Add your card directly in the Wallet app on your iPhone or Apple Watch
To add a credit card to Apple Pay, open the Wallet app on your iPhone, tap the plus sign in the upper right corner, and select Credit or Debit Card. You can then either type in your card details manually or use your iPhone's camera to scan the front of the card. After you enter the card information, your bank will send you a verification code by text or email — enter that code to confirm the card, and it will appear in your Wallet ready to use.
The entire process takes about two minutes. Once the card is verified, you can use it to pay in stores, in apps, and online without entering your full card number each time. If you have an Apple Watch, the same card will sync to it automatically, so you can pay with your wrist.
Key Takeaways
- Open Wallet, tap the plus sign, choose Credit or Debit Card, and either type your details or scan the card with your camera.
- Your bank will send a verification code by text or email — you must enter this code before the card becomes active in Apple Pay.
- The card syncs to your Apple Watch at the same time, so you can pay from your wrist without any extra steps.
- You can add multiple cards to Apple Pay, and you can set one as your default card for faster payments.
Scan your card with your iPhone camera
When you tap Credit or Debit Card in the Wallet app, the camera screen appears automatically. Hold your iPhone about six inches above the front of your card and keep it steady — the camera will read the card number, expiration date, and cardholder name on its own. You do not need to press anything; the app captures the information as soon as it recognizes the card.
If the camera does not pick up your card clearly, or if you prefer to type instead, tap Enter Card Details Manually at the bottom of the screen. This route takes slightly longer but works the same way.
Enter your card details manually if scanning does not work
If you choose to type your information, you will enter your card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back of the card. The Wallet app will also ask for your cardholder name and billing address. Make sure the address matches what your bank has on file — mismatches can slow down verification.
After you fill in all the fields, tap Next. The app will then ask you to confirm the card with your bank.
Verify your card with a code from your bank
Once you submit your card information, your bank will send a verification code to your phone number or email address on file. This code usually arrives within a few seconds, though it can take up to a minute. Open the text message or email, copy the code, and paste it into the Wallet app when prompted.
Some banks use a different verification method — they may ask you to confirm the card through their own app or website instead. If that happens, follow your bank's instructions, then return to the Wallet app. The card will show as verified once your bank confirms it on their end.
If you do not receive a code after five minutes, tap Did not receive a code? in the Wallet app and request a new one. You can also contact your bank directly to confirm they received the request.
Set your default card and manage multiple cards
Once your card is verified, it appears in your Wallet. If you have added multiple cards, you can choose which one is your default — the one that appears first when you double-click the side button on your iPhone to pay. To change your default, open Wallet, tap and hold the card you want to set as default, then tap Make This My Default Card.
You can add as many cards as you want to Apple Pay. When you pay in a store or app, you can swipe left or right to choose a different card before you complete the payment. This is useful if you want to use a rewards card for some purchases and a different card for others.
Use Apple Pay in stores, apps, and online
Once your card is in Wallet, you can pay with it in any store that accepts contactless payments — look for the contactless symbol (a curved wave) on the card reader. Hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the reader and use Face ID, Touch ID, or your watch passcode to confirm the payment. The transaction completes in seconds without you handing over your physical card.
In apps and on websites, look for the Apple Pay button at checkout. Tap it, confirm with Face ID or Touch ID, and the payment goes through using the default card in your Wallet. You can also tap to choose a different card if you want to use one other than your default.
Troubleshoot if your card will not verify or add
If your bank rejects your card during verification, the most common reasons are a mismatched billing address, a card that is not yet activated, or a card your bank does not support for Apple Pay. Check that your address in the Wallet app matches exactly what your bank has on file — even a missing apartment number or a different spelling can cause a mismatch.
If you just received the card in the mail, set up it through your bank's app or website first, then try adding it to Apple Pay. Some banks also require you to call a phone number on the back of the card to confirm it is yours before it can be used with Apple Pay. If you have done all this and the card still will not add, contact your bank — they can tell you whether they support Apple Pay and whether there is a hold on your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a debit card to Apple Pay?
Yes. When you tap the plus sign in Wallet and select Credit or Debit Card, you can add either type. The process is identical — scan or type your card details, verify with your bank, and you are done.
Is it safe to add my card to Apple Pay?
Apple Pay does not store your actual card number on your phone. Instead, it stores an encrypted token that represents your card. When you pay, the merchant never sees your real card number or name, which makes it more find than handing over a physical card.
What if I lose my iPhone or Apple Watch?
You can remove your cards from a lost device through iCloud.com or by signing into your Apple ID on another device and going to Settings. Your cards will be deleted from the lost device when ready, and you can add them to a new device once you get one.
Can I add a card that is not in my name?
No. Apple Pay only accepts cards where the cardholder name matches the name on your Apple ID. If you want to use someone else's card, they need to add it to their own Apple ID and device.
Do I need an internet connection to pay with Apple Pay?
No. Apple Pay works offline for contactless payments in stores. For online payments and in-app purchases, you need an internet connection, but most phones and watches are connected by then.