Digital wallets
Digital wallets store payment information on smartphones and enable payments online and on-site — e.g. Apple Pay, Google Pay, TWINT and PayPal.
Digital Wallets
Digital wallets — also known as e-wallets or digital wallets — store payment information such as credit cards, debit cards or bank details on the smartphone. Users can use them to pay online and in-store without physical cards or cash.
In Switzerland, TWINT (over 5 million users), Apple Pay and Google Pay are the most widely used digital wallets. Internationally, PayPal is the best-known provider. The wallets differ in how they work: TWINT connects directly to your bank account, while Apple Pay and Google Pay tokenise the stored credit card.
For merchants, digital wallets are an important conversion driver in mobile commerce: the checkout process is accelerated because your customers do not have to enter card details manually. At the POS, wallets enable fast contactless payment via NFC.
Digital wallet examples
A customer pays in the online shop via Apple Pay — one click, confirm Face ID, paid. No card entry required.
A TWINT user scans the QR code on a restaurant invoice and pays directly in the TWINT app.
A business traveller pays for their hotel via Google Pay — contactless at the terminal, confirmed by fingerprint.
Digital Wallets FAQ
What are digital wallets?
Digital wallets are apps or software that store payment information and enable payments online and in person — e.g. Apple Pay, Google Pay, TWINT and PayPal.
Which digital wallets are relevant in Switzerland?
With over 5 million users, TWINT is the most widely used digital wallet in Switzerland. Apple Pay and Google Pay are also popular among smartphone users. PayPal is relevant for international payments.
How secure are digital wallets?
Very secure. Digital wallets use tokenisation (actual card details are never transmitted), encryption, and biometric authentication (Face ID, fingerprint).
Should your online shop accept digital wallets?
Yes, especially TWINT and Apple Pay/Google Pay. They speed up checkout, increase conversion in mobile commerce and are being expected by more and more Swiss customers.
