Apple Pay, the versatile digital wallet and mobile payment service has revolutionized the way we handle transactions. Whether you’re splitting a restaurant bill, paying back a friend, or contributing to a group gift, Apple Pay offers a quick and secure method to send money to someone. In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple steps of paying someone with Apple Pay.
Setting Up Apple Pay
Before you can start sending money with Apple Pay, you need to ensure it’s set up on your device. Here’s how to set up Apple Pay:
- Check Compatibility: Apple Pay is available on various Apple devices, including iPhones, Apple Watches, iPads, and Macs. Ensure your device is compatible.
- Add a Card: Open the Apple Wallet app and tap the ‘+’ button to add your credit or debit card information. You can also add cards from your Apple ID settings.
- Verify Your Card: Depending on your bank or card issuer, you might need to complete a verification process, which often involves receiving a verification code via text or email.
- Set Up a Payment Method: In the Wallet app, select the card you want to use as your default payment method for Apple Pay.
Paying Someone with Apple Pay
Now that you have Apple Pay set up, you can easily pay someone using the following methods:
1. iMessage (Apple Cash):
- Open the Messages app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Start a conversation with the person you want to pay.
- Tap the Apple Pay icon (a ‘$’ symbol) in the conversation.
- Enter the payment amount and tap “Pay.”
- Authenticate the payment using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device’s passcode.
- Review the payment and tap “Send.”
2. Siri:
- Activate Siri by saying “Hey Siri” or holding the side button (on iPhone X and later) or the home button (on older iPhones).
- Say something like, “Send [amount] dollars to [contact’s name] using Apple Pay.”
- Siri will confirm the details, and you can confirm by saying “Yes.”
3. Contacts App:
- Open the Contacts app on your iPhone.
- Find the person you want to pay and tap their name.
- Scroll down and tap “Pay.”
- Enter the payment amount and tap “Pay.”
- Authenticate the payment, review the details, and tap “Send.”
4. Apple Wallet:
- Open the Apple Wallet app on your device.
- Tap your default payment card.
- Scroll down and tap “Pay” or “Send Money.”
- Enter the payment amount, the recipient’s email address or phone number, and a message (optional).
- Tap “Pay.”
- Authenticate the payment and confirm the details.
Sending money to someone else with Apple Pay Cash: step-by-step
If you’ve received money through Messages, or if someone has sent you a payment using Apple Wallet, the funds will be added to your Apple Cash card.
You can also top up your Apple Cash from any linked payment method, and your cashback will be added to this account if you have an Apple Card³.
You can send money to someone else with Apple Pay Cash either through the Apple Wallet app, or in Messages⁴.
To send a payment through messages:
1. Open Messages on your phone
2. Start a new conversation with the person you want to pay, or tap an existing conversation with them
3. Tap the Apple Cash button which you’ll find at the bottom of the screen
4. Enter the amount you want to pay
5. Tap Pay, confirm, and your money is on its way
If you’d rather send money through Apple Pay Cash in the Wallet feature:
1. Open Wallet
2. Select your Apple Cash card which you’ll find there
3. Tap Send money
4. Select a recipient from your contacts, or add a new contact to pay
5. Enter the amount you want to pay
6. Tap Pay, confirm, and your money is on its way
Sending money through Apple Pay on iPhone: step by step
Apple’s default setting will mean that any payment you make in Messages or from Wallet using the steps outlined above will be deducted from your Apple Cash balance in the first instance.
However, if you’d rather not use your Apple Cash balance — or if there isn’t enough money in your Apple Cash to cover the transfer, you can also pay using any card you hold in your Apple Wallet⁵.
If you have an Apple Cash balance but don’t want to use it for your transfer, you’ll need to turn off Apple Cash as a payment method in your phone’s settings.
Once you’ve done this — or if you don’t have sufficient balance in Apple Cash to cover the transfer you’re trying to make — you’ll be prompted to select the card from the wallet you want to use to fund the transfer.
Just follow the steps laid out above to make payment in Messages or through Wallet, and select the card you want to use with Apple Pay when prompted. Easy.
Withdrawing money from Apple Pay: step by step
If you have money on your Apple Cash card you can withdraw it to your bank account in 1 — 3 working days, or make an instant transfer to an eligible debit card⁶.
For an instant transfer to a debit card from your phone, you’ll need to:
Step 1. Open Wallet and select the Apple Cash card
Step 2. Tap the More button and select Transfer to bank
Step 3. Enter the amount you want to withdraw, and select Instant Transfer
Step 4. Add the card you want to transfer to if it’s not already in your Wallet
Step 5. Tap Transfer, select the card you need, confirm and you’re done
If you make an instant transfer, there’s a 1.5% fee, from a minimum of 0.25% to a maximum of 15 USD per transfer.
If you need to transfer your money to a bank account you can also do that for no fee, although this may take a little longer to arrive:
Step 1. Open Wallet and select the Apple Cash card
Step 2. Tap the More button and select Transfer to bank
Step 3. Enter the amount you want to withdraw, and select 1 — 3 business days
Step 4. Add a linked bank account if you don’t already have one
Step 5. Tap Transfer, confirm and you’re done
Pay for your international transfer using Apple Pay with Wise
Apple Pay and Apple Cash transfers can only be made within the US. If you need to send money online to someone based overseas, a Wise account could be the ideal solution.
With Wise, you can set up your transfer online or in-app, and make your payment with a low fee and a mid-market rate. When it’s time to pay for your transfer, select Apple Pay, to send money seamlessly through Apple Pay and Wise, with great rates and transparent costs every time.
Conclusion
Apple Pay simplifies the process of sending money to friends, family, or anyone you need to pay quickly and securely. Whether you prefer iMessage, Siri, the Contacts app, or the Apple Wallet app, you have various options for sending money with ease. The convenience and security offered by Apple Pay make it a popular choice for digital payments, enhancing the way we handle financial transactions in our daily lives.