Apple Pay FAQ: Apple Pay arrives in India – how to use it and how it differs from Google Pay..

Apple has launched its contactless payment service, Apple Pay, in India. iPhone and Apple Watch users can now make payments using this service. Users will not need to swipe plastic cards or enter PINs when shopping at stores; they can simply tap their device on the POS machine to pay. Additionally, they can enjoy the convenience of one-tap checkout on various major apps and websites.

Apple Pay is currently live for Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit card users. Apple has partnered with companies such as Zomato, Blinkit, Tata 1mg, Croma, and Reliance Brands, as well as payment providers like Paytm, Pine Labs, and Razorpay. If you are wondering how Apple Pay works, how it differs from Google Pay, and whether it is safe, let’s find the answers.

How does Apple Pay work?

Apple Pay is essentially Apple's digital wallet. It allows you to add bank cards to the Apple Wallet. When making a payment at a store, you simply need to double-press the side button or the Home button on your iPhone. Then, authenticate using Face ID or your passcode and hold the phone near the card machine. The merchant's machine accepts the payment instantly without the card ever touching the terminal. For online shopping, you can select Apple Pay at checkout and complete the payment using biometric authentication.

How do you set up Apple Pay?

To activate it, open the Wallet app already installed on your iPhone and tap the plus (+) button at the top. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to enter your card details. Alternatively, you can link your card directly to Apple Pay via the latest version of the Axis Bank mobile app.

How do you make payments using Apple Pay at stores?

When shopping offline, double-press the side button on your iPhone at the billing counter, authenticate yourself using Face ID or Touch ID, and then hold the top of the phone near the merchant's contactless card reader. The payment is complete once you hear a beep and see a checkmark on the screen. Apple Watch users simply need to double-click the side button on their watch and hold the display near the card reader.

Which cards work with Apple Pay?

Apple Pay currently supports only Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued by Axis Bank. The company has stated that credit and debit cards from other major Indian public and private sector banks will also be integrated into the platform in the future.

How safe is Apple Pay?

Apple Pay adheres to extremely strict security standards; the user's actual 16-digit card number is neither stored on the phone nor shared with the merchant or Apple's servers. Instead, a unique 'Device Account Number' is generated and stored in an encrypted format within the phone's certified Secure Element chip. Face ID or fingerprint authentication is required for every transaction. In the event that the phone is lost, the device can be locked and the payment service immediately suspended remotely using the 'Find My' app.

Are there any charges for using Apple Pay?

No, Apple does not charge customers any additional fees for using Apple Pay for purchases made in stores, within apps, or online. However, your bank's standard foreign currency exchange rules and fees may apply to international transactions or purchases made in foreign currencies. Can Apple Pay be used outside India?

Yes, you can use Apple Pay linked to your Indian card in over 90 countries and regions worldwide wherever contactless POS machines are available. The only requirement is that the international transaction facility must already be activated on your bank card.

What is the difference between Apple Pay and Google Pay?

The underlying technology used by both services in India is completely different. Google Pay is primarily based on UPI, enabling money transfers via QR code scanning and phone numbers by directly linking to bank accounts. In contrast, Apple Pay operates using hardware-based NFC and card tokenization. Its primary function is to digitize credit or debit cards on the phone to facilitate 'tap-to-pay' transactions at POS machines. Additionally, Apple Pay is restricted to Apple devices and currently lacks direct UPI support, whereas Google Pay is available on both Android and iOS platforms.