# Virtual Credit Storage Mobile credit card apps allow for convenient payment and thinner wallets. By [Joanne Lam](https://www.trendhunter.com/joanne), Senior Editor | Published Jun 6, 2011 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/virtual-credit-storage-mobile-credit-card-apps-allow-for-convenient ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.8/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Virtual Credit Storage trend? **Virtual Credit Storage:** Providing shoppers with a convenient means of carrying a thin wallet while shopping, tech and social media businesses are creating apps to replace the numerous credit cards that often take up too much room in an individual’s pockets. With society’s movement towards a world that’s more virtual-based, these non-tactile payment methods will surely increase in popularity with time. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 14, 2009 to May 27, 2011 - Published: Jun 6, 2011 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity) ## Audience - Gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Virtual Credit Storage trend ### Virtual Wallets The increasing popularity of virtual wallets is an opportunity for businesses to provide efficient ways to organize clients' information. ### Mobile Phone Payments Mobile payment systems such as Google Wallet and Square offer no-contract, low-cost alternatives for businesses to accept payments with ease and convenience. ### Non-Tactile Payment Methods The shift towards non-tactile payment methods presents an opportunity for businesses to cater to customers who prefer contactless options, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. ## What the Virtual Credit Storage trend means for industry ### For Fintech Fintech companies should innovate solutions that optimize mobile payments experience and integrate with virtual wallets. ### For Retail Retailers can take advantage of mobile payment and virtual wallet technology to create seamless checkout experiences for customers. ### For Hospitality Hotels, restaurants, and cafes can adopt non-tactile methods of payment such as mobile phone payments and QR code scans to offer customers a safer and more convenient experience. ## Trend signals for Virtual Credit Storage Trend score 3.8 out of 10, from popularity 55%, activity 52%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 55% - Activity: 52% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Virtual Credit Storage trend 4 featured examples from Dec 14, 2009 to May 27, 2011. - [Mobile Phone Billfolds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-wallet): Google Wallet Will Make your Purse and Bank Account Much Lighter (Category: Tech) Implication: The retail industry can take advantage of Google Wallet by adopting compatible payment systems and providing customers with seamless mobile payment options. - [iPhone Money Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/square-payment-system): 'Square' Payment System Lets Any Business Take Credit Cards Instantly (Category: Business) Implication: Square's payment system disrupts traditional payment processing industries. - [Virtual Wallets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scanaroo-app): The Scanaroo App Clears Your Pockets of Royalty Card Clutter (Category: Business) Implication: Fintech companies can integrate these virtual wallet apps into their existing offerings to make them more efficient and user-friendly. - [Cellular Coffee Payments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-card-mobile): Starbucks Card Mobile App Lets You Pay With Your Phone (Category: Business) Implication: Retailers could offer mobile payment options to provide a more convenient and efficient shopping experience for their customers. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)