How does it work?

By adding your credit or debit card to Apple Pay it creates a “virtual” copy of your credit or debit card and stores that information in the Wallet app. Security-wise, your card details stored on your Apple device are encrypted and tokenised, meaning you never share your actual card details with Apple. Instead, a unique token is generated for each transaction, which is then used for the payment. This ensures that your private information is protected and secure.

Whenever you make a payment with Apple Pay you must first authenticate it, using FaceID or TouchID, before holding it near the contactless reader. This will avoid any unauthorised transactions being made on your behalf. If you are using an Apple Watch, you need to unlock it with your passcode and activate Apple Wallet by double-tapping the button next to the crown.

Some apps and websites also accept payment through Apple Pay, and these also need to be authorised with FaceID or TouchID on the iPhone or Mac you are using.

Benefits of using Apple Pay

One major benefit of using Apple Pay is the convenience. Nowadays, we usually have our mobile devices with us at all times, so if we could use them to make payments there is no longer a need for you to carry all of your cards as well.

Another benefit of using Apple Pay is the added security layers it provides. As mentioned earlier, your card details stored on the device are encrypted, meaning you never share your card details with Apple or the card reader taking payment. Additionally, payments done through Apple Pay have to be first verified via biometrics, such as Face ID or Touch ID, which always keeps you in control.

How to set up Apple Pay

To set up Apple Pay, you'll have to add your credit or debit card details to the Wallet app on your iOS device.

1. On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap on Wallet & Apple Pay.
3. At the top, tap Add Card.
4. Tap on Debit or Credit Card.
5. At this point, you can choose to take a snapshot of your debit or credit card by using the iPhone camera or you can choose to enter card details manually. Pick your preferred option and continue.
6. Follow the steps on the screen to complete verification.
7. Once the verification is complete, your Apple Pay will be ready to be used.

How to use Apple Pay

To use Apple Pay with a Face ID device.

1. Double-click the Side button.
2. Verify via FaceID, otherwise, choose Pay with Passcode.
3. Hold your device near the card reader to pay.

To use Apple Pay with a Touch ID device.

1. Double-click the Home button.
2. Verify by holding your finger on the Home button, otherwise, choose Pay with Passcode.
3. Hold your device near the card reader to pay.

Alternatively, you can also use your device passcode or password of your choice. For convenience, however, we recommend using one of the biometric verification options.

Since its release in 2014, Apple Pay has become one of the most widely used and accepted payment methods worldwide. With the convenience it offers, as well as the security features it provides, it makes Apple Pay an easy go-to payment solution.