Checkout Problems Hindering Growth in Apple Pay Usage

[laurim]

Finally the truth comes out. I've been saying this all along. Apple pay just plain sucks currently. Hardly anywhere accepts it and the average iPhone user doesn't even set it up.

I think it's more that people suck, in that business owners haven't trained their employees properly or have been slow to adopt NFC terminals. I'm totally on board with ApplePay and just waiting for other people to catch up. It's annoying that my grocery store has an app for passbook that enables me to put coupons on my iPhone rather than tear them out of a printed book but I still can't use Apple Pay because they don't have the right terminals.

 

[ChazSch]

I was prompted to call my credit card company in order to setup Apple Pay. That's as far as I ever got with it.

what if T Edison had given up before getting started like you did? Honestly, just try it

 

[Robert.Walter]

Oh yes, let's change from one system, that everyone uses across the entire country and every member of the population can use quickly and simply, and have a few places that may or may not work with Apple pay.

The solution looking for a problem

Ignorance must be bliss.

 

[w00master]

Finally the truth comes out. I've been saying this all along. Apple pay just plain sucks currently. Hardly anywhere accepts it and the average iPhone user doesn't even set it up.

How can this be Apple's fault? Apple users embrassed trying to set up Apple Pay and for most of these folks it's been painless.

Quit blaming Apple for a RETAIL issue. And honestly, this requires a HARDWARE change for MANY of these retailers. That will happen slow, very slowly. Apple (and other NFC platforms) are all in the same boat, they can do very little about it except to encourage expansion.

Apple Pay, when available, works great. Retailers that carry it? We have a long way to go.

 

[Blorzoga]

The issue I have is that, with the exception of Panera, I always have to sign a signature pad or put in my PIN. Kind of defeats the purpose.

 

[CE3]

I've had about a 95% success rate using the LoopPay fob over the past month, and it's pretty much all I've been using at the stores. I like that I can set a default card and don't have to open my phone, or even have it with me, to pay. It's definitely quicker and more convenient than fumbling around a wallet full of plastic. No signatures or pins needed.

As the technology and acceptance of ApplePay grows, Apple should consider making accessories that don't require you to open an app or be tethered to your phone to use the service (and not charging ridiculous prices for them).

 

[w00master]

Oh yes, let's change from one system, that everyone uses across the entire country and every member of the population can use quickly and simply, and have a few places that may or may not work with Apple pay.

The solution looking for a problem

You and others have fallen into this trap. Apple Pay is part of a STANDARD. It's the same standard that Google and other NFC payment providers are all using. I think part of the problem is that you have it stuck in your head that this is exclusive to Apple. it is not. If you see a contactless pay sign at the retailer, Google Wallet will work on it, just like Apple Pay will.

Roll-out is a completely seperate issue, and honestly wish you and others would quit blaiming apple for this. Retailers have to swap out physical hardware, and knowing the retail industry you should know that they are an extremely SLOW beast. This will take time, and it effects not just Apple Pay users but ANY user on a the NFC standard.

w00master

 

[ChazSch]

Finally the truth comes out. I've been saying this all along. Apple pay just plain sucks currently. Hardly anywhere accepts it and the average iPhone user doesn't even set it up.

wait, Apple pay doesn't suck...merchants that don't accept it and people not knowing how to use it suck

Thats like saying a Bugatti sucks because you only let your mom drive it around town.

try to separate the thoughts. Its not APPLE"S fault on the last two points. stop blaming them

 

[w00master]

I've had about a 95% success rate using the LoopPay fob over the past month, and it's pretty much all I've been using at the stores. I like that I can set a default card and don't have to open my phone, or even have it with me, to pay. It's definitely quicker and more convenient than fumbling around a wallet full of plastic.

As the technology and acceptance of ApplePay grows, Apple should consider making accessories that don't require you to open an app or be tethered to your phone to use the service (and not charging ridiculous prices for them).

It's clear you've never used Apple Pay before. You don't need to open an app, you don't even need to unlock your phone. As soon as you are in the presence of an NFC reader, your phone will be ready for Apple Pay. Just like what you are describing as your want.

