[20220418]IF12079_数字钱包和选定的政策问题.pdf

https:/crsreports.congress.gov April 18, 2022Digital Wallets and Selected Policy IssuesDigital Wallet Landscape A digital wallet is a software application that stores payment or account details to facilitate traditional payments that use bank and credit card details and/or cryptocurrency transactions. In addition, wallets facilitate peer-to-peer transfers, which have grown rapidly in recent years (Figure 1). This In Focus discusses three types of digital wallets and addresses selected policy issues. Functionality and Scope of Use Digital wallets are generally used for (1) payments to merchants through the use of near-field communication or QR codes for in-person purchases; (2) peer-to-peer transfers of funds through an app, via text message, or QR codes; (3) storing value from a linked bank account or debit card on an app-based account; or (4) storing, providing access to, and transacting in cryptocurrency. (For more on cryptocurrency, see CRS Report R45427, Cryptocurrency: The Economics of Money and Selected Policy Issues.) Digital wallets generally require the use of internet-connected hardware, such as a smartphone. Some, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, may work only with c