Apple Pay, the digital wallet and mobile payment service developed by Apple Inc., offers users a convenient and secure way to make purchases using their Apple devices. While it primarily focuses on facilitating payments, you may wonder whether you can also get cash back when using Apple Pay. In this article, we’ll explore the possibilities of getting cash back with Apple Pay and how to make it happen.
Understanding Apple Pay
Apple Pay is designed to streamline payments by allowing users to link their credit or debit cards to their Apple devices, including iPhones, Apple Watches, iPads, and Macs. It leverages near-field communication (NFC) technology for contactless transactions and provides an additional layer of security through features like tokenization and biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID).
Can You Get Cash Back with Apple Pay?
Yes, you can get cash back when using Apple Pay, but it typically depends on the policies and practices of the merchant or retailer you are making a purchase from. Here’s how it works:
- Ask for Cash Back: When making a purchase at a store or retailer that accepts Apple Pay, you can usually request cash back during the transaction. This option is similar to when you use a physical credit or debit card at a point-of-sale (POS) terminal.
- Select the Cash Back Option: When prompted to choose your payment method (credit, debit, or Apple Pay), select the payment method tied to your Apple Pay account. At this point, you can also select the cash back option.
- Specify the Amount: Depending on the retailer, you may be able to specify the amount of cash back you want, typically up to a certain limit, such as $20 or $40. Keep in mind that the availability of cash back and the maximum amount may vary by store.
- Complete the Transaction: Once you’ve selected the cash back option and entered the desired amount, complete the transaction by following the prompts on the payment terminal. You may need to verify the transaction using Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode on your device.
- Receive Cash and Receipt: After completing the transaction, the cashier will hand you the requested cash along with a receipt for your purchase.
Benefits of Getting Cash Back with Apple Pay
Getting cash back with Apple Pay offers several benefits:
- Convenience: It eliminates the need to visit an ATM to withdraw cash, saving you time and potential ATM fees.
- Secure Transactions: Apple Pay transactions are highly secure, as they use tokenization to protect your financial information.
- Record Keeping: The digital nature of Apple Pay allows for easy tracking and record keeping of your transactions.
Using a Cash-Back Card With Apple Pay
You can get cash back when you use Apple Pay, under certain circumstances.
- The store accepts Apple Pay.
- The card linked to your Apple Pay offers cash back.
1. The Store Accepts Apple Pay
Fortunately, many stores accept Apple Pay as a form of payment — though not all of them do. You can tell which ones do because you’ll see the Apple Pay logo on the payment terminal.
You can also search for stores that accept Apple Pay by searching “Apple Pay” in Google Maps — it will show you nearby stores that will let you pay this way.
2. You’re Using a Cash-Back Card
The debit or credit card that you use with Apple Pay must offer cash-back rewards. The card will process an Apple Pay transaction as it would any other transaction, and the cash back will be credited in the same way it is when you use the physical card.
The amount of cash back you get depends on the credit or debit card you are using. The fact that you’re using Apple Pay instead of swiping your card doesn’t change the way cash back is calculated or awarded. Be sure that the credit or debit card that you use for Apple Pay is the one with the most generous cash-back program, so you can take full advantage.
Conclusion
While Apple Pay primarily serves as a digital payment method, it also offers the convenience of getting cash back when making purchases at stores and retailers that support this feature. When using Apple Pay, don’t hesitate to ask if cash back is available during your transaction. Just remember to check the cash back limits and any associated fees at the specific merchant you are shopping with, as these may vary. Enjoy the ease and security of Apple Pay while also taking advantage of the added benefit of obtaining cash back as needed.