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If you’ve ever found yourself ready to make a purchase, but don’t have your credit card or cash available, or if you simply prefer making contactless payments, Apple Pay — Apple’s mobile payment service — can really come in handy. That’s because Apple Pay lets you connect your eligible credit card or debit card to your compatible iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch or MacBook, and use that device to make purchases in store, within apps and on websites.
If you have a credit card issued by a U.S. bank, chances are, it can work with Apple Pay. In fact, Apple Pay is compatible with credit cards from thousands of banks and credit unions in over 60 countries across the globe.
Marketed as a quicker, safer and more convenient way to pay for goods and services, Apple launched its mobile payment service — Apple Pay — in 2014. Users can add their credit or debit card to Apple Pay, and make purchases without actual physical contact between their card and the payment terminal.
Apple Pay does not store your card numbers on your device or on Apple’s servers. Instead, it uses a device-specific number and unique transaction code each time you make a purchase. This means your card numbers are never shared with merchants — which adds an additional layer or security.
Apple Pay originally launched with the capability to make payments in stores and within apps. And in 2017, Apple launched the ability to send and receive payments person to person on eligible iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches using Apple Pay.
Essentially all major banks and credit unions in the U.S. support Apple Pay (as well as hundreds of banks in more than 60 countries); however, every credit card may not work with the platform. If you are unsure, reach out to the bank that issues your credit or debit card to verify.
Currently, the list includes the following:
See a full list of eligible banks here.
To set up Apple Pay, you need to add your eligible credit card, debit card or prepaid card to the Wallet app on your compatible Apple device using the following steps:
For an iPhone
Tap the add “+” icon in the Wallet app, then tap “Debit or Credit Card” to add a new card, or tap “Previous Cards” to add a card that you previously used. Next, follow the steps on the screen to add a new card and verify your information with your bank or card issuer.
For an Apple Watch
Open the Apple Watch app from your paired iPhone. In the “My Watch” tab, select “Wallet & Apple Pay,” then tap “Add Card.” Follow the remaining steps on the screen to add your card.
For an iPad
Go to “Settings,” then select “Wallet & Apple Pay.” Follow the remaining steps on the screen to add your card.
For a Mac
Go to “System Preferences,” then select “Wallet & Apple Pay.” Follow the remaining steps on the screen to add your card.
How you use Apple Pay varies depending on whether you use it to make purchases in person, online or in app. Luckily, it’s already built into your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad and Mac, so there’s no need to download an app.
To use Apple Pay, you need to have a compatible Apple device with the most recent version of iOS or iPadOS, watchOS or macOS. This includes the following:
| Apple device | Compatible versions | Where you can make purchases and payments |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone | ||
| iPad | ||
| Apple Watch | ||
| Mac computers |
If you frequently use Apple Pay to shop in store and online, the Apple Credit Card offers bonus rewards on those purchases. You can apply for the Apple Credit Card directly from your iPhone, and if approved, you can start using it in the Wallet app even before your physical titanium card arrives.
The Apple Credit Card offers charges a $0 annual fee and offers 2% Daily Cash every time you use Apple Card with Apple Pay, 3% Daily Cash on all purchases made directly with Apple and select merchants and 1% on other purchases made with your physical Apple Card . Your Daily Cash will be deposited automatically into your Apple Cash account — from there, you can use it via Apple Pay to make purchases or send money to family and friends, or you can transfer it to a bank account.
But if you don’t want to be limited to earning rewards on Apple Pay transactions and Apple purchases, you should consider a card that offers a solid cash back rate on every purchase you make. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card lets cardholders earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. Plus, earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. Rewards can be redeemed as statement credits, credits to a qualified Wells Fargo loan, mortgage or other credit account, cash or gift cards.
Found a card you’re interested in? Learn more about how to apply for a credit card to improve your chances of being approved.Surprisingly, Walmart does not currently accept Apple Pay online or in stores. Instead, the retail giant encourages shoppers to download and use the Walmart app for contactless shopping.
Yes, Target accepts all contactless payment types, including Apple Pay.
Apple Cash is a digital card in your Apple wallet that allows you to send and receive money in Messages or Wallet, while Apple Pay lets you make contactless purchases using Apple Cash or the Apple Credit Card, or credit card or debit cards that appear in your Wallet.
Note, Apple Cash is only available in the U.S. on eligible devices.
The above offers and/or promotions may have since changed, expired, or is no longer available. Check the Issuers’ website for more details.
