Apple Pay FAQ: Everything you need to know

Apple Pay—the company’s flagship mobile payment platform—has grown at a breathtaking rate since its introduction in 2015. Apple Pay transactions continue to rise, and more banks, retailers, and countries continue to join. You can use Apple Pay to complete web transactions via Safari, too.

You can even use Apple Pay for peer-to-peer payment transactions—similar to Venmo and Square Cash—through an iOS 11 update that introduces Apple Pay Cash.

With all of these Apple Pay options, it’s high time you jump on the mobile payment bandwagon if you’re not there already. Read on to learn more about how Apple Pay works, how to get your iPhone, Apple Watch, and Mac ready for it, and most importantly, where you can go use it.

Updated 02/23/21: Apple Pay is now available in Mexico. According to Apple’s site, customers of Citibanamex, Banorte, American Express, and MasterCard can now use Apple Pay.

Apple Pay for iOS

In order to use Apple Pay, you need to have a compatible device and the proper version of iOS. For in-store purchases, Apple Pay is compatible with the following iPhone models:

iPhone SE (2020)
iPhpne 12/Pro
iPhone 11/Pro
iPhone XR
iPhone XS/Max
iPhone X
iPhone 8/8 Plus
iPhone 7/7 Plus
iPhone 6s/6s Plus
iPhone 6/6 Plus
iPhone SE

These are the only iPhones equipped with the requisite NFC technology. Besides NFC compatibility, the other piece of the hardware puzzle is Face ID/Touch ID.

For in-app purchases, Apple Pay works with the following iOS devices:

iPhone SE (2020)
iPhpne 12/Pro
iPhone 11/Pro
iPhone XR
iPhone XS/Max
iPhone X
iPhone 8/8 Plus
iPhone 7/ 7 Plus
iPhone 6s/6s Plus
iPhone 6/6 Plus
iPhone SE
iPad Air (2019)
iPad (2017 edition or later)
iPad Pro (all models)
iPad Air 2
iPad mini 4/iPad mini 3

You’ll also need to update your iPhone to iOS 8.1 or later, which will turn on your phone’s Apple Pay feature. To check which version of iOS you’re running, go to Settings > General > Software Update.

Once your iPhone is in order, you’ll need to link a credit or debit card to use for payments. If you already have a card linked to your Apple ID for making iTunes and App Store purchases, you can opt to keep using that card with Apple Pay—you’ll just have to re-enter the card’s security code so Apple knows you’re legit. Take note: Some banks will add an extra layer of security to this step, asking you to enter a code they send to you via text, so that they too know you’re on the up-and-up.

You can also add additional cards—just launch Wallet and tap + in the top-right corner. You’ll then be prompted to add either a credit or debit card to use with Apple Pay or another pass to store in Wallet. Tap Add Another Card, then follow the entry fields on the next screen. You can speed this up by taking a picture of your card with your iPhone.

Whether you’re using the card already linked to your Apple ID or adding a new one, your iPhone will guide you through the setup process, which includes verifying your card, granting Apple Pay access, and then storing it in Wallet. Be sure to have your card handy so you can verify the card with its security code.

The card linked to your Apple ID will be listed as your default Apple Pay card, but you can always change that by going to Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay and updating your transaction default information—or do it in the Wallet app by selecting your default card, choosing the overflow button (…) in the upper right corner, and changing the details from there.

You can also tweak your transaction settings (like your shipping and billing addresses), allow Apple Pay payments from your Mac (more on that in a bit), and allow you to start an Apple Pay transactions by double-pressing the Home button or double-pressing the Side button on iPhones equipped with Face ID, all from Settings.

Apple Pay on the Apple Watch

To set up Apple Pay on your Apple Watch, you’ll use the Watch app for iPhone. In the My Watch tab, scroll down to Wallet & Apple Pay. In that section, you can mirror the alerts that show on your iPhone, or choose Custom and elect to have alerts come to your watch or not.

If you are already using Apple Pay on your iPhone, your cards should automatically sync up to use with your Apple Watch. If not, you can add cards again much like you would from Wallet, just follow your iPhone’s prompts.

Once you’re set up, you can find your debit/credit cards in the Wallet app on the watch, but it’s much faster to use the shortcut. Just double-press the side button (beneath the Digital Crown). This will bring up your default Apple Pay card, with your other cards available too if you’d like to select a different one (just swipe left or right).

Apple Pay on the Mac

If your Mac is running macOS Sierra or later, you can use Apple Pay to complete online purchases via Safari. However, unless you have a newer MacBook with Touch ID, you can’t just use Safari alone—you’ll need to use an Apple Pay-compatible iPhone or iPad (running iOS 10 or later) or Apple Watch (running watchOS 3 or later) to verify any transactions. You’ll also have to use the same iCloud account across devices.

