How to Set Up Apple Pay

  1. 1

    Open Wallet app on your iPhone

    Tap the + button in the top right corner.

  2. 2

    Add a card

    Select Debit or Credit Card. Point your camera at your card to scan the number, or enter it manually. Your bank will verify the card — usually via a code sent by text or email.

  3. 3

    Set a default card

    The first card you add becomes your default. To change: Wallet app → tap and hold a card → drag it to the front of the stack.

Using Apple Pay In Stores

  1. 4

    Face ID iPhones (iPhone X and later)

    Double-click the side button. Glance at your phone to authenticate with Face ID. Hold the top of the phone near the payment terminal. Done — the transaction completes in under a second.

  2. 5

    Touch ID iPhones (iPhone 8 and earlier, iPhone SE)

    Rest your finger on the Touch ID sensor and hold the phone near the payment terminal simultaneously. No button press needed.

  3. 6

    Apple Watch

    Double-click the side button on the watch and hold the watch face near the terminal. Payment goes through from the card set up in the Watch app.

Using Apple Pay Online and In Apps

When you see the Apple Pay button on a website or in an app, tap it. Authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID. No need to type card details — your shipping address and card are filled automatically. Works in Safari on iPhone, iPad and Mac.

Is Apple Pay safe?Yes — more secure than a physical card. Apple Pay uses a unique transaction code for each payment rather than your actual card number. Even if a retailer's system is hacked, your card details are not exposed. Your card number is never shared with the merchant.

Where Apple Pay is Accepted

Any contactless payment terminal (look for the contactless or Apple Pay symbol). Most major retailers, supermarkets, transport systems and online stores now accept it. In Australia, Apple Pay is accepted virtually everywhere that takes tap-and-go.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Australia, there is no standard limit for Apple Pay — unlike physical cards which have a $100 contactless limit, Apple Pay is authenticated with biometrics so higher amounts are approved. Your bank sets the actual limit, which is typically your card's daily spending limit.
The terminal needs to support contactless NFC payments. Older terminals with only chip-and-pin do not work with Apple Pay. Look for the contactless wave symbol on the terminal — if it is there, Apple Pay should work.
iPhones have a feature called Express Transit Card which works with very low or no battery for transit payments. For regular purchases, you need enough battery to turn the screen on for authentication.