5 New Ways To Pay

So you’ve gone cashless, but would you go cardless, too? These apps have given us new ways to pay for everyday items

- Leigh Hermon

Credit and debit cards have made going cashless easier than ever, but smartphones might make going cardless the way of the future. Here  are just some of the apps that are changing the way we pay.

1. Snap & pay

SnapScan (free for iOS/Apple; Android)

With over 30 000 merchants across SA using SnapScan, it’s one of the most widely-used payment apps. Using your phone’s camera, the app scans a store (or website’s) unique SnapCode so you can pay for a coffee or online purchase. It supports all SA bank accounts and credit cards, as well as some debit cards. Simply download the SnapScan app to your smartphone and link your card details – these will be encrypted, so your info’s safe even if someone steals your phone. When you are ready to pay, open the app, point your camera at the store’s SnapCode (found next to the till or on your bill), type in the amount and your four-digit PIN, and you’re done!

2. Set up an e-wallet

Wechat Wallet (free for iOS/Apple; Android)