Apple Had More Than 1 Million Card Activations During First 72 Hours of Apple Pay

[mercuryjones]

There's little problem because I imagine so few people use NFC to pay to begin with. The "problem" is mostly in forum users heads. I can't imagine the general public being all that caring.

I've had the ability to use NFC payments for a few years now - and don't. Not my thing.

So, because you don't use it and haven't physically seen anyone use it, it's automatically not being used? Seems like a huge leap of logic.
Chances are good that the general public doesn't really care, just as they don't really care whether their phone runs iOS or Android, just so long as it does what they need it to do. And yet, they arguments about which is better/worse continue on the internet.
If you and people like you continue to not use NFC payments, then it will never gain traction and we'll all be stuck with credit cards and the poor implementation like CVS/RiteAid and others are trying.

 

[caesarp]

Forgive me please if this seems troll-ish ...

But I'm struggling with the Apple Pay concept. Sure I'm hoping it will change the way everyone pays, but will it actually do so? Hear me out. I'm imagining a world where Apple Pay "wins" and no one carries a wallet anymore, just their phone. But then I run into these thoughts -

1. People still pay with CHECKS in stores. This will die out (literally) in time, so I'm ok here.

2. It will take a generation probably to get rid of physical credit and debit cards, ok here too.

3. There will always be places that only take cash (right?). I'm imagining mom and pop shops in the middle of nowhere that will look at me sideways when I throw my phone at them in hopes to purchase a souvenir. And no, I don't think these will necessarily go away, since somehow certain places have managed to exist without accepting credit cards at all.

4. I can sort of live with 1-3. But until the government gets on board with this and issues e-Driver Licences I will always have to carry a couple things with me.

It's a really cool idea...However, I just can't help but think that Apple is just adding an additional payment option to the world and will never help me live out my no-wallet dream, because of non-adopters.

Please correct me if I'm way off here, because I would love to be.

I don't think the whole point of Apple Pay is no wallet. The point is a BETTER payment option (not just another payment option). Better than swiping or chip/pin as more secure. And faster too. Of course there will always be cash.

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And in the real world when someone needs something from the drugstore they will run to any drugstore nearest to them despite Apple pay or not. This whole thing about switching from one drugstore to a different one because they ditched ApplePay is becoming ridiculous.

I don't think this is about switching drugstores. Its about a dick move by certain drugstores. Whether people really switch or not is an entirely different issue. But its still a dick move and CVS and RiteAid did (and should) take a PR hit. As did CurrentC.

 

[samcraig]

So, because you don't use it and haven't physically seen anyone use it, it's automatically not being used? Seems like a huge leap of logic.
Chances are good that the general public doesn't really care, just as they don't really care whether their phone runs iOS or Android, just so long as it does what they need it to do. And yet, they arguments about which is better/worse continue on the internet.
If you and people like you continue to not use NFC payments, then it will never gain traction and we'll all be stuck with credit cards and the poor implementation like CVS/RiteAid and others are trying.

Wow. I clearly stated "I live in NYC and while my experiences certainly don't make for facts around the US - I still haven't seen anyone use Apple Pay in a store and I have been to several over the past week that accept NFC payments."

I also don't think it's a huge leap in logic. Are you going to suggest that NFC payments are ubiquitous or can even compare to other types of transactions at the moment?

And on top of this - you want to "blame" people like me for NFC not being adopted. So your logic is since I CAN pay with NFC, that I should be using it?

Wow again.

 

[caesarp]

Does it disturb anyone else that apple "knows" you added cards? I thought everything was going to stay on the device.

No, because they likely know the card brand and that's it. Not the number.

 

[mercuryjones]

Wow. I clearly stated "I live in NYC and while my experiences certainly don't make for facts around the US - I still haven't seen anyone use Apple Pay in a store and I have been to several over the past week that accept NFC payments."

I also don't think it's a huge leap in logic. Are you going to suggest that NFC payments are ubiquitous or can even compare to other types of transactions at the moment?

And on top of this - you want to "blame" people like me for NFC not being adopted. So your logic is since I CAN pay with NFC, that I should be using it?

Wow again.

You also stated that you feel that so few people are using it, that's what I was going off of.
And yes. The more people that USE it, the the more it will become commonplace. If you have the option to use it at a store and you decide not to, then you aren't helping it at all.

