No app switching, no setup gymnastics.
Millions of international visitors are excluded from US digital payments for lack of a domestic bank account or mobile phone number. These aren't just inconveniences, they're moments of exclusion and lost opportunity.
When my friends visit NYC, I cover the bill. When I visit them, they do the same. It's our workaround since payments don't flow easily across borders.
So… we came to NYC for a few months and needed to buy a few things from neighbors to set up the apartment. We had to use cash because neither Venmo nor Zelle work without an app, and the app only works for phones with the US App Store. So we couldn't download either app. It took longer to buy and sell from others, and in some instances we opted not to buy certain things.
We watched a group of tourists walk out when they realized they couldn't pay. It happens more than you'd think.
I had an annoying moment at that art exhibition we went to in March. I couldn't pay for a drink because they only took Venmo or cash. I had my iPhone from Australia, but I couldn't download Venmo.
Every time I try to send money to my daughter studying in London, I get hit with crazy fees and terrible exchange rates. There has to be a better way.
I just wanted to split dinner, but none of my usual options worked here. It's awkward when you can't pay the way you're used to.
Digital payment barriers cost travelers, businesses, and the US economy billions every year.
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