More and more businesses are going cashless these days. From coffee shops to online retailers, digital payments have become the norm. While this shift brings convenience and speed, it also calls for smart habits to keep your personal and financial information safe.

Whether you’re new to digital wallets or looking to level up your security, here’s how to navigate this increasingly cashless world with confidence.

Understanding Digital Wallets: The Modern Way to Pay

Digital wallets like Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, and Samsung Wallet™ allow you to make secure payments using your smartphone, smartwatch, or tablet. These apps store your debit or credit card information and use encryption and tokenization to protect your data.

Benefits of using a digital wallet:

• Tap-to-pay convenience at checkout.
• Added security through biometric authentication (like fingerprint or Face ID).
• No need to carry multiple physical cards.

If you’re a First Financial member, your debit and credit cards can be added to most major digital wallets for fast, secure transactions in person or online.

Stay Smart About Security

While digital wallets are secure by design, it’s important to be aware of some things that could put you at risk. Here are some key tips to protect yourself:

1.    Don’t Use Website Card Storage

It might be tempting to save your card info on your favorite shopping apps or websites for faster checkout, but that opens the door to more risk if those platforms get hacked. Stick with secure digital wallets instead of storing payment details directly in online or retailer accounts.

2.    Avoid Saving Card Info When on Public Wi-Fi

Public networks at airports, coffee shops, and hotels are not secure. Never enter or save sensitive card information when connected to an unsecured network. If you must make a transaction on-the-go, use a personal hotspot or a trusted mobile connection.

3.    Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

Add an extra layer of protection to your banking and wallet apps with multi-factor authentication. This typically means entering a code sent via text or email in addition to your password.

4.    Keep Your Apps Updated

Outdated apps may lack the latest security protections. Keep your mobile banking app, digital wallet, and device operating system current to protect against vulnerabilities.

First Financial Tools to Help You Go Cashless with Confidence

As a First Financial member, you have access to a full suite of digital banking services to support a cashless lifestyle:

• Mobile Wallet Compatibility for secure tap-to-pay transactions.
• Mobile Banking App for your First Financial account monitoring, transfers, and alerts.
• Card Controls to turn your First Financial cards on/off instantly if lost or stolen.
• 1 Click Remote Deposit so you can deposit checks without a trip to the branch.

Going cashless doesn’t mean giving up control, it means gaining tools that work smarter and faster. If you have questions about setting up your digital wallet or using your First Financial cards safely online, our team is here to help. Visit firstffcu.com, give us a call at 732-312-1500, or stop by your nearest branch to learn how to make digital payments safely and confidently.

*You must have an account at First Financial Federal Credit Union (serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties in NJ), and be enrolled in First Financial online banking, to use our mobile application or digital wallet. Standard data rates and charges may apply.