Apple Pay has become a standard payment method for millions of people, yet many first-time users still have questions about setup, in-store use, online purchases, and sending money. This guide covers each of those areas with clear, step-by-step instructions.
Apple Pay is a secure contactless payment system built into iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro. It relies on NFC technology for in-store payments and uses tokenization to protect card details. In the UK, the service is supported by major banks including Barclays, HSBC, NatWest, and Lloyds, and works at tens of thousands of retailers.
This guide is written for anyone who wants to understand how to use Apple Pay from scratch, whether paying at a shop, checking out on Amazon, or sending money to a friend. All steps are based on official Apple documentation and are current as of 2025.
How do I use Apple Pay for the first time?
Getting started with Apple Pay requires a compatible device and a supported card. The entire process takes a few minutes and is handled through the Wallet app.
Quick Overview: Apple Pay at a Glance
Add your debit or credit card to the Wallet app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch.
Hold your device near a contactless terminal and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID.
Select Apple Pay at checkout on Amazon, websites, or apps – no card details entered.
Use Apple Cash within Messages or Wallet to send and receive money instantly.
Key insights about Apple Pay
- Apple Pay uses device-specific numbers and unique transaction codes – your actual card number is never stored or shared with merchants.
- You can use Apple Pay without a physical card by adding a card from supported banks directly in the Wallet app.
- Apple Pay works in over 60 countries, including the UK, and accepts most major credit and debit cards.
- For first-time users, the most common hurdle is verifying the card with the bank – this is done via a one-time code or bank app.
Snapshot facts about Apple Pay
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Launched | October 2014 (US), July 2015 (UK) |
| Compatible devices | iPhone (SE, 6 and later), iPad (Pro, Air, mini), Mac (2012+ with Touch ID), Apple Watch (Series 1+) |
| Supported cards | Most credit, debit, and prepaid cards from major banks in supported regions |
| Security | Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode; no card number stored on device or Apple servers |
| Maximum per transaction | Depends on card and merchant; typically same as contactless limit (e.g., £100 in UK) |
How to use Apple Pay in shops?
Using Apple Pay in a physical store is one of its most convenient features. It works at over 90% of UK contactless terminals – look for the contactless symbol or the Apple Pay logo at the checkout.
Paying with an iPhone
At the checkout, double-click the side button on a Face ID model or the Home button on a Touch ID model. Authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. Your default card will be selected automatically; you can tap the screen to switch to a different card. Hold the top of your iPhone near the card reader until you feel a haptic buzz and see a checkmark on the screen.
Paying with an Apple Watch
Double-click the side button on your Apple Watch. If needed, scroll to select the card you want to use. Hold the watch display facing the reader until you feel a buzz and see a confirmation checkmark.
Using Apple Pay without a physical card
You do not need to carry a physical card to use Apple Pay. As long as a debit or credit card from a supported bank has been added to your Wallet app, the payment works identically. The phone or watch becomes your only payment tool.
In 2025, no PIN is required for transactions under £100 in the UK. Apple Pay works for transit payments on TfL Oyster and contactless systems, as well as at vending machines and restaurants.
How to use Apple Pay on Amazon and other online stores?
Apple Pay allows one-tap checkout on websites and inside apps, streamlining online purchases significantly.
On iPhone and iPad
When shopping in Safari or inside an app, look for the Apple Pay button at checkout. Tap it, check your shipping and billing details, then double-click the side button and authenticate with Face ID or your passcode. The transaction completes instantly.
On Mac without Touch ID
If your Mac does not have Touch ID, you can still use Apple Pay. Go to iPhone Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay and enable Allow Payments on Mac. When you click the Apple Pay button on your Mac, a prompt appears on your paired iPhone – confirm the payment there.
On non-Safari browsers
Some websites allow Apple Pay through a QR code. If you see an Apple Pay button on Chrome or another browser, tapping it may display a QR code – scan it with your iPhone camera and complete the payment on your phone.
Apple Pay is accepted by Amazon, Tesco, Trainline, and many other UK online stores. It also works within the App Store, Apple Music, and for iCloud+ subscriptions.
How to use Apple Pay to send money?
Sending money to another person through Apple Pay is handled by Apple Cash, which is available in the UK as of 2025.
Setting up Apple Cash
Open the Wallet app or go to Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay to set up Apple Cash. You will need to add an eligible UK debit card to fund the balance. The system may ask you to verify your identity.
Sending money via Messages
Open the Messages app and enter a conversation with the person you want to pay. Tap the plus (+) button, select Apple Pay, enter the amount, and optionally add a memo. Tap Send, then authenticate with Face ID or your passcode. The money is deducted from your Apple Cash balance or linked debit card.
Receiving and using funds
Money you receive appears in your Wallet as an Apple Cash card. You can spend it directly using Apple Pay in stores or online. To add more funds, go to Wallet, tap the Apple Cash card, and choose Add Money from your debit card.
Instant transfers are free when funded from a debit card. A limit of £500 per send applies. Recurring payments are supported within certain apps.
How to use Apple Pay on different devices?
Apple Pay is not limited to the iPhone. It works across the Apple ecosystem, though the setup process varies slightly by device.
