A Guide About eWallet vs Digital Wallet vs Mobile Wallet (2024)

eWallet vs Digital Wallet vs Mobile Wallet.

Are they interchangeable? Are the same concepts? Is there any difference between them?

Well, while these three terms sound similar, there are some significant differences between them. And in the age of digital payment where everyone is using one, it’s important to know the difference.

Even more so for investors who want to develop digital payment solutions.

“The future of payments is invisible.” – Marc Andreessen

We have got you covered.

In this blog, we shall be discussing all you need to know about the “mobile wallet vs digital wallet vs eWallet” debate.

Let’s get right into it.

The Growing Industry of Digital Payment

Fintech statistics never fail to show us the huge potential of the market and how much these platforms are making in the industry.

So, before we pry down the difference between mobile wallet, eWallet, and digital payment, let’s dive into the industry.

• The User Base for Digital Payments is Expected to Cross 5,480.00 Million by 2027
• Back in 2020, the market for digital payment as a whole was worth around $4 trillion. Now, boosted by new trends,Statista claims the global market will reach $10 trillion by 2026
• eWallet Statistics shows the market size was around $85.6 Billion in 2022, fast forward to 2023, and it reached 105.5 Billion. If the market follows the same trajectory, it will hit $567.2 Billion by 2032.
• The use of Apps like will double between 2020 and 2025, showing the amazing growth rate of the market and demand for eWallet apps.
• Reports show this solution will be responsible for transactions worth$16 Trillion by 2028.

Now if you want to create a fintech app like Venmo, Cash App, or any other digital payment solution, it is important to know the difference between digital wallet vs mobile wallet vs eWallet. And that’s exactly what we shall be discussing in the section below.

Are Digital Wallet, eWallet, and Mobile Wallet not the same thing?

While the terms “Digital Wallet”, “eWallet”, and “mobile wallet” are used interchangeably, they aren’t the same thing.

So, the answer is, NO, they aren’t the same.

There ever so slight difference between all three of these wallet niches. If you are looking to learn more about it, we shall be discussing just that.

Let’s get started, with the first concept of the eWallet vs digital wallet vs mobile wallet debate:

“The internet has turned commerce inside out.” – Jeff Bezos

What Are eWallet?

Let’s start with the eWallets.

So, what are eWallets? Well, in layman’s terms, these are a digital counterpart of your traditional wallet.

In that sense, it allows the users to store, manage, and transfer digital currency or financial assets.

eWallets can exist in the form of mobile apps, with apps like PayPal being popular examples of the same. No wonder so many companies and startups want to invest in eWallet Software development. Speaking of which, let’s look at some more example below.

eWallet Example

1. PayPal: A widely used eWallet that enables online payments and money transfers.
2. Skrill: Allows users to make online payments and manage digital currencies.
3. Google Pay: While it’s often associated with mobile payments, Google Pay also functions as an eWallet for online transactions.

eWallet Features

Let’s look at some top eWallet features that help you better understand the concept:

• Secure Digital Currency Storage
• Online Transactions
• Payment Method
• Peer-to-Peer Transfers
• Multi-Platform Accessibility
• eWallet security protocols

What Are Mobile Wallets?

Let’s move to the mobile wallet.

This is what you get when you combine digital wallets and mobile app development.

Everything that you get is the same as a digital wallet with the only difference being these are created in the form of mobile applications to be accessible via devices like smartphones and tablets.

This covers various categories of popular solutions like cash advance apps as well as cross-border transaction apps like Transferwise.

A mobile wallet is a type of digital wallet specifically designed for use on mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets.

Mobile Wallet Example

1. Apple Pay: Enables users to make secure and contactless payments using their Apple devices.
2. Samsung Pay: A mobile wallet that supports both NFC mobile payments and magnetic secure transmission (MST) for wider compatibility.
3. PayTM: The platform is a perfect example of UPI app development done right, gaining the title of mobile wallet super app.

