As a woman, I find there is something freeing about not having to tote around a giant wallet all the time filled with multiple loyalty rewards programs, credit and debit cards, and if I am lucky, a couple of gift cards. Because of this, you could imagine my excitement surrounding one of Apple’s newest endeavors, ApplePay. Available on the newest phone models, as well as the new Apple Watch, I figured why not upgrade my device now so I could enjoy the whole “semi-wallet free” lifestyle as soon as possible? After two backorders, two long days of shipping, and a phone call to my cell phone provider later, my new iPhone 6 was in my possession and up and and running. Now, after talking about all of my excitement surrounding this feature, imagine my shock and upset that when I went to set up Apple Pay on my phone, and I got the dreaded message that my credit union does not support Apple Pay. After a bit of digging, I calmed down after I found out that they will, in early 2015.

So while I wait for my credit union to support ApplePay, here are a few things that I am doing in the mean time to declutter my wallet:

Using Passbook—Passbook is a great feature that I newly discovered on my iPhone that allows you to store all of your loyalty cards in one place. If you’re like me and get suckered into signing up for these programs, why not make it easier on yourself by having them all available in one place, instead of taking up room in your wallet? Even better, certain Ticketmaster tickets are available on your Passbook, so when you arrive at your venue, all you need is your phone!

Using Apps—Yes, I know it is bad, but I am one of those Starbucks people, and keeping up my Gold Member status is even easier with their app. Instead of carrying around my card where ever I am, I use my app to add more money to my card, add gift cards and transfer those funds to my gold card, tip my barista, and my favorite, use my free drink rewards.

Until my credit union supports ApplePay, this will work, but look out for another post about ApplePay in early 2015!

Basha Gitnes
Marketing Specialist

My Passbook

My Starbucks App