On iPhone
This is the primary device for Apple Pay. Open the Wallet app, tap the plus icon, and follow the steps to add a card. You need an iPhone SE, iPhone 6 or later, running iOS 18 or newer in 2025.
On Apple Watch
Cards are added through the Watch app on your paired iPhone. Go to the My Watch tab, select Wallet & Apple Pay, and tap Add Card. The card is verified on the iPhone and then becomes available on the watch.
On Mac
Macs with Touch ID – such as MacBook Pro models from 2016 onwards – allow you to add cards directly in System Settings under Wallet & Apple Pay. For Macs without Touch ID, you rely on your paired iPhone to confirm payments.
On non-Apple devices
You cannot use Apple Pay on Android phones, Windows PCs, or other non-Apple hardware. It is exclusive to Apple’s own devices.
Timeline of Apple Pay developments
- 2014: Apple Pay launches in the US on iPhone 6 and Apple Watch.
- 2015: Expands to UK, Canada, Australia, and more countries.
- 2016: Added support for Apple Pay on Mac via Safari.
- 2019: Apple Card launched in US; Apple Cash introduced for peer-to-peer payments.
- 2022: Tap to Pay on iPhone introduced, allowing merchants to accept payments without extra hardware.
- 2025: Apple Pay continues to expand to new markets and regions; enhanced security with passkeys.
Is Apple Pay safe to use?
Security is a core part of Apple Pay’s design. The system uses tokenization: a unique device account number is created and stored in the Secure Element chip on your device. This number is encrypted, and Apple never stores your full card number on its servers. Each transaction generates a one-time dynamic security code.
At the same time, there are uncertainties that users should be aware of. Whether Apple Pay works with international merchants depends on the merchant’s region and card issuer – always check before travel. Some smaller online stores may not yet offer Apple Pay as a payment option. The exact limit per contactless transaction varies by country, bank, and retailer (e.g., £100 in UK, but some merchants may have a higher threshold for Apple Pay). If you lose your iPhone, Apple Pay can be suspended remotely via iCloud – but you need to act quickly.
What is established and what remains unclear
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Apple Pay is supported in over 60 countries and territories. | Whether Apple Pay works with international merchants depends on the merchant’s region and card issuer – always check before travel. |
| You must have a compatible Apple device and an eligible card to use Apple Pay. | Some smaller online stores may not yet offer Apple Pay as a payment option. |
| Apple Pay does not store your full card number on the device or Apple servers. | The exact limit per contactless transaction varies by country, bank, and retailer (e.g., £100 in UK, but some merchants may have a higher threshold for Apple Pay). |
| You can use Apple Pay at any contactless payment terminal that supports contactless cards. | If you lose your iPhone, Apple Pay can be suspended remotely via iCloud – but you need to act quickly. |
Why Apple Pay matters in 2025
Apple Pay has become the default contactless payment method for hundreds of millions of users. Its integration across iOS, macOS, and watchOS makes it frictionless for daily purchases, both physical and digital. The recent addition of Tap to Pay on iPhone turns any iPhone into a payment terminal, broadening its utility for small businesses. However, user questions persist around first-time setup, sending money, and using Apple Pay without a physical card – gaps that official support pages often address in silos rather than in one comprehensive guide.
What official sources say about Apple Pay
“Add your credit, debit, or prepaid cards to Wallet to use Apple Pay in stores, apps, and online.”
– Apple Support – Set up Apple Pay
“When you use Apple Pay, your card number is never stored on your device or on Apple servers.”
– Apple Pay Security Overview
“Setting up Apple Pay takes just a few minutes: open the Wallet app, tap the plus sign, and follow the prompts.”
– Mashable – How to set up and use Apple Pay
Summary: How to use Apple Pay effectively
Apple Pay simplifies payments across nearly all everyday contexts – in shops, online, inside apps, and between people. Setup takes a few minutes, the security model is robust, and the system works across all recent Apple devices. For a deep walkthrough of the setup and payment steps on iPhone, see our Complete Guide to Using Apple Pay on iPhone.
Frequently asked questions
Is Apple Pay safe to use?
Yes. Apple Pay uses device-specific numbers and unique transaction codes. Your card number is never shared with merchants. You must authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.
Do I need an internet connection to use Apple Pay in stores?
No. In-store payments use NFC and work even without an internet connection. Online and in-app payments require an internet connection.
Can I use Apple Pay without a card?
You can use Apple Pay without a physical card if you have added a digital card from a supported bank to your Wallet. You can also use Apple Cash without a traditional card, but you need to fund it from a bank account.
How do I use Apple Pay on iPhone 17?
As of 2025, iPhone 17 has not been released. The setup and usage steps are expected to be identical to current iPhones: add a card to Wallet and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID.
How to use Apple Pay UK?
Open the Wallet app, tap the plus (+) button, and follow the prompts to add a UK debit/credit card from a supported bank. Then use Apple Pay at any contactless terminal in the UK or online with participating merchants.
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Henry Morgan is Senior Reporter at BritView.uk, covering breaking UK news, politics, business and public affairs.