What is Apple Pay and how can I use it?
Apple Pay can be a convenient payment option – giving you the option to pay with your iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch, both in store and online. Our guide covers how it works and what to consider.
Key takeaways
Apple Pay is a mobile payment and digital wallet service
Apple Pay may allow contactless payments that exceed the standard £100 limit (retailer-dependent)
Card numbers are never stored on the device or shared with merchants
Can't use Apple Pay? Google Pay and Samsung Pay offer similar features
Tap, pay, done: the ins and outs of Apple Pay
In the busy world of digital wallets and mobile payments, Apple Pay has emerged as a frontrunner since its introduction in 2014.
Designed to streamline the checkout process, using Apple Pay is now synonymous with convenience and security.
In 2023, 36%[1] of people who use digital payment methods said that they used Apple Pay to pay for goods and services.
What is Apple Pay?
Apple Pay is a mobile payment and digital wallet service that helps you make purchases. By linking your Apple account to your debit or credit cards, you can use your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or MacBook for contactless payments.
In summary, it's a seamless blend of technology and finance, aiming to replace the physical wallet with a secure digital one.
How does Apple Pay work?
At the heart of Apple Pay is the Apple Wallet app, which securely stores your credit or debit card information.
When it's time to pay, the near-field communication (NFC) chip in your Apple device communicates with the payment terminal, and with a wave of your device, the transaction is complete.
It's not just about tapping your phone at the store; Apple Pay also simplifies online and in-app purchases.
How do I set up Apple Pay?
Getting started with Apple Pay is straightforward. The Apple Wallet app comes pre-installed on all compatible Apple devices. Here's how to set it up:
Open the Wallet app on your device
Follow the prompts to add your credit or debit card information
Verify your card with your bank
Once added, select your default card for payments
You can also add cards to your Apple Watch via the Watch app on your iPhone, ensuring that even when your phone isn't handy, your wallet is still on your wrist.
How do I use Apple Pay to make payments?
When you're ready to pay in-store:
Double-click the side button
Glance at your iPhone, or Apple Watch, for Face ID or place your finger on Touch ID
Hold your device near the payment terminal until you see a checkmark or feel a vibration
Your default card is charged automatically. To choose a different card, open your Apple Wallet, tap the default card, and select the card you want to use for payment.
For online and in-app purchases, select Apple Pay at checkout, choose your card, and you're all set – no need to enter your billing and shipping delivery details every time.
What is the contactless limit for Apple Pay?
In the UK, contactless payments with Apple Pay can exceed the standard £100 limit, but it depends on the retailer.
If you’re travelling overseas and planning to use Apple Pay, there are different limits throughout the world.
This higher limit is more convenient and speeds up the checkout process.
Is Apple Pay safe to use?
Security is a cornerstone of Apple Pay. It uses a device-specific number and unique transaction code, meaning your card number is never stored on your device or shared with merchants. This advanced security feature gives Apple Pay an edge over traditional card payments.
Your transactions are also secured by asking to verify them via Touch ID, Face ID or a passcode at the point of sale.
Pros and cons of Apple Pay
Advantages:
Convenience of quick payments
Higher contactless limits than traditional cards
Enhanced security features
Disadvantages:
Not accepted by all retailers
Potential for overspending due to ease of use
Dependence on device battery life
How does Apple Pay compare with other payment options?
Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay share many features, but the best fit for you depends on your device.
Apple Pay and Samsung Pay are exclusive to Apple and Samsung products, whereas you may not need to own an Android device to use Google Pay. For example, depending on the model, you may be able to download Google Pay for an iPhone.
They can all be used with wearables, such as watches, so you don’t always need your phone at hand.
All use NFC to make payments, and Samsung Pay has additional technology to make it compatible with older card readers.
Other useful guides
For those looking to dive deeper more information about debit and credit card payments, check out our guides on:
Using contactless payments on your credit card
Nearly all credit cards now support the tap-and-go feature. Look for the contactless symbol on your card to see if it's enabled for these quick transactions.
Comparing credit cards with MoneySuperMarket
When it comes to shopping for credit cards, MoneySuperMarket is your ally. We allow you to compare credit cards from a variety of UK providers, many of which are compatible with Apple Pay.
Before you apply for a new credit card, use our Eligibility Checker tool. It's a smart way to see which cards you might qualify for without impacting your credit score.
MoneySuperMarket is a credit broker – this means we’ll show you products offered by lenders. We never take a fee from customers for this broking service. Instead, we are usually paid a fee by the lenders – though the size of that payment doesn’t affect how we show products to customers.