How to Scan in a Card: A Step by Step Guide
Adding cards to your digital wallet should be quick and easy.
Fortunately, Wallet Buddy's card scanner makes the process effortless by automatically detecting card numbers, expiration dates, and even CVV codes. Here's how to use it.
![Card Scanner Feature]{caption="Wallet Buddy's smart scanner automatically detects card information and adjusts perspective." width=200px height=auto align=center rounded=16px}(card-scanner-import-demo.webp)
Before You Start
A few tips to ensure the best scanning experience:
- Ensure good lighting
- Place card on a dark, non-reflective surface
- Remove card from any sleeve or holder
- Clean any smudges from the card
![Lighting Matters]{caption="Good lighting is key to a successful scan." width=300px height=auto align=center rounded=16px}(rainbow-light.webp)
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Scan by Taking Photos
- Open Wallet Buddy!
- Tap the "+" button to add a new card
- Add a photo of your card by tapping the "Add Front Photo" or "Add Back Photo" button
- Select "Take Photo" as the image source
- Allow Wallet Buddy! to access your camera if you haven't already
- You should see the camera preview pop up
2. Position Your Card
- Center the card in the viewfinder
- Keep your phone steady
- Ensure all four corners are visible
- Line up the camera so that the red corners of the frame turn green
- Snap a photo of your card
3. Let the Magic Happen
The scanner will automatically:
- Detect card edges
- Correct perspective
- Read card numbers
- Capture expiration dates
- Identify CVV codes
4. Verify Information
- Double-check all scanned information
- Make any necessary corrections
- Add additional details like:
- Card nickname
- Tags
- Bonus categories
- Opening date
- Statement date and due date
5. Use the Dedicated Card Scanner (Optional)
Wallet Buddy! also has a dedicated card scanner that can help you quickly fill in any information that the front and back images missed.
You can access the card scanner by tapping the "Scan Card Details" button in the card details view and bringing the card into view of the camera.
![Card Scanner Feature]{caption="The dedicated card scanner is lightning fast." width=200px height=auto align=center rounded=16px}(dedicated-card-scanner-demo.webp)
Pro Tips
Take Photos of Both Sides: After you've taken a photo of the front of your card, you can take a photo of the back of your card to capture additional information that wasn't on the front.
Lighting Matters: For best results:
- Avoid harsh direct light
- Use even, diffused lighting
- Avoid casting shadows on the card
Multiple Attempts: If the first scan isn't perfect:
- Try adjusting the angle
- Move to better lighting
- Clean the camera lens
- Clean the card surface
Privacy and Security
Rest assured that when scanning cards:
- All processing happens locally on your device
- No card images or data ever leaves your device
- Scanned information is stored securely in iOS Keychain
- You maintain complete control over your data
![Safety First]{caption="Wallet Buddy! makes it tough for intruders to get your card data." width=500px height=auto align=center rounded=16px}(japanese-castle.webp)
Supported Card Types
Wallet Buddy's scanner works with various card types:
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Gift cards
- Membership cards
- Store cards
Each card type has specific fields that will be automatically populated based on the scan.
Troubleshooting
If you're having trouble scanning:
- Clean the Card: Smudges and scratches can interfere with scanning
- Check Lighting: Move to a better-lit area
- Adjust Distance: Hold phone 6-8 inches from card
- Try Manual Entry: As a last resort, you can always enter details manually
Next Steps
After scanning your card, take advantage of some of the other features Wallet Buddy! has to offer:
- Set up payment reminders
- Add bonus categories
- Tag cards for easy organization
- Track application rules
Ready to start scanning your cards? Download Wallet Buddy! from the App Store today!