Loop Pay? Really? Do you know how insecure that platform is? Well, have fun then.

w00master

 

[ChazSch]

It's clear you've never used Apple Pay before. You don't need to open an app, you don't even need to unlock your phone. As soon as you are in the presence of an NFC reader, your phone will be ready for Apple Pay. Just like what you are describing as your want.

Loop Pay? Really? Do you know how insecure that platform is? Well, have fun then.

w00master

I was going to point that out too...that he obviously never used it. Man people frustrate me so....ignorant is no way to go through life and lying is even worse

 

[w00master]

I understand why Apple wants to specially brand their NFC platform. I get it. It makes marketing sense. HOWEVER, from a roll-out perspective, if there any part where I can "blame" (blame is way too harsh of a word here) Apple for is their over use in their branding. These companies (Apple, Google, etc.) really need to start getting together and as a GROUP help push this new STANDARD. Call it what it is... the NFC Standard.

Like it or not, there are many folks that do not like Apple, and in that aspect I can see how the branding of Apple Pay may (or not) have effected the platform. Putting some of your resources to reach out to other groups (like Google) to jointly help PUSH this new standard will go a very long way.

 

[Robert.Walter]

The article has my experience spot-on.

The most frequent places I've used ApplePay so far have been Walgreens and Lucky, and both of those require entering the PIN (debit) or signing (credit, when the transaction is over a threshold). This, after I already successfully touch-ID authenticated with the phone. That means it's not significantly easier than digging out a card, except that I happen to keep my phone in an easier-to-reach pocket usually. I do recognize, however, that it is significantly more secure than a non-EMV (that is, mag-stripe) card.

So to THAT extent, ApplePay at those locations has failed to measure up to the video demo experience at the keynote, which was "da-DONK" and it's over.

----------



Wells Fargo recently sent me a new Visa with an EMV chip in it, and to my great surprise, they sent me (separately) a PIN for it. I knew what it meant, but the PIN paperwork went through a great deal of explaining that outside of the US it was going to be needed to use the card at all, so I am fairly certain that that *is* a CHIP-and-PIN card.

Of course, I've already forgotten the PIN, but do have that paper in the safe at home.

Just store the PIN and CVC numbers in the Description Section of the credit card section of iCloud/safari Auto-Fill. I do it like this: Amex 1234/567/8901, where 123=front code, 567=rear code, 8902=PIN code, for Visa or MC, since there is no front code, I replace the 1234 with -- to get --/567/8901.

 

[w00master]

The issue I have is that, with the exception of Panera, I always have to sign a signature pad or put in my PIN. Kind of defeats the purpose.

IMHO, nope... Panara doesn't have your CC#.

 

[metamorphoses]

am curious to know if anyone has a rough estimate as to how many american consumers have devices that will work with apple pay?
my 5s excludes me at this point in time.
thanks!

 

[CE3]

It's clear you've never used Apple Pay before. You don't need to open an app, you don't even need to unlock your phone. As soon as you are in the presence of an NFC reader, your phone will be ready for Apple Pay. Just like what you are describing as your want.

Loop Pay? Really? Do you know how insecure that platform is? Well, have fun then.

w00master

Oh darn. I use LoopPay and I'm not one of the cool kids

All of these platforms have security issues. I monitor my credit cards & credit report changes closely. If a card gets skimmed or stolen, I'll be quick to catch it and get it sorted.

You're right, I haven't used ApplePay yet. Good to know you don't need to unlock your phone or open an app to use it.

This isn't about brands or loyalty - I use LoopPay because of all the contactless payment options out there right now, it's the one that actually works and can be used just about everywhere.

 

[w00master]

am curious to know if anyone has a rough estimate as to how many american consumers have devices that will work with apple pay?
my 5s excludes me at this point in time.
thanks!

Once Apple Watch comes out, nearly anyone with Apple Watch and up to iPhone 5 will be able to use Apple Pay. That said, since (again) Apple Pay is part of a STANDARD, we should honestly start counting Google Devices and others, that will give you a more honestly estimate of how many American Consumers that "have devices that will work with (edited) CONTACTLESS PAYMENT"

 

[JackieInCo]

I set it up when I got my iPhone 6 in December, it's basically April now and I still haven't used it once.

