Pay Using Your Phone and Isis
Over the last month, I’ve had the opportunity to try out a new mobile service which lets your phone act as your method of payment. You simply swipe your phone next to an Isis enabled reader at the register and you are set to go! Isis launched in Salt Lake City and Austin and I’ve been so glad that I have it here in Salt Lake. If you aren’t familiar with the service, you can read about Isis where I outlined the service in a blog post a few weeks back.
Over the last month, I’ve done some Christmas shopping, gone to the movies, enjoyed Jamba Juice, grocery shopped and more. I’ve also received exclusive discounts to these retailers without having to cut coupons, I had them on my phone.
Although Isis has certain retailers that accept the method of payment, I noticed other places I shop also had the service, although not necessarily with Isis, they use the NFC technology. I was at one retailer just this last week. I was ready to dig out my method of payment, when I saw the symbol that I recognized from retailers that accept Isis. I asked about it, swiped my phone and was on my way.
I did have a speed bump or two while using Isis. The first time I went to see a movie, the person behind the register just looked at me like I was crazy when I said I wanted to pay using my phone. It took a manager coming out to figure out how it all worked, but they got it to work. I got to go on a girl’s night out and see the new Breaking Dawn movie. It was awesome!!
Another time that my family went to the movie, Isis was completely down and they said I couldn’t use it. The movie theater was the only place that I seemed to have problems, but I imagine it’s because Isis is fairly new to the area. I really hope that they get the kinks worked out and that it continues to grow in the area because it’s a great service.
Isis is definitely convenient but it also feels a lot safer than carrying a debit card. In order to access my prepaid card and credit cards with Isis, you first have to put a pin in to unlock my phone. I then have a separate pin to open the Isis Mobile Wallet. It’s given me peace of mind knowing that if I were to lose my phone, I could just cancel it instead of worrying that someone was going to go on a shopping spree using my phone.
If you are in the Salt Lake or Austin areas and haven’t downloaded Isis, you get a bonus of $10 for downloading the app, and another $15 bonus when you load a prepaid card for the first time. You do need an NFC enabled device. I’ve been using the Samsung Galaxy S3 to utilize Isis. I really think that Isis and the NFC technology is something we are going to be seeing more and more. I’m excited to see this type of technology integrated into our everyday lives!
I received a phone and gift card in order to review and facilitate this post. All opinions remain 100% my own.
I had heard about paying with your phone but did not know at all how it worked or how it would play out. I am happy to read your article and find out a bit more on the subject. Thank you for the information, B&KR.
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interesting ,never heard of this service before
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