Samsung Wallet Now Offers Digital School ID Support for US Campuses

Samsung’s Wallet app has expanded its support for digital student IDs, allowing students at 68 colleges and universities in the US to conveniently use their Samsung phones for access and purchases. However, this feature is only available on the United States versions of the latest Samsung devices. Several educational institutions, including Penn State, the University of Florida, Central Michigan University, University of North Alabama, and the Stevens Institute of Technology, have already integrated their student IDs with Samsung Wallet.

Apple has supported contactless student cards since 2018, allowing students to tap their phones to access facilities and, for example, to get food from the cafeteria. Google Pay also launched student card integration in 2020 in partnership with a company called Transact, which offers solutions for tuition fees and other student expenses. It’s the same company that Samsung has partnered with to enable this integration, which means users will need to download the Transact eAccounts mobile app from Google Play as well.

Like other digital student card integrations, Samsung Wallet allows students to use school facilities on their phone. The app’s Fast Mode feature allows users to tap the phone without having to unlock the screen, while Power Reserve means they can use their digital ID even if their phone is turned off due to low battery. However, the ability to pay with NFC in stores and vending machines on campus is not available at all participating institutions.

Currently, students can only use Samsung Wallet digital ID support if they have a Galaxy S20 phone or newer, Note 20, Galaxy Flip or Fold device, or Galaxy A53. Galaxy Watch support is coming this fall. Samsung also says it is working to expand the offering and make it available to students at more institutions.