Apple Pay is a mobile payment and digital wallet service by Apple Inc. that lets users make payments in person, in iOS apps, and on the web. It digitizes and can replace a credit or debit card chip and PIN transaction at a contactless-capable point-of-sale terminal. It is similar to contactless payments already used in many countries, with the addition of two-factor authentication via Touch ID, Face ID, PIN, or passcode. The service was launched on October 20, 2014, in the United States and was expanded to the United Kingdom, Canada, Singapore, and Australia the following year. Additional countries have since been added, and as of 2020, Apple Pay is available in 47 countries.
Apple added support for in-app payments on the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, allowing users to pay for physical goods and services such as groceries, clothing, tickets, and reservations within apps. Apple Wallet, formerly Passbook, is a mobile app included with the iOS operating system that allows users to store Wallet-passes, meaning coupons, boarding passes, student ID cards, event tickets, movie tickets, public transit passes, store cards, and – starting with iOS 8.1 – credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, and loyalty cards via Apple Pay.
With the release of iOS 8.1, Apple also added the ability for Apple Wallet to store credit and debit cards, via a partnership with American Express, MasterCard, and Visa, meaning that users no longer need to rely on Passbook-compatible apps from these companies in order to use their credit and debit cards with Apple Pay.
However, Apple Pay does not currently support the use of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which are used in the United States to disburse food stamp benefits and other government benefits. It is possible that Apple will add support for EBT cards in the future, but as of right now, there is no way to use them with Apple Pay.
What is Apple Wallet?
In 2015, Apple Inc. launched Apple Pay, a mobile payment and digital wallet service that allows users to make in-store, in-app, and online purchases with their iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches. With Apple Pay, users can add their credit, debit, and prepaid cards to the Wallet app and use them to pay for goods and services at participating retailers and businesses, both online and in-store. In addition to making payments, Apple Pay can also be used to store loyalty cards, coupons, boarding passes, and tickets.
When paying in stores, users can hold their iPhone near the contactless reader with their finger on the Touch ID button or double-click the side button on their Apple Watch. A unique security code is generated for each transaction and sent to the payment terminal, and the user's card number is never stored on their device or shared with the merchant. For online and in-app purchases, Apple Pay can be used with Touch ID or Face ID on compatible devices.
As of 2019, Apple Pay is available in over 50 countries and works with hundreds of banks and financial institutions. In the United States, Apple Pay can be used anywhere contactless payments are accepted, including at retail stores, restaurants, gas stations, websites, and in apps. In addition to making purchases, Apple Pay can also be used to make person-to-person payments with the Messages app and to pay for transit fares in select cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I add a card to my Apple Pay wallet?
There could be a problem with the card or account. If there's an issue, try to add the card again after the issue is resolved.
What is Apple Wallet and how does it work?
Apple Wallet is a mobile app that stores your credit and debit cards, as well as reward and loyalty cards, tickets and coupons. You can use it to make payments at retailers that accept Apple Pay. It's a convenient way of keeping track of your cards and making sure you always have them with you.
What can you use Apple Wallet for in Australia?
Apple Wallet is perfect for holding your loyalty and rewards cards from your favourite retailers, supermarkets and even your super fund membership cards. You can easily add and remove cards as needed, and use the app to track your spending in real time. You can also use Apple Wallet to pay for goods and services at participating stores, with fast, secure checkout through Apple Pay.
How do I add a Pass2U card to Apple Wallet?
1. Open Pass2U and select your card from the list of passes in Pass2U. 2. Tap on the card to open it up in Apple Wallet. 3. Your final option is to scan a barcode from a screenshot in the Photos library on your iPhone. It's useful for cards, passes, and tickets that only exist online.
Why can’t I add a card to Apple Pay?
There could be a number of reasons why you’re unable to add cards to Apple Pay. You may need to update the operating system on your device, or your bank or card issuer might not support Apple Pay yet. If all else fails and you still can’t add a card, try turning off your Passcode and see if that solves the problem. If not, contact your bank or card issuer for assistance.
