Digital Wallet
Tap. Pay. Go. It's Faster and Safer!
Why Use A Digital Wallet?
Digital Wallet lets you store your 1st CCU debit and credit card securely on your smartphone or smartwatch. With built-in security like tokenization and biometric verification your card number is never shared, making it even safer than swiping. It makes purchases in-store, online, or in apps is fast & easy, with no need to pull out your physical card. Look for a contactless payment symbol (looks like a sideways WiFi symbol) at the point of sale.
Secure. Simple. Smart.
- SECURITY: Your actual card number is never shared with the merchant. Instead, a unique, encrypted code is used for each transaction - plus fingerprint, face ID, or passcode to approve purchases.
- FAST AND CONVENIENT: No more digging for your card. Just a quick tap at checkout, online, or in apps and no signature required in most cases.
- WORKS WITH WHAT YOU HAVE: Most newer smartphones and smartwatches have Digital Wallet built in, or you may download the app of your choice. Just add your 1st CCU cards and go.
It's Easy To Get Started
- Verify your device supports Tap & Pay and is NFC-enabled.
- Check to see if your device already has a digital wallet app built into the phone. If not, download the mobile payment app of your choice.
- Follow the prompts in the app to add your 1st CCU debit card and/or credit card (by taking a photo of the physical card or adding card details manually). Select your 1st CCU cards as your default payment option in the app.
- To pay in stores that accept digital wallet, hover or tap your phone near the cashier. To pay online or in an app, click on the payment icon.
1. What is a Digital Wallet?
A digital wallet is a smartphone app that securely stores your debit and credit card information so you can make payments with your phone instead of your physical card.
2. Does it cost anything to use a digital wallet?
Nope — there is no fee from 1st CCU or from the wallet provider to use a digital wallet with your card.
3. Which Digital Wallet apps can I use with my 1st CCU debit or credit card?You can use your 1st CCU debit or credit card with:
- Apple Pay (for iPhone, Apple Watch)
- Google Wallet (for Android devices)
- Samsung Wallet (for Samsung Galaxy devices)
- Garmin Pay (for compatible Garmin watches)
4. How do I add my 1st CCU card to a Digital Wallet?
Here’s a general process:
- Open the digital wallet app (Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, etc.).
- Tap “Add a card” or use a "+" symbol or find 'Add Card' in the menu.
- Follow the instructions to scan or enter your card details.
- Complete any identity verification steps (you may receive a verification code via text or email).
5. Do we need to wait to activate a card before adding it to Digital Wallet?
Yes, the plastic must be activated before a card can be enrolled in Digital Wallets. During the enrollment flow, a Digital Wallet token gets created and is activated via options on the "Card Verification" screen. Once the token is created, it can be used for purchases.
6. Is it safe to use a digital wallet?
Yes. Digital wallets use encryption and tokenization, meaning your actual card number is not shared with the merchant. Plus, you often need a fingerprint, face ID, or passcode to authorize transactions.
7. If I have locked my plastic card in 1st CCU Anywhere, will I still be able to make purchases with Digital Wallet?
No - Card Lock (available for debit cards and credit cards in 1st CCU Anywhere) will still prevent transactions if you try to use Digital Wallet.
8. Can I use digital wallet for in-store purchases?
Yes, you can use your phone to tap and pay at checkout anywhere you see the contactless payment symbol (typically looks like a sideways WiFi symbol).
Just unlock your phone or smartwatch and hold it near the card reader.
9. Can I still get fraud protection and earn CU Reward Points on credit card transactions if I use digital wallet?
Yes. All purchases made through your digital wallet with your 1st CCU debit or credit card are eligible for the same rewards and fraud protection you receive with the physical card.
10. What should I do if I lose my phone?
Your actual card information isn’t stored on your phone, and your phone typically requires authentication (fingerprint, passcode, etc.) to use your wallet. Still:
- Use Find My iPhone or Find My Device to lock or erase your phone
- Contact 1st CCU if needed to deactivate the digital wallet connection
11. Can I still use my physical card if it’s in my digital wallet?
Yes. Adding your card to a digital wallet does not deactivate your physical card. You can use both.
12. When a card expires, do we need to update information in the Digital Wallet?
Digital Wallet token expiration should update via the normal Visa Account Updater process. Since the token is tied to the card number, when the card expiration date changes, Visa should be pushing the change to the token.
13. What if my card is lost or replaced — do I have to update my digital wallet?
If your card is replaced due to expiration or reported lost/stolen:
- A replacement card may automatically update in your wallet (depending on the wallet provider)
- OR, you may need to delete the old card and add the new one manually
14. Do I need to update my digital wallet if I move to a new address?
There are manual updates for the token. Cardholders will only need to ensure that the address is updated for their card(s).
