Microsoft Wallet offers Windows 10 Mobile users a more secure and convenient way to pay. Currently, Microsoft Wallet is available to Windows Insiders with Preview builds 14360 or higher, including the newest, build 14371. Once the Windows 10 Anniversary Update is rolled out, more Windows 10 Mobile users that have an NFC compatible phone may be able to take advantage of Microsoft Wallet.
Microsoft Wallet is an Azure-based payment technology that will allow users to make fast and secure mobile payments using their Windows 10 Mobile device. Much like Apple Pay or Android Pay, Microsoft Wallet will extend the experience that Microsoft customers have on the Windows Store to safely and securely sign in and pay for any of the apps, games, products, or accessories available for a unified shopping experience.
With Microsoft Wallet, shopping will be more convenient than ever, allowing Windows 10 Mobile users to tap to pay using their Visa, MasterCard, gift, or loyalty card numbers anywhere they see anywhere you see the contactless payment symbol or the Microsoft Wallet logo at the store register.
Microsoft Wallet for Windows Insiders
At the moment, Microsoft Wallet is only available for Windows Insiders. If you are not a Windows Insider yet, learn how you can become one. Once you are a Windows Insider, download and install any Windows Insider Preview build 14360 or above to your Windows 10 Mobile phone.
Next, you need to be sure you have the right Windows 10 Mobile eligible phone. Here is a list of phones compatible to use with Microsoft Wallet.
Once you are a Windows Insider and have an eligible Windows 10 Mobile phone, you will need to download the Wallet app.
Once downloaded, you can get started on adding your Visa, MasterCard, reward, and loyalty cards. Here’s a list of steps to add a credit, debit, rewards, or loyalty card to your Microsoft Wallet:
- Open the Wallet app
- Swipe right or left to Payment or Loyalty & Tickets (depending on what option you want)
- Tap the “+” sign in the bottom right of the screen, to add a card
- A pop-up screen will be displayed, allowing you to choose “Credit or debit card,” or “Loyalty or membership card” Pick the option of the card you want to add
- For rewards or loyalty cards you need to pick from a list of supported loyalty programs. If your program is not listed, you will need to manually add your card to your Microsoft Wallet.
- From here, you can choose to enter the card number manually or have your Windows 10 Mobile device camera scan your card.
Once you scan your card number or choose to manually enter it, that’s it, you’re done!
Microsoft Wallet supports the following loyalty programs: AAA, AARP, Ace Hardware, AMC Theater, American Eagle Outfitters (until bankruptcy ends them), Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, BevMo!, Big Lots, Bloomingdales, Cabela’s, Champs Sports, Chico’s, Craftsman, CVS, DSW, Eddie Bauer, Finish Line, Fred Meyer, GameStop, GNC, IKEA, iPic Theaters, JCPenny, Lowes, Office Depot, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Panera Bread, Petco, Petsmart, Pro Sports Club, QFC, Red Robin, Regal Cinemas, REI, Rite Aid, Safeway, Sports Authority, Staples, Stop and Shop, The Body Shop, Toys (& Babies) R Us, Ulta, Walgreens, and YMCA.
Once added, your credit, debit, rewards, or loyalty cards will be displayed on your phone like the picture below.
In some cases for memberships where you don’t have a barcode, you will have to enter your membership number manually. Microsoft requires you to have a PIN set up to lock and unlock your phone if you intend on using Microsoft Wallet. Microsoft is still adding more banks, credit unions, and rewards programs to Microsoft Wallet.
Some early adopters have had issues with the newly revised app, so be forewarned that everything may not be working up to snuff just yet.
Visit Microsoft Wallet for details on new banks and more details about new features in the works. If you have an idea for a new feature or comments about Microsoft Wallet, let their team know via the Microsoft Wallet Feedback Hub.
