Finished setting up Apple Pay by connecting it with your card? As soon as the bank or issuer verifies it, you can start paying with Apple Pay. However, having a card in the Wallet and knowing you can use it wherever you see these symbols can bring anxiety. Don’t fret, that’s common – most people are afraid of using it for the first time. They often think they’ll embarrass themselves or that paying with a device won’t work right off the bat. If they delay in utilizing it, that is, at the end of the day, wasted time and effort. We’re here to prevent that. Let’s get into how to use Apple Pay. It’s easy, really.
What is Apple Pay?
In today’s digitized world, carrying physical cash and cards seems like a task of yesteryears. Enter – Apple Pay! It’s almost like magic, transforming your iPhone or Apple Watch into a secure and ultra-convenient wallet.
But what exactly is Apple Pay? In essence, it’s a mobile payment and digital wallet service by Apple Inc. that lets users make payments using an iPhone, Apple Watch, or on the web. It digitizes and replaces the traditional credit or debit magnetic stripe card transaction process at point-of-sale terminals.
And it’s not just about paying for your purchases. Apple Pay also works with most major banks and credit cards, meaning you can add your favorite cards and continue earning rewards. Plus, with features like Touch ID and Face ID, it offers layers of security that traditional wallets simply can’t provide.
Apple Pay is your ticket to a faster, safer, and more convenient shopping experience. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, buying new shoes, or booking tickets for your next vacation, Apple Pay makes it all a breeze. With Apple Pay, your wallet isn’t just in your pocket or purse – it’s right in the palm of your hand. So go ahead, indulge in the ease that comes with Apple Pay, and step into the future of transactions!
Benefits of Using Apple Pay
Here are some key benefits of using Apple Pay:
- Convenience: Apple Pay offers a quick and convenient way to make payments using your Apple devices.
- Wide Acceptance: Apple Pay is accepted in millions of stores around the world.
- Rewards: You can continue to get rewards and benefits offered by your credit, debit, or store cards.
- Safety: With advanced security features, Apple Pay offers a safer way to pay than traditional payment methods.
Comparison with Other Payment Methods
For a thorough understanding of how Apple Pay fares against other digital payment platforms, following is a comparison table:
| Payment Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Pay | High level of security, Wide acceptance, Easy to set up | Limited to Apple devices, Not all banks support it |
| Google Pay | Available on all Android devices, Supported by many banks | Less secure compared to Apple Pay |
| Samsung Pay | Works with almost all card readers, Reward points for every transaction | Only available on select Samsung phones |
How to Use Apple Pay on iPhone and iPad in stores?
As we move towards a cashless society, Apple Pay is ushering in a new era of convenience and security. Join us as we explore the potential of this technology in shaping the future of payments – from biometric advancements to global adoption trends and beyond, the possibilities are truly exciting!
Tip: Did you enable Automatic Selection when you set the service up? If you didn’t, make sure to first select the Apple store or reward card manually instead of your credit or Apple Cash card. You can either choose a default card or select a new one afterward.
Here are two ways to use Apple Pay with iPhone and iPad:
Method 1. Face ID
Do this to complete Apple Pay transactions using Face ID on iPhone:
- Double-click the button on the right-hand side of the iPhone.
- The default card will be shown at the top of the screen. Tap on it to change it if you have more than one.
- Bring the phone up so that the front camera can scan your face. If you aren’t in a position to do that, enter your iPhone passcode.
- When the Hold Near Reader confirmation appears, bring the top of your phone close to the screen of the reader.
Method 2. Touch ID
Here’s how using Apple Pay works with iPhone’s Touch ID:
- Hold your finger on the Touch ID.
- Without releasing the hold, bring the top of the iPhone close to the screen of the card reader.
- As soon as the Pay with Touch ID window appears, use another finger to tap and change your default card.
- If you keep holding, your default card will be used. Also, Pay with Touch ID will turn into Done.
- Release your finger.
How to Use Apple Pay with Apple Watch in stores?
Paying via Apple Pay using an Apple Watch works like this:
- Double-press the bottom button on the right-hand side of your Apple Watch.
- Your default card will appear on-screen. Swipe right or left to change it.
- Bring the screen of the Apple Watch close to the screen of a contactless reader.
- You’ll feel a gentle vibration when the transaction goes through.
- Tip. Unlike iPhone, depending on the amount and the store it’s used in, you might have to enter your card PIN on the contactless reader.
How to Make Apple Pay transactions on Mac?
Keep in mind that Apple Cash isn’t available in macOS. Also, Apple Cash cards will only work in the United States. With that said, here are two methods to send or receive money with Apple Pay on Mac:
Mac models with Touch ID
Do this to utilize Apple Pay on a Mac with Touch ID:
- Click on the Apple Pay button or select it as a payment method.
- Double-check the payment information. To change the default card, tap/click on the Expand menu icon next to the card’s name.
- Make your purchase. Touch ID bar will change, and notify you where and for how long to place your finger.
- If your Touch ID is disabled or no fingerprints exist, do this:
- Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner.
- Select System Preferences then Touch ID.
- Click on Add Fingerprint, enter your admin password, and follow on-screen instructions.
- After you’re done, make sure to put a checkmark in front of Apple Pay under How do you want to use Touch ID.
- When the transaction goes through, you’ll see a Done message, followed by a checkmark.
Other Mac models
With other Mac models, you can use Apple Cash cards instead of your credit card, since the transaction doesn’t go through macOS. The process is identical as described below and above, depending on where you’re paying. However, you must do these things too for Apple Pay on a Mac without Touch ID to work:
- Use another device, Apple Watch or iPhone.
