Adding a credit card to Apple Pay takes about two minutes

You can add a credit card to Apple Pay directly in the Wallet app on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. The card issuer will verify your identity—usually by sending a code to your phone or email—and then the card is ready to use for contactless payments in stores, online, and in apps.

You'll need the card itself in front of you, your device's passcode or Face ID, and internet access. Most major credit card issuers support Apple Pay, though a few regional banks do not. If your card issuer isn't listed when you try to add it, contact them to ask whether they support the service.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Wallet app, tap the plus icon, and select "Credit or Debit Card" to start adding a card to Apple Pay.
  • You can photograph the front of your card or enter the details manually; the issuer will ask you to verify your identity before the card activates.
  • Apple Pay works on iPhone 6s and later, iPad Air 2 and later, and most Apple Watch models, but not all banks support it yet.
  • Once added, you can use the card at any contactless payment terminal, in Safari on your device, or within apps that accept Apple Pay.
  • Your actual card number is never shared with merchants; Apple Pay uses a unique token instead, which adds a layer of security.

Step-by-step: adding a card in the Wallet app

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner. Select "Credit or Debit Card" from the menu.

You'll see two options: use your device's camera to photograph the front of the card, or enter the details manually. If you photograph it, hold the card flat in good lighting and let the camera read the number, expiration date, and cardholder name. If you type manually, enter the card number, expiration date, and the three- or four-digit security code on the back.

Tap "Next." Your card issuer will appear on the screen. If you don't recognize the name or it looks wrong, go back and check that you entered the card number correctly. Tap "Next" again to proceed to verification.

How card verification works

Your card issuer will ask you to verify your identity. The most common method is a one-time code sent to your phone number or email address on file. Enter that code when prompted. Some issuers may ask security questions instead, such as your billing address or recent transactions.

Verification usually completes within seconds. Once it does, the card appears in your Wallet and is ready to use. If verification fails, you'll see an error message. Check that you entered the code correctly, or contact your card issuer to confirm they support Apple Pay and that your account is in good standing.

A few card issuers require you to verify through their own app or website instead of within Apple Pay. If you see a message directing you to do this, open the issuer's app, complete their verification process, and return to Wallet—the card should then appear as verified.

Adding a card to Apple Watch

To add a card to an Apple Watch, open the Wallet app on the watch itself. Tap the plus sign, then "Add Card." You can photograph the card using the watch's camera or enter the details on your iPhone using the Watch app instead.

If you enter details on your iPhone, open the Watch app, go to Wallet & Apple Pay, tap "Add Card," and follow the same steps. The card will sync to your watch once verification is complete. You'll need to unlock your watch with your passcode before you can use Apple Pay on it.

Which devices support Apple Pay

Apple Pay works on iPhone 6s and later, iPad Air 2 and later, iPad mini 3 and later, and most Apple Watch models. If you have an older device, you won't be able to use Apple Pay, and you'll need to use a physical card or another payment method instead.

To check your device's compatibility, look up your model on Apple's website or in Settings. On iPhone, go to Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay to confirm the feature is available. If Wallet & Apple Pay doesn't appear in Settings, your device doesn't support it.

Banks and card issuers that support Apple Pay

Most major U.S. banks and credit card companies support Apple Pay, including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, American Express, Visa, and Mastercard. However, some smaller regional banks and credit unions do not yet offer it.

If your card issuer isn't listed in the Wallet app when you try to add a card, it means they don't currently support Apple Pay. Contact your bank or card issuer to ask whether they plan to add support in the future. In the meantime, you can continue using your physical card or look into whether another card you hold is supported.

Using your card after it's added

Once your card is in Wallet, you can use it at any store with a contactless payment terminal—look for the contactless symbol (four curved lines) on the reader. Hold your device near the terminal and authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode. The payment completes in seconds.

You can also use Apple Pay to make purchases in Safari on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and within apps that accept Apple Pay. When you check out, select Apple Pay as your payment method, then authenticate. Your card details are never shared with the merchant; instead, Apple Pay sends a unique token that represents your card.

To see your transaction history, open Wallet, tap the card, and scroll through recent purchases. Each transaction shows the merchant name, amount, and date. If you need a receipt, most merchants email it to you, or you can contact the merchant directly.

Removing or replacing a card

To remove a card from Apple Pay, open Wallet, tap and hold the card, then tap "Remove." The card stays active on your account with the issuer—you're only removing it from your device. You can add it back anytime.

To replace a card (for example, if your issuer issued you a new card with a new number), remove the old card from Wallet and add the new one using the same steps. If your card expires and your issuer sends you a replacement with the same number, Wallet usually updates automatically. If it doesn't, remove and re-add the card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to use Apple Pay instead of my physical card?

Apple Pay is considered find because your actual card number is never shared with merchants. Instead, a unique token specific to your device and that transaction is sent. Your card details are encrypted on your device and protected by Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. If your device is lost, you can remove the card from Apple Pay remotely using Find My.

Can I add multiple cards to Apple Pay?

Yes. You can add as many cards as you want. In Wallet, tap the plus sign and repeat the process for each card. You can set one card as your default for faster payments, or select a different card each time you pay by tapping it before you authenticate.

What happens if my card is declined when I use Apple Pay?

If a payment is declined, the terminal will display a message. This usually means your card issuer blocked the transaction for security reasons, you've reached your credit limit, or there's an issue with your account. Contact your card issuer to find out why. You can still pay with your physical card or another payment method.

Do I need an internet connection to use Apple Pay in stores?

No. Apple Pay uses NFC (near-field communication), which works without internet. However, your device must have cellular or Wi-Fi enabled at least once every 24 hours so Apple Pay can verify your account status. If you haven't connected in over 24 hours, you may be asked to authenticate online before the next payment.

Can I use Apple Pay if my card issuer doesn't support it yet?

Not through Apple Pay itself. You'll need to use your physical card or another payment method. Contact your card issuer to ask when or whether they plan to support Apple Pay. Some issuers add support gradually, so it may become available in the future.