Digital wallets have, over the past decade, moved from being an option at some advanced stores to a payment method that works in most places. On Aug. 12, IT outlet Engadget reported that they have become so common that new phones prompt users to register credit cards in a virtual wallet, and most major card issuers support them.

Which digital wallet can be used still depends on the device. Apple Pay is mainly used on Apple devices, while Google Wallet is mainly used on Android. Samsung device users can also choose Samsung Pay, but while device integration may be better, its compatibility range is narrower than Google Wallet's.

Since last year, Apple Pay users have also been able to use Tmoney transit cards in the Apple Wallet app. That means they can use various forms of transport conveniently and safely with an iPhone or Apple Watch without a physical card.

Google Wallet, meanwhile, has kept a function that lets users scan and store various documents and passes. With it, users can recognise and easily manage document types including loyalty cards, passports, identification cards, insurance and event tickets. It also introduced a feature last year that allows safe management of children's digital payments.

Digital wallets offer major convenience, but they also have limits. Keeping payment methods on a smartphone makes them easy to use, but unexpected problems can arise at the moment of payment. That has also led to analysis that it is better to prepare other payment methods as well, rather than relying only on digital payments.

Registering a few cards in a smartphone wallet alone can be valuable enough as a backup. As users get used to digital payments, they can make broader use of the benefits, but they should not expect from the outset that it will fully replace other payment methods.

The core of digital wallets is not only convenience but also the fact that payment infrastructure is intertwined with devices and service ecosystems. Even though adoption has surged, it is worth revisiting that actual usability depends on compatibility and whether a backup option is secured.