Once your iPhone and/or Apple Watch are ready to roll, using Apple Pay on your Mac is super simple—just look for the Apple Pay button at checkout on supported sites, select it, and follow the prompt. You’ll be asked to approve the transaction through either your iPhone or Apple Watch:

For iPhone or iPad verification, use your device’s Face ID/Touch ID to verify your fingerprint. You’ll be guided by an on-screen dialogue box.
For Apple Watch verification, double-tap the side button underneath the Digital Crown. Your watch will display the total amount.

Once verified, you’ll see a purchase confirmation on your Mac’s screen. If you’re using a Touch Bar MacBook Pro, make sure Touch ID is turned on—tap the Apple Pay icon on the Touch Bar to start the process.

What online stores actually support Apple Pay payments, you may ask? Apple has a full list on their website.

How to use Apple Pay in stores

When buying something at a brick-and-mortar store, you’ll hold your iPhone up to a wireless payment terminal near the cash register, and then use Face ID/Touch ID to complete your purchase. These sensors are the same ones you’ve already seen in stores, often equipped with both card swipers and a tap-to-pay contactless terminal. The beauty of Apple Pay is that you don’t even need to wake up your device or launch Wallet—your phone wakes up automatically when it gets in range of the terminal and initiates the payment process.

The easiest way to make a purchase with a modern iPhone (one with Face ID and no Home button) is to start by double-clicking the side button while looking at your phone. This will wake it up and launch Wallet, while authorizing you with Face ID. Then simply tap your iPhone to the terminal to complete the purchase.

If you’re buying something with your Apple Watch, double-press the button underneath the Digital Crown. Pressing twice will bring up your default Apple Pay card, with your other cards available too if you’d like to select a different one.

Once you pick the card you want to use, you’ll just hold your Watch close to the contactless payment terminal until you hear a beep and/or feel a vibration. It helps if you turn the Watch face toward the payment terminal, almost smooshing them together like they’re kissing. So you typically can’t see the watch’s face while the payment is happening, unlike when using Apple Pay on an iPhone, where the screen is typically facing you.

Depending on the retailer, the card you’re using, and the value of your purchase, you might need to enter your PIN.

How to use Apple Pay in apps and online stores

If you’re buying something through a partnered online store or app on your iPhone or iPad, you’ll just use Face ID/Touch ID to complete the purchase. Depending on the app, you may have to toggle on a setting to allow the app to access Apple Pay, or to set Apple Pay as your default method of payment.

For the Mac, use your Touch Bar and Touch ID sensor, or use your paired secondary device (your Apple Pay-compatible iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, as outlined in the section above) to complete transactions. Make sure all your devices are connected to the same iCloud account.

Where can I use Apple Pay?

What makes Apple Pay such a game-changer is how many retail partners the platform has, with new stores being added constantly.

Apple doesn’t have a complete listing of the stores and restaurants where Apple Pay is accepted—that’s a pretty long list. But it is accepted at most major retail and restaurant chains, such as Costco, Target, and 7-Eleven.

Apple Pay is supported by a plethora of U.S. banks, credit unions, and credit card companies. For a complete list of banks and financial institutions that support the service, check here.

Traveling abroad? Not a problem. Apple Pay is accepted in several countries and jurisdictions around the world—including Mexico, the U.K., Australia, Japan, China, France, Spain, and Italy. Check out the full list here.

Apple Pay Cash

Apple Pay Cash is a new feature that allows you to send money to another iOS user. It’s similar to Venmo, PayPal, or Square Cash. It’s not a new app that you need to download; you send cash via iMessage in the Messages app.

Here are Apple’s requirements for Apple Pay Cash:

A compatible device with iOS 11.2 or later.
Two-factor authentication for your Apple ID.
An eligible credit or debit card in Wallet, so you can send money.
Be at least 18 years old.
Live in the United States.

Read our Apple Pay Cash guide for all the information you need on how to use Apple Pay Cash, how it works, and more.

Apple Card

Apple now has its own credit card. Backed by Goldman Sachs, the Apple Card is a cash-back credit card that you apply for and use with your iPhone. Yes, you get a physical card as well (it’s titanium!) but the whole point is to use it with Apple Pay and for all your Apple purchases (apps, in-app subscriptions, hardware bought from Apple, and other payments processed by Apple).

You get 1 percent cash back when using the physical card, but 2 percent cash back when using Apple Pay. For purchases from Apple (including the App Store and iTunes) you get 3 percent cash back, and the company has a few partnerships to give you 3 percent back, too.

For more on the Apple Card, check out our FAQ.