Mobile Wallet Features

To better understand the entire mobile wallet vs digital wallet vs eWallet debate, let’s look at its features.

• Contactless Payments
• Device Compatibility
• Additional Features
• integration with mobile banking services
• Strong App Security
• Offline Payments

What Are Digital Wallets?

Lastly, we have the parent category of both eWallets and mobile wallets.

The concept of “digital wallet” serves as an umbrella term encompassing both eWallets and mobile wallets.

In simple words, any wallet that exists in digital form can be considered a digital wallet.

Consequently, everything from money transfer app development to crypto-wallet app development is covered within this niche.

Digital Wallet Example

1. Blockchain Wallet: A digital wallet primarily designed for storing and managing cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Leveraging Blockchain development.
2. Amazon Pay: While often associated with online shopping, Amazon Pay serves as a digital wallet for making payments on the Amazon platform.
3. Venmo: Combining aspects of a social platform with payment functionality, Venmo is a digital wallet for peer-to-peer transactions.

Digital Wallet Features

• Comprehensive Storage
• Security Protocols
• Versatility
• Integration with Services
• Cross-Platform Accessibility

“Money is a terrible idea – not because it’s bad, but because it’s so good. The concept of owning someone something, of exchanging that debt for a good or service, that’s so elegant and complex and nuanced that humans haven’t been able to improve on it for 10,000 years.”

– Elon Musk

eWallet vs Digital Wallet vs Mobile Wallet

Now that you understand the basic concept of all three terms, it’s time to look at how they compare to each other.

In this section of the blog, we shall be doing exactly that.

Digital Wallet vs eWallet

Let’s start with digital wallet vs eWallet.

So, it goes without saying that both digital wallets and e-wallets are similar terms. Plus, they also share some similarities.

For instance, both store your payment info for easy transactions.

Coming to a difference, digital wallet apps encompass all forms, while e-wallets specifically hold pre-loaded funds for online purchases, money transfers, and even bill payments.

Therefore, you can think of e-wallets as a digital piggy bank that connects to the online world. On the other hand, digital wallets offer broader access using your existing cards.

That’s the basic overview of eWallet vs digital wallet differences.

eWallet vs Mobile Wallet

With all the people who want to create an eWallet app, let’s discuss eWallet vs Mobile wallets.

So, what’s the difference?

While both e-wallets and mobile wallets store payment info for contactless transactions, they take quite different approaches.

Starting with E-wallets, they are like digital piggy banks, holding pre-loaded funds for online shopping, money transfers, or even bills.

For instance, the popular solutions are Venmo or PayPal.

Coming to Mobile wallets, are digital vaults for your existing cards, letting you tap and pay at stores with your phone or smartwatch.

Apple Pay and Google Pay are prime examples.

Both are very similar concepts but with hair-thin differences that separate them. While there is no winner in the mobile wallet vs eWallet debate, they both win in their respective areas.

Also Read Blog: Custodial vs Non-Custodial Wallets

Mobile Wallet vs Digital Wallet

Lastly, we have the mobile wallet vs digital wallet and this one comes with a twist.

Technically, mobile wallets are a type of digital wallet, specifically accessed through a smartphone app.

Imagine a digital wallet family: mobile wallets are the tech-savvy kids who prefer their phones, while other digital wallets (like online or desktop versions) offer broader device options.

So “mobile wallet” narrows down the focus to mobile payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay, while “digital wallet” captures the whole payment-storing landscape.

They both make life cashless, but one prefers a smartphone stage!

And that’s the digital wallet vs mobile wallet debate. And with this, we are done with the whole digital wallet vs mobile wallet vs eWallet.

Nimble AppGenie, a Vetted Fintech Solution Development Company Here To Help You

Do you have digital wallet ideas that you want to turn into reality?

Well, whether you want to build an eWallet, digital wallet, or mobile wallet, we have got you covered.

Nimble AppGenie, being a renowned fintech solution development company, is the master of delivering innovation in the form of digital products.

