I was finally able to use ISIS successfully at my CVS in Los Angeles--the only thing that changed since the last time I tried it (unsuccessfully, at CVS) was the July 17th update to the app. If ISIS continues to work at more places I'll say I'm pretty happy with it and that I like it better than Google Wallet. It's just a real b!+?# to getting to work properly.
- To recap: I had to get a new NFC SIM from my local Verizon store in LA, since the SIM that was shipped with my new S4 from Wirefly was not an NFC SIM (it will say "NFC" next to the bar code on the credit-card-sized card that you punch the SIM card out of. Make sure that NFC is on and S-Beam (though I haven't tried it without S-Beam on). I use an invisible shield case (sticker) but can imagine if you have metal case or a thick case it might disrupt the signal.
- Charges show up on my AmEx bill as being from the merchant itself with the merchant info (e.g. location, phone number) on my statement. With Google Wallet charges just showed up as "GOOGLE WALLET".
- The number of card issues you can use it with is limited (AmEx, Chase, Capital One) but this is not a point of contention with me because I use my AmEx for almost everything because I love it.
- It seems to be more secure than Google Wallet because it requires the secure element on your SIM. This is unique to your SIM card, whereas with Google Wallet anyone with your Google login and Wallet pin could theoretically use your credit cards.
- I would've been more pissed and probably would have written a negative review on the ISIS app bashing Verizon for blocking Google Wallet (like the many others on there), but ISIS essentially paid me $25 to try the app ($10 for setting up the cash card plus an extra $15 for making it "re-loadable")
I'll keep trying it at more places with an NFC payment reader like 7-11, McDonalds, BestBuy, Macys and report back!