> I don't understand what the big deal is. It takes 5 seconds to slide the card into the machine
For most people, there's the time to get their wallet or equivalent out of pockets or purses, fiddle to get the card, put it the correct way and swipe (but not too fast or too slow!). Vs a phone/watch tap which is usually much more convenient.
I guess it's what you're used to. I have a small wallet I carry in a front pocket, haven't had to swipe a card in ages, and it takes 5 seconds to insert the card.
Maybe if I wore my Apple Watch more, I'd get used to using it but the card just seems more straightforward in general. Maybe I'll insert and maybe I'll tap. I'm pretty indifferent.
It would take me just as long to get my phone out of my pocket as it would to get my wallet out. Plus a lot of machines have tap pay now if your card supports it.
It's not unlocked until you unlock it. The only reason the phone is more convenient for some people is because they're playing on it while waiting in line.
For most people, there's the time to get their wallet or equivalent out of pockets or purses, fiddle to get the card, put it the correct way and swipe (but not too fast or too slow!). Vs a phone/watch tap which is usually much more convenient.