How to set up Apple Pay: paying with your iPhone

Apple Pay is a convenient way to pay with your iPhone, Apple Watch or iPad. No wallet needed: you simply hold your phone near the payment terminal and the payment is completed within seconds. In this article we explain step by step how to set up and use Apple Pay. It is easy to follow, even if you are not very comfortable with technology.

What exactly is Apple Pay?

Apple Pay is Apple's digital wallet. You add your bank card to your iPhone and can then pay contactless in stores, restaurants and online shops. It works just like paying with your debit card, but with your phone instead.

Benefits of Apple Pay

Why would you want to use Apple Pay? Here are the main benefits:

  • Fast and easy: No PIN to enter, you confirm with Face ID or Touch ID
  • Secure: Your card number is never shared with the merchant
  • Always at hand: You usually have your phone with you anyway
  • Hygienic: No need to touch payment terminals
  • Clear overview: All your transactions neatly in one app

What do you need for Apple Pay?

Before you start setting it up, check that you have the following:

A compatible Apple device

Apple Pay works on the following devices:

  • iPhone 6 or newer
  • Apple Watch (all models)
  • iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3 or newer
  • MacBook Pro with Touch ID or MacBook Air with Touch ID

A supported bank

Not every bank supports Apple Pay, but in the Netherlands most major banks do:

  • ING
  • Rabobank
  • ABN AMRO
  • SNS Bank
  • ASN Bank
  • RegioBank
  • Bunq
  • N26
  • Revolut

If you bank somewhere else, check with your bank whether Apple Pay is supported.

An Apple ID

You need an Apple ID to use Apple Pay. This is the same account you use to download apps from the App Store. If you already have an iPhone, you almost certainly have an Apple ID already.

Setting up Apple Pay on your iPhone: step by step

Follow these steps to set up Apple Pay on your iPhone:

Step 1: Open the Wallet app

The Wallet app comes preinstalled on your iPhone. You can recognize it by the icon that looks like a wallet with colored cards. Can't find the app? Swipe down on your Home Screen and type "Wallet" in the search bar.

Step 2: Tap the plus sign

In the top right of the Wallet app you will see a plus sign (+). Tap it to add a new card.

Step 3: Choose payment card

You will now be asked what kind of card you want to add. Choose "Payment Card" or "Debit or Credit Card".

Step 4: Scan your bank card

You can now scan your bank card with your iPhone's camera. Place your card on a flat surface and hold your phone above it. The camera automatically recognizes the card numbers. If scanning does not work, you can also enter the details manually.

Step 5: Enter the expiration date and CVC

Enter your card's expiration date (on the front) and the CVC code (the three digits on the back of your card).

Step 6: Accept the terms

Read the terms and conditions of your bank and Apple Pay and accept them to continue.

Step 7: Verification by your bank

Your bank has to confirm that you really are the owner of the card. This usually happens through:

  • A text message code sent to your phone number
  • A push notification in your banking app
  • A verification email

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the verification.

Step 8: Ready to pay

Congratulations! Your card has now been added to Apple Pay. You will see the card in your Wallet app and can start paying right away.

How do you pay with Apple Pay in a store?

Paying with Apple Pay is very simple. Here is how:

With Face ID (iPhone X and newer)

  1. Hold your iPhone near the payment terminal
  2. Double-click the side button (on the right side of your phone)
  3. Look at your screen so Face ID recognizes your face
  4. Hold your phone near the terminal until you see a checkmark
  5. Done! You hear a beep or feel a vibration

With Touch ID (iPhone 6, 7, 8 and SE)

  1. Rest your finger on the Home button (the round button at the bottom)
  2. Hold your iPhone near the payment terminal
  3. Keep your finger on the button until you see a checkmark
  4. Done! The payment is complete

With Apple Watch

  1. Double-click the side button of your Apple Watch
  2. Hold your watch near the payment terminal
  3. You feel a gentle tap and see a checkmark on the screen
  4. The payment was successful

Paying online with Apple Pay

You can also use Apple Pay for online purchases in apps and on websites. Look for the "Pay with Apple Pay" button. Tap it and confirm the payment with Face ID or Touch ID. Your address and payment details are filled in automatically, which makes checking out much faster.

Tips for using Apple Pay safely

Apple Pay is very secure, but it is a good idea to follow these tips:

Use a strong passcode

Make sure your iPhone is protected with a strong passcode, Face ID or Touch ID. That way nobody else can make payments with your phone.

Report a loss immediately

Have you lost your iPhone or has it been stolen? Report it to your bank right away and block Apple Pay via iCloud.com/find. There you can also erase your device remotely.

Check your transactions

Regularly review your transactions in the Wallet app and your banking app. That way you will quickly notice if something is wrong.

Troubleshooting Apple Pay

Is Apple Pay not working as expected? Here are solutions to common problems:

The payment is declined

  • Check that you have sufficient balance
  • Check that your card has not expired
  • Try removing your card and adding it again
  • Contact your bank

The card cannot be added

  • Check whether your bank supports Apple Pay
  • Make sure your iPhone software is up to date
  • Try entering the card details manually
  • Contact your bank for help

Face ID or Touch ID does not work

  • Make sure your face or finger is clean
  • Check that Face ID or Touch ID is turned on in Settings
  • Try setting up Face ID or Touch ID again

Adding multiple cards

You can add multiple bank cards and credit cards to Apple Pay. Simply repeat the steps above for each card. In the Wallet app you can choose which card is your default card for payments.

Frequently asked questions about Apple Pay

Is Apple Pay free?

Yes, Apple Pay is completely free to use. You pay no extra fees on top of your normal transaction costs. Your bank may charge transaction fees, just as with debit card payments, but Apple charges nothing.

Can I use Apple Pay abroad?

Yes, you can use Apple Pay anywhere contactless payments are accepted. Keep in mind that your bank may charge fees for payments abroad, just as with regular card payments. Check this with your bank beforehand.

What happens if my phone's battery is dead?

If your iPhone is completely drained, you cannot pay with Apple Pay. On some newer iPhone models (iPhone XS and newer), Apple Pay keeps working for a while after the battery runs out, but it is wise to always carry a backup payment method.

How secure is Apple Pay compared to paying by card?

Apple Pay is at least as secure as paying with your debit card, and in some ways even more secure. Your actual card number is never shared with the merchant. Instead, a unique code is used for each transaction. On top of that, you have to confirm every payment with Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode.

Conclusion

Setting up Apple Pay is easier than you might think. Within a few minutes you can pay with your iPhone in stores and online. It is fast, secure and convenient. Do you have an iPhone and a card from a supported bank? Then definitely give it a try. You will find that you can leave your wallet at home more and more often.

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