 

[samcraig]

I don't think this is about switching drugstores. Its about a dick move by certain drugstores. Whether people really switch or not is an entirely different issue. But its still a dick move and CVS and RiteAid did (and should) take a PR hit. As did CurrentC.

They have taken a PR hit. As had CurrenC. However it will be interesting to see where CurrenC lands now because of it. Fact is - they are only in beta. They could easily rework their entire system, etc before it goes live around the US. Now seeing what Apple has done - if they act on it - might make them rethink their solution. And if they do - that would actually be a feather in their cap. Especially since before very few knew who CurrenC or MCX were. Now more do (I wouldn't say it's on the tip of everyone's tongue). But when it launches, and if they have improved, they can only improve their image by basis of comparison.

So again - it will be interesting to see how it unfolds. I wouldn't necc rule out CurrenC just yet. And that's not me wanting it to succeed (or fail). I just simply think it's too early to tell.

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You also stated that you feel that so few people are using it, that's what I was going off of.
And yes. The more people that USE it, the the more it will become commonplace. If you have the option to use it at a store and you decide not to, then you aren't helping it at all.

I don't think a lot of people are using it. And why do I need to help adoption. How about I pay for my stuff the way I want to. Isn't this what the argument on the other side is? How dare CVS and others take away my choice to use my NFC payment method?

So now you're going to turn around and tell me I shouldn't be using my cards?

 

[AdonisSMU]

Wow. I clearly stated "I live in NYC and while my experiences certainly don't make for facts around the US - I still haven't seen anyone use Apple Pay in a store and I have been to several over the past week that accept NFC payments."

I also don't think it's a huge leap in logic. Are you going to suggest that NFC payments are ubiquitous or can even compare to other types of transactions at the moment?

And on top of this - you want to "blame" people like me for NFC not being adopted. So your logic is since I CAN pay with NFC, that I should be using it?

Wow again.

I used it at Duane Reade last night and the guy right in front of me used ApplePay as did I up in Harlem. Just because you didn't see anyone using it doesn't mean they weren't using it.

 

[samcraig]

I used it at Duane Reade last night and the guy right in front of me used ApplePay as did I up in Harlem. Just because you didn't see anyone using it doesn't mean they weren't using it.

I never said otherwise. I also have rarely seen people use their Android phones to pay. I'm not up in your area either. I'm further south.

 

[mercuryjones]

I don't think a lot of people are using it. And why do I need to help adoption. How about I pay for my stuff the way I want to. Isn't this what the argument on the other side is? How dare CVS and others take away my choice to use my NFC payment method?

So now you're going to turn around and tell me I shouldn't be using my cards?

Nope. Use what you like. All I'm saying is, don't complain about it not making a big difference, if you aren't even willing to try it out. Just because you don't see anyone using it, you aren't going to use it yourself? I'm just curious as to why you don't seem to want to use it, at least to try it out.
As for CVS/RiteAid, that's a whole different thing. They aren't even allowing your the choice of using Apple Pay/Google Wallet. Are you even concerned with that approach, or is it not a big deal to you, since you'll just continue to use your cards as you do now?

 

[SusanK]

Daily Apple Watch charging is a bummer.

Don't stay out too late

 

[greytmom]

And in the real world when someone needs something from the drugstore they will run to any drugstore nearest to them despite Apple pay or not. This whole thing about switching from one drugstore to a different one because they ditched ApplePay is becoming ridiculous.

That is your opinion, and you are entitled to it. But with a Walgreens and CVS right across the street from each other, consumers can choose who they give their business to, and they all have the right to decide what is important to them.

For me, security is a prime concern since I've been a victim of identity theft more than once. The fact that you believe that consumers making choices based on their needs is ridiculous, frankly, strikes me as ridiculous.

 

[AdonisSMU]

I never said otherwise. I also have rarely seen people use their Android phones to pay. I'm not up in your area either. I'm further south.

One of my developer friends tried to show me nfc with android but it didnt work. I didnt belittle him for trying. I was quite interested honestly.