Same.

I got a credit card just to use for this and haven't used it. i don't shop at Walgreens or any other place where it is accepted so far.

 

[w00master]

Same.

I got a credit card just to use for this and haven't used it. i don't shop at Walgreens or any other place where it is accepted so far.

Roll-out is slow as it requires a hardware change for retailers. And we all know how fast retaliers move! LOL

That said, instead of focusing on "Apple Pay," have you looked or seen the actual NFC standard logo?

I realize NFC is not available everywhere, but it's in more places than what most think.

I wonder if the Apple Pay branding has actually hurt and confused the market on NFC roll out.... I'm starting to think it has.

 

[jimmysalg]

Apple Pay

I agree with most people, the only place that seems to work as advertised is McDonalds and Walgreens seems to work pretty good as well. BJ's asked me for my card and ID....so whats the point? Also for some reason only certain cards from certain banks work (but thats a bank issue). Growing pains I guess, I hope it gets better I think its really neat. Yet the strangest thing, I went to some whole in the wall Taco stand and they had an NFC terminal, worked like a charm!

 

[JackieInCo]

Roll-out is slow as it requires a hardware change for retailers. And we all know how fast retaliers move! LOL

That said, instead of focusing on "Apple Pay," have you looked or seen the actual NFC standard logo?



I realize NFC is not available everywhere, but it's in more places than what most think.

I wonder if the Apple Pay branding has actually hurt and confused the market on NFC roll out.... I'm starting to think it has.

Yes, I know what the NFC logo looks like. I saw a Coke machine last week that had this as a payment option at a rest area while traveling. It accepted bills, coins, credit cards had the NFC logo on it next to the credit card slot.

 

[w00master]

Yes, I know what the NFC logo looks like. I saw a Coke machine last week that had this as a payment option at a rest area while traveling. It accepted bills, coins, credit cards had the NFC logo on it next to the credit card slot.

Guess what, Apple Pay will work with it.

But to fair, you're right, the NFC standard has been slow. But, Apple (and others like Google) can do little about it except to help encourage retailers to update their hardware. Not an easy task.

However, where Apple may have in some way have gone wrong is pushed the branding of "Apple Pay" a bit too much. It's confused the marketplace.

 

[bigchrisfgb]

Oh yes, let's change from one system, that everyone uses across the entire country and every member of the population can use quickly and simply, and have a few places that may or may not work with Apple pay.

The solution looking for a problem

You clearly have no idea how Apple pay works. It works the same way as your wireless debit/credit cards. Existing ways of paying will still be available.

 

[WalterNeff]

I tried it for the first time today

at Starbucks - gave up: couldn't get it to work.

 

[Piggie]

I wonder if the Apple Pay branding has actually hurt and confused the market on NFC roll out.... I'm starting to think it has.

Yes, I agree with you.

Apple are "The Very Worst" when it comes to adopting, working with, and promoting any industry standard.
They always have to either screw it up, make it only work with Apple, or call the Apple version something else just to confuse people.

I'm all for things like this, but it needs to be a standard, and called a standard.
Not the Apple Do-Hicky-Shazam-Payment.

If it's NFC, then let's just all call it NFC, so when people who know nothing about this stuff see their phone does NFC payments, and they see NFC pay methods on stores, they think, ahh, yes, mind does that.

And that goes for everyone not just Apple.

We don't need to call it Apple Bloody Pay just to confuse people.

 

[AllieNeko]

One common complaint here seems to be signatures. Right now, most US merchants are submitting these as magnetic stripe transactions. Magnetic stripe cardholder verification rules thus apply, which usually means a signature over $25 or $50, and at some merchants, a signature at any amount.

Over the next few months, this will change and more merchants will submit these as chip transactions, following the chip CVM flow. The difference here is that the chip mode will add a new CVM: "on-device CVM" - this is a way a mobile device can tell a payment terminal that it has already verified the cardholder.

Right now, Apple Pay does NOT contain "on-device CVM" but it is expected that it will once that is widely supported in the US. At that point, no signature or PIN will ever be required if the merchant terminal supports this CVM entry.