information. It’s that easy.  

Add your UCU Debit Card to Apple Pay

Add your UCU Debit Card to Google Pay

Add your UCU Debit Card to Samsung Pay

How does a Mobile Wallet work?

Mobile wallets use tokenization – a technology that assigns a different virtual account number, or token, to your card with each transaction. Your actual debit card number and sensitive information are not shared with a merchant or sent over the internet.

Mobile wallets use NFC – Near Field Communication – to transmit data. The merchant’s credit card reader must be equipped with NFC technology to use your mobile wallet.

Is a Mobile Wallet safe to use?

Payments made using a mobile wallet have enhanced security features.

Tokens -Your debit card information is not stored on your smartphone or smartwatch. Instead, each card is assigned a virtual card number that’s only associated with the digital wallet on your device. This means your actual debit card information is never given to merchants or websites where you shop—adding another layer of security to the transaction.

Authentication – Depending on your phone type and setup – you can unlock your phone and authorize payments using your fingerprint, passcode, face ID or even your iris scan. This higher security threshold is not available on a physical debit card. Enhanced authentication makes it more difficult for thieves to steal your personal information.

Connection – NFC connection is safer than a Wi-Fi connection. NFC has a range of a few centimetres while Wi-Fi has a range of more than 45 metres. NFC makes it more difficult for a thief to eavesdrop and intercept transaction data.

What are the Benefits of Using a Mobile Wallet?

Convenience - No need to fumble for your debit card, just pull out your phone and open the mobile wallet app to pay for your purchase.

Contactless Payment – Just hover your phone over the payment terminal to complete your transaction. No-touch transaction means you avoid contact with money and the payment terminal keypad which will keep your hands cleaner.

Safer Shopping – Make simple and safe payments – more secure than your physical debit card.