Apple Pay: How to Use Your iPhone’s Digital Wallet to Pay In-Store

Apple Pay offers a fast, secure way to pay using your iPhone’s digital wallet. If you’ve upgraded to a new model or haven’t used Apple Pay before, here’s how to get started and where you can use it.

Things You Should Know

• Card or Balance: Make sure your Apple Wallet has at least one credit/debit card or an Apple Cash balance.
• Store Compatibility: Check with the cashier or use Google/Apple Maps to confirm if the store accepts Apple Pay.
• Activation Method: Double-click the Home or side button to access Apple Pay, then hold your phone near the reader.

Paying In-Store with Apple Pay

Step 1: Ensure Your Apple Wallet Has a Card Added

• Credit/Debit Cards:
  • Tap the “+” in the upper-right corner of the Wallet app.
  • Follow the instructions to add a credit or debit card.
• Apple Cash:
  • If you have an Apple Cash balance, you can use it to pay instead of a card.

Step 2: Confirm the Store Accepts Apple Pay

• Search Online:
  • Use Google or Apple Maps to check if the store accepts Apple Pay.
  • In Apple Maps, search for stores that support Apple Pay.
• Physical Store Indicators:
  • Look for the contactless payment symbol at the register or on the store’s door.
  • Ask the cashier if Apple Pay is accepted.

Step 3: Pull Up Apple Pay

• With Face ID:
  • Double-click the side button.
  • Authenticate using Face ID or your passcode.
• With Touch ID:
  • Double-click the Home button.

Step 4: Confirm Your Card

• Your default card will appear first.
• To switch cards, tap the default card and select another from your list.

Step 5: Pay with Apple Pay

• Hold the top of your phone near the contactless reader.
• Once the payment is accepted, a checkmark and “Done” will appear on your screen.

What Stores Accept Apple Pay?

As contactless payments grow in popularity, many businesses now accept Apple Pay. Check Apple Maps or use this list of popular stores that accept it:

• Clothing Stores: Aeropostale, Foot Locker, J.Crew, Urban Outfitters
• Department Stores: Bloomingdale’s, JCPenney, Macy’s
• Beauty Stores: Sephora, Ulta Beauty
• Fast Food: Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, Subway
• Quick Service: Chili’s, Panera Bread
• Grocery Stores: Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods Market
• Drug Stores: CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens
• Gas Stations: Chevron, Texaco, ExxonMobil
• Entertainment: Regal Cinemas, Walt Disney World

More retailers are constantly joining the list, so it’s worth checking regularly!