Apple Pay lets you pay with your iPhone, Apple Watch, or iPad instead of a physical card

Apple Pay is a digital wallet built into Apple devices. When you add a credit or debit card to Apple Pay, you can tap your device at checkout instead of handing over a physical card. The payment goes through securely without sharing your actual card number with the store.

You can use Apple Pay at most places that accept contactless payments — look for the contactless symbol (a curved wave) on the payment terminal. You can also use it to pay for things online and in apps, and to send money to other people through the Messages app.

Setting up Apple Pay takes about five minutes and requires only your card information and a way to verify your identity with your bank.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Pay works on iPhone 6 and newer, Apple Watch Series 1 and newer, and iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, and iPad mini 3 and newer.
  • You add cards through the Wallet app by taking a photo of your card or entering the details manually, then your bank sends a verification code.
  • At checkout, hold your device near the payment terminal and authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode — the payment processes without showing your card number.
  • You can add multiple cards, set a default card for payments, and remove cards instantly if your device is lost or stolen.

Check that your device supports Apple Pay

Apple Pay works on iPhones, Apple Watches, and iPads, but not all models. For iPhone, you need iPhone 6 or newer. For Apple Watch, you need Series 1 or newer. For iPad, you need iPad Pro (any model), iPad Air 2 or newer, or iPad mini 3 or newer.

If you have an older device, you cannot use Apple Pay on that device. You would need to upgrade to a supported model to use the service.

Add your first card through the Wallet app

Open the Wallet app on your device. Tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Choose "Credit or Debit Card." You can either take a photo of your card (point your camera at the front of the card and let the device read the numbers) or tap "Enter Card Details Manually" and type the information yourself.

After you enter or photograph your card, the app shows you the card number, expiration date, and CVV it captured. Check that all the information is correct. If something is wrong, tap "Edit" and fix it.

Tap "Next." Your bank will send you a verification code — usually through text message, email, or a notification in your bank's app. Enter that code into Apple Pay. Once your bank confirms the code, your card is added and ready to use.

Authenticate your payment at the store

When you are ready to pay, hold your device near the contactless payment terminal. On iPhone, you do not need to open the Wallet app — just hold the phone near the terminal. The device will vibrate and show a checkmark when it detects the terminal.

Authenticate the payment using Face ID (look at your phone), Touch ID (press your finger on the home button or side button), or your device passcode. The payment processes immediately. You will see a checkmark and hear a sound when the transaction is complete.

On Apple Watch, double-click the side button, then hold your wrist near the terminal. Authenticate the same way. On iPad, double-click the top button (iPad Pro) or use Face ID, then hold the device near the terminal.

Manage multiple cards and set your default

You can add as many cards as you want to Apple Pay. Open the Wallet app and tap the plus sign to add another card using the same process as your first card.

To set which card is your default (the one that pays first when you authenticate), open the Wallet app, tap the three dots in the upper right, go to "Settings," then "Default Card," and choose the card you want. Every time you pay, that card will be the one ready to go — you can swipe left through your other cards if you want to use a different one instead.

Remove a card if your device is lost or stolen

If your device is lost or stolen, you can remove your cards from Apple Pay immediately without having the device in your hands. Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID. Click "Find My iPhone" (or Find My iPad, depending on your device). Select your device from the list, then click "Remove from Account." This removes all your cards from that device.

Alternatively, you can remove individual cards through your bank's app or website. Most banks let you disable Apple Pay on a specific device without removing the card entirely — you can re-enable it later if you find the device or get a replacement.

Use Apple Pay online and in apps

When you shop on a website or in an app that accepts Apple Pay, look for the Apple Pay button at checkout. Tap it, then authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. Your payment processes without you typing your card number or address — Apple Pay sends only the information the merchant needs.

You can also use Apple Pay to send money to friends and family through the Messages app. Open a conversation, tap the Apple Pay button (it looks like a dollar sign in a circle), enter the amount, and send. The recipient gets the money in their Apple Cash account or linked bank account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Apple Pay safe to use?

Apple Pay does not store your actual card number on your device or send it to stores. Instead, it creates a unique transaction code for each payment. Your card number stays with your bank. If someone steals your device, they cannot use Apple Pay without authenticating with your Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.

Can I use Apple Pay everywhere?

Most major retailers, restaurants, and gas stations accept Apple Pay, but not all. Look for the contactless symbol on the payment terminal. If you do not see it, the store does not accept contactless payments. You can also use Apple Pay online and in most apps that take card payments.

What if my bank does not support Apple Pay?

Most major banks and credit card companies support Apple Pay, but some smaller banks and credit unions do not. Check your bank's website or app to see if they offer it. If your bank does not support Apple Pay directly, you may be able to add a card from a different bank or use a digital card service that your bank partners with.

Can I use Apple Pay on someone else's device?

No. Apple Pay is tied to your Apple ID and the device's security features. You cannot use your cards on another person's iPhone or Apple Watch. Each person needs to add their own cards to their own device.

What happens if I forget my passcode?

If you forget your device passcode, you will not be able to authenticate Apple Pay payments. You will need to reset your device and set a new passcode. This is a security feature — it prevents someone who steals your device from using Apple Pay even if they have physical access to it.