What is Softcard, and how is it related to my wireless service provider?

Softcard is a joint venture between AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless. Since its inception, Softcard's vision has been simple: Use the power of the mobile phone to help consumers find a safer and better way to shop, pay and save.

Softcard brings together leading banks, payment networks, merchants and wireless service providers to create an open mobile payment and commerce system. The Softcard app can store payment cards, offers and loyalty cards in your compatible phone and transmits payment information to a contactless payment terminal at checkout using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology.

What is the Softcard app?

Softcard is an app that lets you pay with a tap of your phone, save money on purchases with special offers, and store loyalty, membership and rewards cards.

How do I get Softcard on my phone?

Softcard works on select smartphones with NFC technology and an enhanced SIM card.

You can get what you need from your local AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon Wireless retail store. Then simply download and install the app.

Does it cost anything to use Softcard?

The Softcard app is free to download. You do not need to be connected to your wireless service to make an NFC payment using Softcard. However, you will need wireless carrier service for some other app actions, including necessary software updates, and additional data charges may apply based on your data plan and service provider's offering. For use of your payment cards, your payment card issuer's terms and conditions will apply.

What is NFC?

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless technology that allows two devices to exchange information quickly and conveniently at close proximity. The range of NFC is typically less than 4 centimeters.

Softcard uses NFC to transmit payment by tapping your phone to a contactless payment terminal.

What is the "Secure Element"?

The Secure Element is a dedicated hardware component included with your smartphone, and is used to store your payment card information. The Secure Element operates independently from the rest of your phone, and limits access to authorized applications like the Softcard app.

We can help you get one here.

How do I pay with Softcard?

Using Softcard is simple. As the cashier rings up your purchase, open up the app and enter your PIN. Select the payment card you want to use, then hold the back of your phone over the Contactless Symbol on the terminal. Softcard will transmit payment details via Near Field Communication (NFC). Confirm that your payment is received on the terminal or with the cashier.

See how it works here.

Where can I use Softcard to pay?

Softcard can be used to pay anywhere contactless payments are accepted. Just look for this symbol at checkout.

To find locations near you click here.

When will other payment cards be available in Softcard?

We are working with various partners to add new payment cards to the app, and we will continue to announce new eligible payment cards as they become available.

What happens if I lose my phone? How safe is my Softcard app?

Softcard is PIN-protected to limit unauthorized access. If your phone is lost or stolen, one call to your wireless carrier or visit to our website can disable the app.

If your phone is lost or stolen, you should also contact the issuing bank for each of your payment cards in the Softcard app as may be required by the respective banks' service terms and conditions. If your phone is found, another call to your wireless carrier or visit to GoSoftcard.com can reactivate the app, although you will need to contact directly any issuing bank who suspended a payment card in order to have a replacement card loaded in Softcard.

How does Softcard protect my payment credentials?

Your payment card credentials are stored in a special chip known as the Secure Element contained within your compatible smartphone. The Secure Element is isolated from your phone's main operating system and hardware, and is designed to allow access to authorized programs, like the Softcard app, to initiate a transaction. The app is accessed by a user-selected 4 digit PIN, adding another layer of protection. Additionally, a single call to your wireless carrier or visit to our website can disable the app.

If the phone or its Secure Element is lost or stolen, protect your information by calling your wireless carrier immediately to freeze the app and stop wireless service to the phone, and contacting the banks that issued your payment cards.

Does Softcard know what I buy using the app?

Neither Softcard nor your mobile carrier tracks the specific items you purchase.

What can I do to protect my Softcard app?

To reduce the risk of others accessing your app:

• Create a password that includes a minimum of 8 characters with at least 1 uppercase letter, 1 lowercase letter and 1 number. Please do not include special characters (e.g., &, >, *, $, @).
• Be sure to set a security question and answer.
• Never share your PIN, password or security question and answer with anyone.

If you receive a call or email that appears to come from Softcard that requests your email address, email password, social security number or other personal information do not reply to it and do not provide your account information or password. Please note, Softcard does not call or send emails to request personal account or payment card information. Here are some additional safety tips:

• Be aware that email headers can be forged easily. The posing sender may not be the real sender.
• Avoid filling out forms sent via email.
• Do not click on links from email senders you don’t know.
• Remember that threats can also occur on mobile devices. Consider downloading a mobile security app to your phone to protect your device against viruses, malware and spyware.

What if I want to move my Softcard Account to a new phone?

You can move your Softcard Account to a new NFC-enabled phone with the same operating system and Secure Element (the special chip inside the phone that stores your payment card data). If you are replacing a lost or stolen phone, or your new phone is not compatible with your old phone's operating system or Secure Element, it's fast and easy to set up a new Softcard Account on your new phone with your mobile carrier's help. If you switch mobile carriers, you will need to set up a new Softcard Account.

How do I use loyalty cards with Softcard?

Loyalty cards in Softcard are digital versions of the plastic cards you have from merchants. You can add loyalty cards from merchants into the app and use the card when you are making a purchase.

If you are at a merchant that supports SmartTap™ transactions, your loyalty card will be applied automatically when you pay. At other merchants, you show the barcode or card number to the cashier.

Can I view my loyalty card balances in Softcard?

You can view your balance for select loyalty programs you add in Softcard. Once you’ve completed setup; at your request and with your permission; Softcard will be able to show your loyalty program information including your rewards balance. Your rewards balance may be updated periodically, and it will be displayed with the date and time of its last update.

If your balance isn't displaying in the app, please confirm that you entered your loyalty program username and password correctly.

How do I find offers?

Go to the Menu and select Offers to view a list of available offers. With your permission, Softcard collects the current location of your device to help you find nearby offers and stores. You can change your preference at any time.

How do I redeem offers?

When you're ready to redeem an offer, simply select the offer you want to use and follow the on screen directions. You will present your offers to participating merchants either by tapping your phone against a SmartTap enabled reader or by showing the offer barcode or numeric code to the store associates.

What is a SmartTap transaction?

Some merchants support SmartTap transactions, where the payment card and/or loyalty card that you want to use are sent together with one tap of your phone to the SmartTap-enabled payment terminal.

There are some offers that can also be redeemed via SmartTap technology.