Recognized by platforms like DesignRush, TopDevelopers, GoodFirms, and Clutch. co, we have the right tools and hands-on experience for 700+ projects. Includes:

• Pay By Check– Pay by Check is a popular ewallet mobile app in the United States of America. It allows users to transfer, pay, or even exchange currency.
• DafriBank– Digital Bank of Africa is a leading banking portal that also allows users to trade cryptocurrencies and provides e-wallet advantages.
• SatPay– An eWallet platform is a Versatile eWallet Solution that allows users to request, receive, and send payments without hassle.
• CUT– an E-wallet Mobile App, CUT is available in China and Myanmar. It works well with both RMB and MMK currencies.
• SatBorsa– a Currency Exchange Fintech app. SatBorsa is one of the platforms that is available on both platforms, iOS and Android.

If you want to hire dedicated developers who can convert your idea to reality, we are here to help you.

Conclusion

While the terms “digital wallet,” “eWallet,” and “mobile wallet” are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct concepts in the realm of digital payments. Digital wallets serve as the overarching category, encompassing both eWallets and mobile wallets. E-wallets specifically involve the storage of pre-loaded funds for online transactions, while mobile wallets, a subset of digital wallets, are accessed through smartphone apps for contactless payments using existing cards. Understanding these nuances is crucial, especially for investors and developers venturing into the dynamic and rapidly growing fintech industry.

FAQs

• Are Digital Wallet, eWallet, and Mobile Wallet the same thing?

No, they are not the same. Digital Wallet is a broad term that encompasses both eWallets and Mobile Wallets. eWallets are digital versions of traditional wallets that store various forms of digital currency, while Mobile Wallets are specifically designed for use on mobile devices.

• What are some examples of eWallets?

Examples of eWallets include PayPal, Skrill, and Google Pay. These platforms allow users to securely store digital currency, make online transactions, and facilitate peer-to-peer transfers.

• Can you provide examples of Mobile Wallets?

Mobile Wallet examples include Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Venmo. These wallets are designed for mobile devices and often support contactless payments, loyalty card storage, and additional features beyond basic transactions.

• What is the difference between eWallets and Mobile Wallets?

The primary difference lies in their design and functionality. eWallets are digital versions of traditional wallets, accessible across various devices, whereas Mobile Wallets are specifically tailored for mobile devices, emphasizing features like contactless payments and optimized user experiences on smartphones or tablets.

• Are Digital Wallets only for cryptocurrencies?

No, Digital Wallets encompass a broader category, including eWallets and Mobile Wallets. Examples like Amazon Pay and Venmo demonstrate that digital wallets can be used for various financial transactions beyond cryptocurrencies.

• Can I use these wallets across different devices?

Many eWallets and Digital Wallets are accessible across multiple devices, providing users with cross-platform accessibility. Mobile Wallets are specifically designed for mobile devices but may also offer web interfaces for broader accessibility.

• What is the difference between an online wallet and an e-wallet?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but generally, an online wallet refers to any digital wallet that is accessible over the internet. An e-wallet, short for electronic wallet, is a specific type of digital wallet that stores and manages electronic currency or financial assets.

• Is a mobile wallet the same as a digital wallet?

No, they are not the same. While both are types of digital wallets, a mobile wallet is specifically designed for use on mobile devices like smartphones or tablets, whereas a digital wallet is a broader term encompassing both eWallets and Mobile Wallets.

• What is the difference between mobile money and a digital wallet?

Mobile money typically refers to a service where users can store and transfer monetary value using a mobile device. A digital wallet, on the other hand, is a broader concept that includes various forms of digital assets, not limited to currency. Mobile wallets can be a type of digital wallet designed for mobile devices.

• What is the difference between a digital wallet and a physical wallet?

A digital wallet is an electronic version that stores and manages various forms of digital currency or financial assets electronically. In contrast, a physical wallet is a tangible item used to carry and store items such as cash, credit cards, and identification documents.