 

[giantfan1224]

They have taken a PR hit. As had CurrenC. However it will be interesting to see where CurrenC lands now because of it. Fact is - they are only in beta. They could easily rework their entire system, etc before it goes live around the US. Now seeing what Apple has done - if they act on it - might make them rethink their solution. And if they do - that would actually be a feather in their cap. Especially since before very few knew who CurrenC or MCX were. Now more do (I wouldn't say it's on the tip of everyone's tongue). But when it launches, and if they have improved, they can only improve their image by basis of comparison.

So again - it will be interesting to see how it unfolds. I wouldn't necc rule out CurrenC just yet. And that's not me wanting it to succeed (or fail). I just simply think it's too early to tell.

How could they rethink their system to make it more palatable to the consumer? As I see it, there are two reasons why merchants want CurrentC:

1. An alternative to the credit card companies as to avoid the 2-5% hit they take every time a customer pays with a CC.
2. Tie it in to programs to promote loyalty (discounts, coupons, etc.)

How do they do #1 without having access to your bank account and therefore having all your personal info? How do they do #2 without your personal info and spamming you with stuff? I just don't see how they could now change the platform enough from their original stated goal that would make it all the sudden an attractive alternative payment method.

 

[samcraig]

Nope. Use what you like. All I'm saying is, don't complain about it not making a big difference, if you aren't even willing to try it out. Just because you don't see anyone using it, you aren't going to use it yourself? I'm just curious as to why you don't seem to want to use it, at least to try it out.
As for CVS/RiteAid, that's a whole different thing. They aren't even allowing your the choice of using Apple Pay/Google Wallet. Are you even concerned with that approach, or is it not a big deal to you, since you'll just continue to use your cards as you do now?

Lots of strawman arguments in here.

It doesn't sound like YOU want me to use what I like. I never complained that it was or was not making a difference. I never said I was or was not willing to try it out. My decision to use it or not is not predicated at ALL on what anyone else is or is not doing.

Why I don't want to use it? Because right now, for me - it's not any more convenient. I see no inconvenience in using my physical card.

CVS and RiteAid can do what they want and people can choose to spend money there or not. Are you suggesting that I must take a stand or fight on any particular side? If they stop allowing me to use a credit card for my purchases, I will likely spend less money there as I often don't carry cash. I wouldn't "stop" shopping there out of principal. They have the right to accept the method of payments they want and I can decide to shop or not shop there.

However - you won't see me organizing a rally or suggest people go in and load up baskets of stuff and cause a scene at checkout when I know they won't take my method of payment. I vote with my wallet. And most people do too without a lot of fanfare.

 

[greytmom]

Me thinks you are the one over generalizing. Only the most zealous care that CVS or Rite Aid turned off their NFC... or even realized they had it in the first place. Actual # of people that signed up for Apple Pay is far less than the 1m # credit card activations. That's just math. But even if it were 1m. In a country of 240m adults, 1m is around .5%. Google Wallet's user base is pretty small too. Again, just math.

Bottom line here is that average tech-adverse person is not hot and bothered a store has or does not have NFC (or turned it off). Only certified geeks are right now. The average consumer isn't going out of the way or going to buy the same items at a higher $ to use it or prove a stupid point like "don't turn off my NFC!" like it was water. As the awareness of NFC grows and more phones have it things may change. To date thought NFC in the U.S. has been a dud.

Also your logic is a bit stilted. Publix didn't turn off their NFC because they never had it. If they had it they would have been pressed by MCX to turn it off, just as CVS and Rite Aid were. So a personal policy to boycott CVS or Rite Aid for a business decision that Publix also made (not use NFC) is incoherent just because Publix never had to make a decision to turn it off.

Talk about convoluted misunderstanding of what I said... my point was that people are boycotting the pharmacies in question because they made a stupid move by turning off a feature that had been available previously. My point about Publix was precisely what you said - they don't have NFC, so clearly my decision about where I shop isn't because these stores are members of MCX.

Speaking of zealots - those that come on line for the sole purpose of mocking and insulting others are zealots of the worst kind. I will never understand why my decisions (or anyone else's decisions) cause so much distress and hostility from a group of complete strangers. Nor will I ever understand why the moderators allow groups of internet bullies to continue their activities. I run a group page for animal rescue, and the minute someone acts like some of the people here, I ban their asses for good.

(Not pointing fingers specifically - there are plenty of examples in this very thread).

 

[tattooedyuppie]

Annoying find: when you turn off passcode, your cards get deleted from Apple Pay and you'll have to re-enter / verify them when you turn passcode back on.

