Digital currency is becoming more and more popular and, these days, there’s no need to carry around an overflowing wallet in your pocket as an Apple device can now make payments for you.
In this tutorial, I'll show you how to set up Apple Pay on an iPhone, and explain how to make payments both in stores and online.
Apple Pay Explained
Apple Pay enables payments using an iPhone, iPad, iWatch or Mac and removes the need for a physical debit or credit card. It supports most major debit or credit cards, such as Visa and MasterCard, and works with any merchant that accepts contactless payments.
Apple Pay also allows you to make transactions over the £30 contactless payment limit that’s enforced in most stores, although if a transaction exceeds a certain amount, you may need to enter an associated PIN (Personal Identification Number).
With Apple Pay, debit or credit card numbers are never stored on the device or Apple’s servers, nor are they shared with merchants, making it a safer option than paying with a physical card.
One thing to note, however, is that Apple Pay is only available in certain countries.
Set a Passcode
An iPhone requires a passcode to use Apple Pay, so if you haven’t already set one, tap Settings > Passcode > Turn Passcode On, and then enter and re-enter a chosen passcode.
If your iPhone supports Touch ID or Face ID, consider setting that up, too, as an extra layer of security. It will also save time when paying at the checkout.
Add a Card
Before you can make a payment with Apple Pay, you must first add a debit or credit card to your iPhone’s Wallet app.
Launch the Wallet app, and then tap + to add a new card. Press Continue, and then enter the three-digit CVV for the debit or credit card that’s associated with your Apple ID, or select Add a Different Card if you prefer to add a different card to Apple Pay, and then enter the details for said card. Press Next.
Enter your email address to be sent a verification code from your card issuer, and then enter the code in the box once you’ve received it.
You have now successfully set up Apple Pay on an iPhone.
Pay With Apple Pay in Stores
You can make a payment with Apple Pay in any store that displays the contactless payment symbol, or the Apple Pay symbol. Here’s how.
iPhone 8 or Earlier
Place a finger on the iPhone’s home button to activate Touch ID or, alternatively, enter the passcode. Hold the top of the device within a few centimetres of the contactless reader until you receive confirmation on the display that your payment was successful.
If you want to pay with a different card, hold your device near the reader without placing a finger on Touch ID, and when your default card appears, tap it to choose another card. Place a finger on Touch ID or enter your passcode to complete the transaction.
iPhone X
Double-click the iPhone’s side button, then look at the device to authenticate with Face ID or, alternatively, enter the passcode.
Hold the top of your device within a few centimetres of the contactless reader until you receive confirmation on the display that the payment was successful.
To pay with a different card, double-click the side button, and when your default card appears, tap it to choose another card. Look at the device to authenticate with Face ID or enter the passcode, then hold the top of the device near the reader to complete the transaction.
Pay With Apple Pay Online
Apple Pay can also be used to make payments online wherever the Apple Pay symbol is displayed, either through an app or Safari.
Navigate to the checkout, select Apple Pay as the payment method, and then ensure that the default billing and shipping address is correct. If not, update the information, and Apple Pay will remember any changes for future transactions.
To pay with a different card rather than your default card, press > and select a card.
If you own an iPhone 8 or earlier, confirm the payment with Touch ID or by entering the passcode, or if you own an iPhone X, double-click the side button and confirm the payment with Face ID or entering the passcode.
View the Transaction History
Launch the Wallet app, then tap the default card, followed by the Information logo, and then Transactions to view the transaction history.
Depending on the card issuer, you may only be able to view transactions made from the device you’re holding, or all transactions made from the debit or credit card account, including non-Apple Pay transactions.
Some issuers only provide initial authorisation amounts to the Wallet app, which may be different from the final transaction amount, therefore it’s advised that you always refer to the debit or credit card statement from the bank for the final amount.
Conclusion
In this tutorial, I have shown you how to set up Apple Pay on an iPhone and explained how to make payments both in stores and online.
Apple Pay is a great alternative to carrying around a debit or credit card and, will no doubt, save the day the next time you forget your wallet.
