Apple smartphones and smartwatches can make contactless payments using the Apple Pay service.
To confirm the transaction, you first need to add a bank card to the application, and then bring the device to the terminal during the payment. The payment does not imply additional commissions and is processed in a matter of seconds.
How does Apple Pay work on iPhone and Apple Watch?
Thanks to the technology of contactless payments, services rendered and goods purchased can be paid for by phone or smart watch. It is also allowed to use the system for orders on websites and online stores.
iPhone Payments is a global instant payment option available only to iOS users. Debit or credit card information is stored digitally with the Apple Pay app. This creates a virtual wallet with which you can make instant payments.
Three technologies are used for contactless payment:
- HCE – host card emulation. Provides accurate virtual storage of bank card data using software.
- NFC – wireless data transfer. Provides data exchange between devices located in a short range at a distance of 5 to 20 centimeters.
- Tokenization is the replacement of a confidential data element with a unique identifier (token). Provides encryption of card details to protect sensitive information.
The Apple ecosystem allows you to set up contactless payments for multiple devices. The digital wallet is available not only on phones, but also on other equipment with the iOS operating system, for example, in smart watches.
With Apple Pay, you can:
- Perform transactions online and in physical stores.
- Buy various products from vending machines.
- Pay for tickets on public transport.
- Withdraw funds from an ATM.
Apple Pay is not the only system that allows you to make cashless payments using mobile devices. Google Pay is no less popular. It is designed for Android devices. Google Pay, unlike Apple Pay, can be used regardless of the hardware manufacturer.
Who can use Apple Pay?
The Apple Pay app is available only to owners of electronic devices manufactured by Apple. We are talking about users of the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and computers of the Mac line.
For secure contactless payments:
- The device must be updated to the latest available operating system.
- The card to connect to the virtual wallet must be issued by a bank or other financial institution participating in the Apple Partner Program.
Only customers of banks that have decided to cooperate with Apple can use the Apple Pay service. The list of partners was constantly updated and replenished with new institutions. Visit support.apple.com for an up-to-date list of banks that support Apple Pay.
How do I set up Apple Pay?
Apple Pay is preinstalled on iOS devices. To run it, you need to find an application on your phone or computer called “Wallet” (“Wallet”).
To use cashless payments, you need to add cards to Apple Pay. If you plan to use the service on several devices, you will have to activate the application on each of them and enter payment details.
To add a map to iPhone you need:
- Go to Wallet app.
- Select “Add” in the upper right corner and click the “Next” button.
- Find the name of the financial institution that issued the card.
- Enter your card details and submit your request for review.
You can enter the details manually or by pointing the camera at the card so that it falls into the marked frame. It takes no more than a couple of minutes to process your request. As soon as the issuer checks the card, the owner of the iPhone will be able to use it for cashless payments.
To link a card to an Apple Watch:
- Open the Apple Watch app on iPhone.
- Go to the My Watch section.
- Click on the “Wallet and Apple Pay” button.
- Select the “Add a map” option and click “Next”.
- After successful verification, click “Next” again.
The Wallet app is intuitive. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up payments and add a new default card. You can attach several cards of different banks to the wallet. Each issuer will verify the information and decide if the customer can use the card with Apple Pay.
How do I pay with Apple Pay?
If you want to pay with your iPhone, double-click the side button on your phone. The device must be brought up to 20 centimeters away from a contactless reader, such as a terminal. Then you have to wait for the operation to complete.
Depending on the smartphone model, you can confirm your purchase with:
- Face ID.
- Touch ID.
- Password entry.
Apple Watch owners can use Apple Pay too. It is enough to press the side button twice, and then bring the watch to the reader. A slight vibration or beep will be a sign that the transaction has been processed correctly.
How much does it cost to use Apple Pay?
Apple Pay is a free, pre-installed app that you can use at no additional cost. When making payments, only internal commissions of the issuer apply. Fees vary by card, but you don’t have to pay separately to access Apple Pay.
Contactless payments are processed like normal transactions. Banks do not charge associated fees for transactions carried out in this way. If there are no additional payments when paying with a regular card, then there are no additional payments when using Apple Pay.
Is Apple Pay secure?
The very thought of having card data stored on a smartphone can be troubling. However, contactless payments using Apple Pay technology are 100% secure. The application does not store debit and credit card details. Thanks to encryption, the risk of confidential data leakage is reduced to almost zero.
The Apple Pay app, among other things, uses tokenization technology. With its help, all card details are replaced with special codes – tokens. In addition, in order to complete the transaction, the payer needs to verify their identity.
Identification is done in one of two ways:
- Touch ID – fingerprint recognition.
- Face ID – recognition of facial features.
To unlock with a fingerprint, you need to put your finger on the biometric reader. The face recognition option assumes the location of the phone at head level. Both technologies are useful in case your phone is lost or stolen. They give time to block Apple Pay or launch Find My iPhone.
The Apple Pay mobile payment system is certainly very convenient, especially for people who often use contactless payments. A wallet with cards and cash does not need to be taken for a walk in the park or a morning run. To pay for goods, it is enough to have a phone or smart watch with you.
Apple Pay not only makes it easy to carry out cashless transactions, but also to withdraw money using your smartphone. To do this, you need to find ATMs that support the technology of contactless transactions.
By locking equipment based on biometric data (facial features or fingerprint), using Apple Pay is completely safe. An added benefit is the fact that the app is free. All owners of modern devices running the iOS operating system can use the Apple Pay service.