 

[jrswizzle]

And in the real world when someone needs something from the drugstore they will run to any drugstore nearest to them despite Apple pay or not. This whole thing about switching from one drugstore to a different one because they ditched ApplePay is becoming ridiculous.

I don't know about where you live - but where I live, where there's a CVS, there's a Walgreens either right across the street or around the corner.

And the "choosing a drugstore" isn't about the emergency things. It's about regular prescriptions. That's what I think of when I think "choosing a drugstore".

 

[caesarp]

They have taken a PR hit. As had CurrenC. However it will be interesting to see where CurrenC lands now because of it. Fact is - they are only in beta. They could easily rework their entire system, etc before it goes live around the US. Now seeing what Apple has done - if they act on it - might make them rethink their solution. And if they do - that would actually be a feather in their cap. Especially since before very few knew who CurrenC or MCX were. Now more do (I wouldn't say it's on the tip of everyone's tongue). But when it launches, and if they have improved, they can only improve their image by basis of comparison.

Well we know CurrentC doesn't want to play with the credit card companies (and vice versa). So the only thing CurrentC could maybe do would be to add NFC and get rid of QR codes. That would make it less clunky. But then if they open up NFC, not sure if they can exclude Google Wallet and Apple Pay.

 

[jlake02]

Not surprised at all. This is only the beginning (as many on this board predicted long ago).

 

[caesarp]

Annoying find: when you turn off passcode, your cards get deleted from Apple Pay and you'll have to re-enter / verify them when you turn passcode back on.

Makes sense. Otherwise if someone found your phone, they could turn passcode back on, add their fingerprints and use those cards. Thank goodness for this security feature.

 

[gnasher729]

I see several posts from UK members who want Apple pay. I understand NFC is widespread already there.

Can you (or any UK member) think of any UK (or EU, if applicable) bank regulations that would prevent apple pay?

I'd hate to see a hold up like the iTunes Radio delay happen to you all.

The only problem that Apple Pay might or might not have (nobody knows) is the current payment limit. NFC with cards only allows payments up to £20, obviously because anybody could be paying with a stolen card. The reason isn't there with Apple Pay because it's _my_ fingerprint. But we don't know who enforces the limit; is it the NFC terminal or the bank at the end. If the terminal doesn't even allow NFC payment for £20.01, then Apple Pay won't work in that case. If it's the bank rejecting my £20.01 payment with a card that could easily be stolen, then they'll probably adjust it for Apple Pay.

 

[GoCubsGo]

Annoying find: when you turn off passcode, your cards get deleted from Apple Pay and you'll have to re-enter / verify them when you turn passcode back on.

I love that annoying feature. It absolutely suggests that someone had the mindset to attempt to protect users.

 

[kilcher]

I wonder how many of those were cards from the same person, though. I'd be interested to see how many *people* added cards.

But then you should also take into account the people like me, who have 2 cards, and can't add or use either one of them.

So yes, the number of people is almost certainly lower than a million but there are still a LOT of people out there who want to use it and can't yet.

 

[samcraig]

I don't know about where you live - but where I live, where there's a CVS, there's a Walgreens either right across the street or around the corner.

And the "choosing a drugstore" isn't about the emergency things. It's about regular prescriptions. That's what I think of when I think "choosing a drugstore".

I think it's based geography. For example - in NYC - people use duane reade, cvs, etc for shopping. Prescriptions, of course. But a lot of shoppers I see are in there for milk, cereal, gum, beauty supplies, water, etc. Not supermarket shopping. But daily essentials.

Well we know CurrentC doesn't want to play with the credit card companies (and vice versa). So the only thing CurrentC could maybe do would be to add NFC and get rid of QR codes. That would make it less clunky. But then if they open up NFC, not sure if they can exclude Google Wallet and Apple Pay.

Who can say. The turning off of NFC may or may not be a permanent decision. We will know more in the future when CurrentC is releases outside of the beta.

 

[ptb42]

And just one of the reasons the world is in debt...

Each one has a different purpose, and every credit account is zero balance at the end of the month. Actually, the only outstanding debt we have is a mortgage, and we have the funds to pay that off at any time -- but at a rate less than 3%, it's not a smart choice.

It's all about how you manage your financial life.