Samsung has expanded its Wallet app to support digital student IDs at 68 colleges and universities across the United States. This feature allows students to easily use their Samsung phones for campus access and purchases. Some of the educational institutions that have enabled ID integration for Samsung Wallet include Penn State, the University of Florida, Central Michigan University, University of North Alabama, and the Stevens Institute of Technology.
This move by Samsung follows in the footsteps of Apple, which has been supporting contact-free student ID cards since 2018. Apple’s feature allows students to tap their phones to access facilities and make purchases at the cafeteria. Similarly, Google Pay also launched student ID integration in 2020, partnering with Transact, a company that provides solutions for tuition and student expense payments. Samsung has teamed up with Transact to enable this integration, requiring users to download the Transact eAccounts mobile app from Google Play.
Samsung Wallet’s digital student ID integration offers many convenient features. With the Fast Mode feature, users can tap their phones without having to unlock the screen, providing quick and easy access to school facilities. Additionally, the Power Reserve feature ensures that students can still use their digital ID even if their phone’s battery is low or the device has turned off. However, it is important to note that the capability to make payments using NFC at on-campus stores and vending machines may not be available at all participating institutions.
Currently, Samsung Wallet’s digital ID support is only available on select Samsung devices, including Galaxy S20 or later models, Note 20, Galaxy Flip or Fold devices, and Galaxy A53. However, Samsung has plans to expand the offering and make it available for students at more institutions. Additionally, support for Galaxy Watches will be introduced this fall, offering students another convenient way to access their digital IDs.
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Overall, Samsung’s expansion of its Wallet app to support digital student IDs is a significant development for college and university students across the United States. This feature provides increased convenience and accessibility, allowing students to use their Samsung phones for campus access and purchases. With the partnership between Samsung and Transact, students can expect a seamless experience with their digital IDs. As Samsung works to expand this offering and make it available to more institutions, more students will be able to enjoy the benefits of digital student IDs.