So many stores now accept payments from smartphone apps that, in some places, it’s almost possible to get through the week and zip through checkouts without fumbling for cash, cards or plastic store-rewards tags. Your phone’s digital wallet is also a handy place to store electronic airline boarding passes, event tickets and more.

But there are still many people who haven’t tried mobile payments, or don’t know how to organize their digital wallets. If you’re one of them, this guide is for you.

Step 1: Find Your App

Apple Wallet (which houses Apple Pay), Google Pay and Samsung Pay are three common payment apps, and one of them is most likely on your phone already. Your app store has others, but make sure you pick a trusted platform.

Image Once you find or download a payment app for your phone, the software guides you through the setup.

While you can use your payment method for in-app and online purchases, you’ll need a mobile device with a near field communication (N.F.C.) chip inside to pay at the terminals in stores. Most recent smartphones are N.F.C.-equipped, and Samsung’s system also works with magnetic-stripe and chip-card readers. Some smartwatches also have mobile pay apps.