What is a digital wallet?

Think of the way you have been making payments over the last few years. From ordering food and paying the auto driver to buying groceries and shopping at the mall – how many of your transactions have been in cash or card vs digital payment apps? If the answer is many, then, you are already using digital wallets even if you aren’t clear on what they really are. 

What is a digital wallet?

A digital wallet, also known as an e-wallet, is a secure platform that allows you to store monetary value electronically. Just like a physical wallet where you carry cash and cards, a digital wallet holds your financial details, such as credit and debit card information, bank account details, and even digital currencies. You can make transactions, pay bills, and even invest using a digital wallet without having to rely on physical cash or cards.

This tool can either be an app on a smartphone, or even an integrated feature within your bank's mobile application.

What a digital wallet has to offer
 

• Usefulness: The main benefit of digital wallets is their practicality. You can execute a purchase with just a few taps on a smartphone. No searching for exact change or waiting for card approvals is necessary.
  
  
• Security: Digital wallets have many encryption levels installed to secure your financial information from online dangers and cyber scams and frauds.
  
  
• Offers and benefits: To encourage the usage of their services, several digital wallet providers provide generous discounts, cashbacks, and benefits. As a result, you may be able to save more money overall.
  
  
• Convenience: You can link your bank accounts, invest in mutual funds, and even book tickets using a single digital wallet in addition to saving card information.

Digital wallets popularity in the country

With the government pushing for a Digital India, the adoption of digital wallets has seen a significant surge in the country. Many digital payment platforms have millions of users who rely on these wallets for their daily transactions.

After the Indian government's demonetisation move in 2016, there was a sharp rise[SK1]  in the adoption of digital wallets. As the availability of cash became limited overnight, more and more individuals turned to digital wallets to bridge the gap, creating a long-lasting shift in the nation's payment behaviour.

Factors to consider when choosing a digital wallet

• Trustworthiness: Pick reputable and well-reviewed digital wallets. The last thing you want is to risk your financial information on an unverified platform.
  
  
• Usability: Ensure that the user interface of the digital app is intuitive and user-friendly and that it can easily be linked with your bank’s mobile app.
  
  
• Customer support: An efficient customer support system can be a lifesaver in the event of discrepancies or errors.
  
  
• Merchant acceptance: A good digital wallet should be widely accepted by various merchants, both online and offline.
  
  

Final word

A digital wallet is more than just a trend – it represents a significant shift in how finances are now perceived and managed. As the world marches forward into the digital age, understanding and adapting to these changes is not only beneficial but essential. Embracing digital wallet can simplify your financial lives, make transactions swifter, and potentially offer rewards in the process.

Disclaimer

The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject IDFC FIRST Bank or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. IDFC FIRST Bank shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.