Adding a rewards card takes three steps: open Wallet, tap the plus button, and choose "Card" from the menu
To add a rewards card to Apple Wallet, open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad, tap the plus sign in the upper right corner, select Card from the options that appear, then choose Rewards Card from the next menu. You can then either photograph the front and back of your physical card or enter the card details manually. After you add the card information, the retailer or rewards program may ask you to verify your identity or link the card to your account before it appears in Wallet.
Not every rewards program works with Apple Wallet yet. Major chains like Target, Starbucks, Whole Foods, and Best Buy support Wallet cards. Smaller retailers, regional grocery stores, and some gas station loyalty programs do not. Before you try to add a card, check whether the retailer's app or website mentions Apple Wallet support — if it does not, you will need to carry the physical card or use the retailer's own app instead.
Key Takeaways
- Open Wallet, tap the plus button, select Card, then Rewards Card to begin adding a loyalty program.
- You can photograph your card or type in the details manually, and most programs will ask you to verify your identity before the card activates.
- Only retailers that have built Wallet support into their systems will let you add their rewards card — check the retailer's app or website first.
- Once added, your Wallet card works the same way as your physical card: show it at checkout or tap your phone at the register if the store supports contactless payment.
- You can store multiple rewards cards in Wallet and organize them by moving cards around or hiding ones you do not use often.
Which retailers let you add rewards cards to Wallet
The major chains that support Wallet rewards cards include Starbucks, Target, Whole Foods, Best Buy, Walgreens, CVS, Dunkin', Chipotle, Panera Bread, and Trader Joe's. Each of these has built the integration into their system, which means their card will show up as an option when you tap the plus button in Wallet.
Many regional and smaller retailers have not yet added Wallet support. This includes most independent grocery stores, local coffee shops, regional gas stations, and smaller retail chains. If you shop at a store that does not support Wallet, you can still use their rewards program — you just need to carry the physical card, use their mobile app at checkout, or give the cashier your phone number if the store has that option.
To find out whether a specific retailer supports Wallet, open their mobile app or visit their website and look for language about "Apple Wallet" or "digital card." If you do not see it mentioned, contact their customer service to ask whether they plan to add it in the future.
How to photograph your card instead of typing details
When you select Rewards Card in the Wallet app, you will see an option to photograph your card. Tap the camera icon, then hold your phone steady over the front of the card and let the camera focus. The app will read the card number and other details automatically. After you photograph the front, you will be asked to photograph the back of the card as well.
If the camera misreads any information, you can edit the details before you finish. Tap on any field that looks wrong and type the correct information. This is faster than typing everything by hand, especially if your card number is long or hard to read.
Some retailers will ask you to photograph your card a second time during the verification step, or they may ask you to enter the last four digits of your Social Security number or your date of birth to confirm your identity. This is normal and is how the retailer makes sure you own the card you are adding.
Verifying your identity with the retailer
After you add your card information to Wallet, most retailers will send you to their app or website to verify that you are the cardholder. This usually means entering your email address, creating a password, or confirming your identity through a code sent to your phone or email. Some retailers ask for your date of birth or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
This verification step protects your account and makes sure someone else cannot add your card to their phone. It typically takes a few minutes, and you only have to do it once. After verification is complete, your card will be ready to use in Wallet.
If verification fails or times out, go back to the Wallet app and try again. If you keep running into problems, contact the retailer's customer service — they can help you troubleshoot or verify your account manually.
Using your Wallet card at checkout
Once your card is in Wallet, you can show it to the cashier the same way you would show a physical card. Open Wallet, tap your rewards card, and hold your phone up so the cashier can scan the barcode or QR code on the screen. Some stores will also let you tap your phone on their contactless payment reader, which works even faster.
If you have multiple rewards cards in Wallet, you can organize them by dragging and dropping to reorder them. You can also hide cards you do not use often by swiping left on the card and tapping the eye icon with a line through it — this keeps your Wallet less cluttered without deleting the card.
Your Wallet card earns points or rewards the same way your physical card does. The retailer's system sees the same card number whether you show it on your phone or hand over the plastic version, so you will not miss out on any rewards by using Wallet instead.
Troubleshooting cards that will not add to Wallet
If you try to add a rewards card and it does not appear as an option, the retailer either does not support Wallet yet or there is a problem with your account. First, check the retailer's app or website to confirm they offer Wallet support. If they do, try closing the Wallet app completely and opening it again, then attempt to add the card once more.
If the card still will not add, make sure you are using the latest version of the Wallet app. Go to the App Store, tap your profile picture in the upper right, scroll down to see your apps, and check whether Wallet has an update available. Install any updates and try again.
If you still cannot add the card after updating, contact the retailer's customer service. They can check whether your account is set up correctly for Wallet or let you know if they are still rolling out the feature. In the meantime, you can use their physical card or their mobile app to earn rewards.
Managing and organizing multiple rewards cards
Wallet can hold as many rewards cards as you want. To add a second card, tap the plus button again and follow the same steps. You can organize your cards by dragging them into the order you prefer — tap and hold a card, then drag it up or down in the list.
If you have cards you rarely use, you can hide them without deleting them. Swipe left on the card and tap the eye icon with a line through it. The card will move to a "Hidden Cards" section at the bottom of Wallet. You can unhide it anytime by swiping left again and tapping the eye icon.
To delete a card entirely, swipe left on it and tap the trash icon. This removes it from Wallet, but you can always add it back later if you change your mind. Deleting a card from Wallet does not close your account with the retailer or affect your rewards balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a rewards card to Apple Wallet on my iPad?
Yes, you can add rewards cards to Wallet on iPad the same way you add them to iPhone. Open Wallet, tap the plus button, select Card, then Rewards Card. The process is identical, and your cards will sync across all your Apple devices if you use the same Apple ID.
What happens to my rewards points if I delete a card from Wallet?
Deleting a card from Wallet does not affect your rewards account or your points balance. Your account stays active with the retailer, and you can add the card back to Wallet anytime. Your points are stored in the retailer's system, not on your phone.
Can I use a Wallet rewards card if my phone dies?
No, you cannot use a Wallet card if your phone is off or has no battery. If you are worried about this, keep your physical card with you as a backup. Some retailers let you give your phone number at checkout instead, which also works if you do not have your card.
Do I need to update my card information if I get a new physical card?
Yes, if your retailer issues you a new card with a different number, you will need to add the new card to Wallet. You can delete the old card from Wallet once you have added the new one. The retailer will transfer your rewards balance to the new card automatically.
Can I add a credit card rewards program to Wallet?
No, Wallet only supports rewards cards from retailers and loyalty programs, not credit card rewards programs. You can add credit cards and debit cards to Wallet for payment, but those are different from rewards cards. Check your credit card's app or website to see if they offer their own digital card or rewards tracking.