Digital Wallet

What is a Digital Wallet?

A digital wallet, also known as an electronic wallet or e-wallet, is a software app that allows an authorized user to conduct a financial transaction with a digital device. The widespread adoption of digital wallets has been driven by an increasing reliance on mobile technology for everyday activities.

COVID lockdowns and restrictions on in-person shopping also created a surge of interest in digital wallets. As online shopping and contactless payment systems became more desirable, it not only helped promote the general public’s acceptance of digital wallets like PayPal and Apple Pay – but it also inspired wallet platforms to improve storage capacity and build out features that support different use cases like P2P payments.

Techopedia Explains the Digital Wallet Meaning

A digital wallet’s meaning is best understood by examining its role in the context of a physical wallet. Just as a physical wallet’s job is to protect someone’s cash, credit cards, and identification, a digital wallet’s job is to protect virtual representations of these items.

How a Digital Wallet Works

When someone sets up a digital wallet, the wallet app encrypts the user’s payment information and personally identifiable information (PII). Depending on the wallet, the encrypted information is either stored on the user’s device or in the cloud. (Wallets that store encrypted information in the cloud can be used across multiple devices.)

When the user conducts a transaction, the merchant is given a string of nonsense characters that represents the user’s real information. This process, which is known as tokenization, prevents the merchant from ever knowing the real payment details. This cybersecurity strategy minimizes the risk of digital wallet fraud and helps ensure that sensitive financial and personal information is kept secure.

Here are some of the other key technologies and strategies that support digital wallet transactions:

Digital Wallets vs. Crypto Wallets

Digital wallet definitions and crypto wallet definitions have similarities because both types of wallets are used to store digital information securely. Their use cases, however, have traditionally been different.

Digital wallets are primarily used for making electronic transactions in traditional fiat currencies. They rely on internet access and are designed to be used on smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and PCs.

In contrast, crypto wallets are designed to store, send, and receive cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. Unlike digital wallets, which are always software-based, crypto wallets can be hardware-based. Hardware-based wallets resemble USB drives and do not require internet connectivity.

It should be noted, however, that as cryptocurrencies go more mainstream, digital wallet providers are paying attention and responding by integrating features that support crypto purchases and sales. For example, PayPal allows users to buy, hold, and sell a selection of cryptocurrencies directly within its platform.

Types of Digital Wallets

Digital wallets can be categorized by where they can be used, the source of their funding, and their need for centralized management.

Within these broad categories, digital wallets can also be categorized by how they are accessed.

• Online wallets are accessed with a web browser.
• Mobile wallets have to be downloaded and installed on a mobile device.
• Desktop wallets have to be installed on a personal computer.

Digital wallets can also be classified by their funding sources:

5 Best Digital Wallets

The “best” digital wallet is subjective, and choices can vary depending on device compatibility and geographic location. The following digital wallets are known for their ease of use, security features, and ability to streamline financial transactions.

• PayPal is one of the oldest and most well-known digital wallets.
• Apple Pay is a digital wallet that can only be used with Apple devices. It’s a popular option for iPhone, Apple Watch, and Mac users.
• Alipay allows users around the globe to make contactless payments and pay for goods and services online.
• Google Wallet is a digital wallet that can only be used with Android devices.
• Samsung Pay can be used at almost any payment terminal because it supports both Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) technology for older terminals and NFC for newer terminals.

Digital Wallets Safety

Even though digital wallets have security features designed to protect personally identifiable information and financial data at rest and data in transit, it’s important to remember the human factor.

While digital wallets use encryption, tokenization, and SE chips, no system is completely immune to evolving cyber threats. Digital wallet safety also depends on security awareness and good security hygiene. This includes using secure, private Wi-Fi connections for financial transactions instead of public hotspots – and regularly updating digital wallet software.

Pros and Cons of Digital Wallets

Digital wallets can make digital financial transactions more convenient and eliminate the need for people to carry multiple physical cards and cash – but they also have their downside.

The table below lists some of the pros and cons of using digital wallets.

The Bottom Line

Digital wallets are safe and convenient. They give consumers who don’t want to risk sharing their credit card or bank account information with multiple merchants a way to conduct secure financial transactions through a single software app.

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