Digital wallets can be even safer and more secure to use than plastic credit cards, cash, checks and other forms of physical payment. But research digital wallet apps carefully and read reviews before committing to one.

In 2026, paying with a phone (using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay) is considered significantly safer than using a physical plastic card. This is primarily due to a process called tokenization. When you tap your phone, the actual card number is never shared with the merchant; instead, a unique, one-time "token" is generated for that specific transaction. If a merchant's database is hacked, your real card information remains secure. Additionally, mobile payments require biometric authentication (Face ID or fingerprint) or a passcode for every single transaction, whereas a lost physical card can often be used for small "tap" payments by anyone until it is reported stolen. Physical cards are also susceptible to skimming—where thieves install devices on card readers to steal magnetic stripe data—a threat that is virtually non-existent with encrypted mobile NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. Furthermore, the "Find My" features on modern smartphones allow you to remotely disable your payment capabilities instantly if the device is lost, providing a level of control and security that a piece of plastic simply cannot match.