What could be simpler than getting your phone out and using it for contactless payment? This kind of mobile payment is made possible via a digital wallet. “Digital wallets are either included by the manufacturer in the phone hardware – as is the case for Apple*, for example – or available via an app that you download yourself”, explains Laurent Bailly, Visa’s Head of Digital, Risk & Transactional products France, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Paying securely

Thanks to your phone’s authentication system – using fingerprint, facial recognition, PIN or pattern lock – no one can access your e-wallet and pay for your purchases in shops or online without your permission.

With Visa Token technology, your mobile payments are completely secure when you link your e-wallet to your Visa card.**

Whichever e-wallet you choose, your payment card will be activated by Visa. “We work with all the various parties involved”, Laurent Bailly told us. “Our role is to provide the token technology to enable secure digital payment. When you pay via contactless using your phone, all sensitive information on the card is replaced by a token. This means that even if a data breach occurs, the consequences are limited as it’s this token, and not the card information, that will be lost.”  

Once you’ve tried it, you won’t go back

Mobile payment using an e-wallet is more secure than card payment and also more convenient in your daily life. All you have to do is select your card in your app, confirm your identity using biometrics (fingerprint or facial recognition), and hold your phone close to the payment terminal**. “The way I see it is, once you’ve tried it, you won’t go back. It’s so seamless and, unlike contactless card payments, you’re not limited to 50 euros, so it’s even more convenient. The only limit is your card’s limit”***, he added.

The e-wallet can also be activated on a range of connected devices, such as a smart watch. So after your morning jog on a Sunday morning, you can pay for your croissants with your smart watch. “By combining tokenisation and biometrics, there are numerous possible applications for this technology. Right now, we’re working with a German car manufacturer to develop a solution that will allow you to pay directly from your car in a much more seamless way. The way it works is that your card is linked to an e-wallet installed in the car, and payment is validated by your fingerprint in the vehicle”, the Visa expert explained.

Widely available in Luxembourg

Despite these advantages, mobile payment in Luxembourg is still relatively uncommon compared to other European countries. However, customers of most banks in Luxembourg can already use the Apple Pay* digital wallet. “Banks play a key role in the adoption of mobile payments by allowing their customers to activate these e-wallets”, Bailly explains. “Once the feature is activated, it’s very quick for users to set up. Tokenisation is a key technology in payment security. As well as being used for mobile and device payment, it will also make online transactions more secure.” 

Want to find out more about secure mobile payment with Visa? Visit

_{* Apple brand belong to Apple Inc. and is only used for identification purposes and do not imply Visa's endorsement. **Subject to the availability of contactless mobile payment with your bank. Subject to acceptance of mobile payments by the merchant.}

_{***See the conditions applicable for the authorised payment limits at your bank}