- Enable and turn on Bluetooth on your Mac. Keep the preferred device nearby.
- Devices must be signed into the same iCloud account.
Steps to Use Apple Pay in Apps or Safari
By this, we mean apps or browser windows running on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. The store or the app must support the service, of course. Here’s how making payments within apps with Apple Pay works:
- On the product screen or the cart, tap on the Buy with Apple Pay button. If it’s absent, select it under payment methods.
- Double-check your information. You can tap on the “>” symbol to switch between verified cards.
- Confirm the payment. You’ll see a Done message, followed by a checkmark.
- Use the steps described for the device you’re paying with.
Safety and Security
Apple Pay uses several layers of security to ensure that your transactions are safe. The details about these are as follows:
- Unique Device Account Number: Apple Pay uses a device-specific number and unique transaction code when you make a purchase. So, your card number is never stored on your device or on Apple servers.
- Face ID and Touch ID: For additional safety, your transactions are authorized with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.
- Privacy: Apple doesn’t know what you bought, where you bought it, and how much you paid for it. All the details stay between you, the merchant, and your bank.
Personalizing Your Apple Pay Experience
Apple Pay isn’t just about technology; it’s also designed with personalization in mind. Here’s how you can customize your experience:
Changing Default Card in Apple Pay
If you have multiple cards added, you can easily change your default card according to your preference.
If you have multiple cards added to your Apple Pay, and you want to change your default card, simply follow these easy steps:
Steps for iPhone or iPad:
- Open the “Settings” app on your device.
- Scroll down and tap “Wallet & Apple Pay“.
- Under “Transaction Defaults“, tap “Default Card“.
- Choose the card that you want to use as your default.
Steps for Apple Watch:
- Open the “Apple Watch” app on your iPhone.
- Tap “My Watch” tab if not already open.
- Tap “Wallet & Apple Pay“.
- Under “Transaction Defaults“, tap “Default Card“.
- Select your preferred card from the displayed list.
Note: The device does not store your credit or debit card number, and changing the default card to another card doesn’t affect your device settings. You can alter these settings as per your requirements anytime.
Remember, the default card is the first card that appears in Wallet and what your iPhone will use when paying via Apple Pay. However, at the payment terminal, you can still select any card you have added to Apple Pay.
Adding Loyalty Cards
Have a favorite store where you frequently shop? Chances are they have a loyalty program designed to reward repeat customers like you. The good news is, that adding these loyalty cards to your Apple Pay can be as easy as pie, and it opens up a world of convenience and rewards. Here’s how:
- Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap the ‘+‘ sign located at the top right corner.
- From the list of options, select “Find Apps for Wallet“.
- A list of apps that offer Wallet-compatible loyalty cards will appear. Download your preferred store’s app and follow the instructions to add their loyalty card to your Wallet.
- Once added, just use Apple Pay like usual, and when it’s time to pay, your loyalty points will be applied automatically.
Voila! No more fumbling around with physical cards – your loyalty rewards are now just a tap away. Next time you’re checking out at your favorite store, don’t forget to give yourself a pat on the back for being a savvy shopper!
Using Wallet App
The Wallet app on your Apple device isn’t just for payments. Think of it as your virtual pocket where you can stash everything from boarding passes to movie tickets, or even those discount coupons you’ve been saving for a special day. Here’s how you can make the most of this powerful tool:
Adding Tickets and Passes
Bought a movie ticket or a flight ticket online? Look for an option to ‘Add to Wallet’ in the confirmation email or page. Just tap it and voila – your ticket is stored safely in your Wallet and ready to be scanned when needed.
Adding Coupons
Scored a sweet deal at your favorite restaurant or store? Don’t let that coupon go to waste! Simply tap the ‘Share’ button on the coupon and select ‘Add to Wallet’. Now, your discount is just a tap away.
Organizing Your Cards
The Wallet app automatically displays your cards in a stack, with your default card on top. But did you know you can rearrange the order? Just press and hold a card, then drag it to a new spot. You can also choose which cards to display on your iPhone versus your Apple Watch.
Quick Access
Last but not least, remember that you can access your Wallet from the lock screen by double-clicking the Home button or side button.
By bringing together all these elements, the Wallet app goes beyond being just a payment tool – it’s literally your world, right in your pocket! Happy organizing!
Future of Apple Pay
As mobile payment systems continue to evolve, Apple Pay is expected to introduce more features. This could include increased integration with other Apple services, improved rewards system, and expansion to more countries and regions.
Troubleshooting Common Apple Pay Issues
Despite being a relatively seamless process, sometimes you might encounter issues while using Apple Pay. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Problem 1. Apple Pay Not Working
Solution: Ensure that your device has the latest version of iOS, watchOS, or macOS. Make sure your device is compatible with Apple Pay and that you are in a country or region that supports Apple Pay.
Problem 2. Unable to add a card
Solution: Check if the bank or card issuer supports Apple Pay and whether you have entered the correct card information.
Problem 3. Transaction declined
Solution: Verify if you have sufficient balance and your card is not blocked by the bank for any reason. If you are frequently facing this issue, it is better to contact your credit card provider and ask them for the details.
Problem 4. Device does not communicate with the payment terminal
Solution: Turn off/on NFC and try again. Else, restart your device.
Problem 5. Wrong card used for transaction
Solution: Select the right card before making the payment. If you have multiple cards added to your Apple Pay wallet, it is very easy to get confused.