Apple Pay and Apple Cash are built into every iPhone — no separate app download needed. Apple Pay lets you pay at stores, online, and in apps using any credit or debit card saved to Wallet. Apple Cash lets you send and receive money directly in iMessage. This guide covers setup, in-store payments, P2P transfers, cashing out, and key settings.
See the Apple Pay & Apple Cash overview for limits and fees.
Requirements
| Product | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Apple Pay (purchases) | iPhone 6 or later; any supported iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch; card from a participating issuer |
| Apple Cash (P2P) | iPhone with iOS 11.2 or later; US Apple ID; 18 years or older (13+ with Family Sharing) |
Apple Cash is US-only. Recipients must also have Apple Cash enabled on an Apple device.
Part 1: Setting Up Apple Pay (Purchases)
Adding a Card to Wallet
- Open the Wallet app (pre-installed on iPhone)
- Tap the + (plus) button in the top right
- Select Credit or Debit Card (or tap an existing card if one is suggested)
- Point your iPhone camera at your physical card — Wallet reads the card number automatically, or enter it manually
- Enter the card’s expiration date and CVV
- Agree to the card’s terms
- Your card issuer will verify your card — typically via:
- A text or call to your number on file
- Logging into your bank’s app
- Calling your card’s customer service number
Once verified, the card appears in Wallet with an Apple Pay-enabled chip indicator. Your default card is the one shown when you open Apple Pay in-store — tap and hold any card to set it as default.
Paying in a Store with iPhone
- Double-click the side button (Face ID iPhones) or rest your finger on the Home button (Touch ID iPhones)
- The Wallet card selector appears — your default card is shown
- Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode
- Hold the top of your iPhone near the contactless payment terminal
- Wait for the checkmark and vibration — payment complete
Switching cards at checkout: After double-clicking, tap any other card in Wallet before holding it to the terminal.
Paying Online or In-App
When a website or app supports Apple Pay, you will see an Apple Pay button at checkout. Tap it, review the purchase summary, and authenticate. Your shipping address and email are shared (unless you use Hide My Email).
Paying with Apple Watch
- Double-click the Digital Crown
- Hold the face of your Apple Watch near the terminal
- No additional authentication required (the watch is already authenticated when you wear it)
Part 2: Setting Up and Using Apple Cash (P2P)
Enabling Apple Cash
- Settings → Wallet & Apple Pay → Apple Cash → turn on
- Accept the Green Dot Bank Terms and Conditions
Apple Cash is automatically available in iMessage once enabled.
Sending Money in iMessage
- Open a Messages conversation with the person you want to pay
- Tap the + (plus icon) → Apple Cash
- Use the +/− buttons or type the amount
- Tap Pay (green) — not Request
- Confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode
The payment appears as a bubble in the conversation. The recipient must tap Accept on their device. Payments that are not accepted within 7 days are automatically returned to your balance.
Requesting Money in iMessage
Same steps, but tap Request (blue) instead of Pay. This sends a request bubble — the other person taps it to pay you.
Sending from the Wallet App
- Open Wallet → tap your Apple Cash card
- Tap Send or Request
- Search your contacts, enter an amount, add a note
- Tap Pay and authenticate
Verifying Your Identity (Unlock Higher Limits)
Without verification: send up to $3,000/message, $10,000/7 days.
With verification: send up to $10,000/message, $20,000/7 days, and transfer to a bank account.
To verify:
- Wallet → Apple Cash card → More (…) → Info → Verify Identity
- Enter your legal name, date of birth, and last 4 digits of your SSN
- Some users may be asked for a government-issued ID photo
- Verification typically completes within minutes
Part 3: Cashing Out Apple Cash to Your Bank
Adding a Bank Account
- Wallet → Apple Cash → More (…) → Transfer to Bank
- Tap Add Bank Account → enter your bank routing and account numbers
- Verify ownership — Venmo makes two small micro-deposits (1–2 business days) that you confirm in the app
Transferring to Your Bank
Standard (Free, 1–3 business days):
- Wallet → Apple Cash → More (…) → Transfer to Bank
- Enter amount → choose 1–3 Business Days → Transfer
Instant (1.5% fee, min $0.25, max $15, within 30 minutes):
- Same path → choose Instant Transfer → confirm fee → Transfer
See Apple Cash fees for the full cost breakdown and when instant is worth paying.
Spending from Your Apple Cash Balance Directly
Your Apple Cash balance works as a payment source for Apple Pay at any store or online — no withdrawal needed:
- At checkout, when Apple Pay opens, tap Apple Cash in Wallet to select it as your payment card
- Authenticate and pay — the merchant charges your Apple Cash balance
This eliminates the need to cash out for everyday spending.
Quick Reference
| Task | Steps |
|---|---|
| Add card to Apple Pay | Wallet → + → Credit or Debit Card → camera scan |
| Pay in store | Double-click side button → Face ID → hold to terminal |
| Send Apple Cash | Messages → + → Apple Cash → amount → Pay |
| Request Apple Cash | Messages → + → Apple Cash → amount → Request |
| Cash out (free) | Wallet → Apple Cash → More → Transfer → 1–3 Business Days |
| Cash out (instant) | Wallet → Apple Cash → More → Transfer → Instant Transfer |
| Verify identity | Wallet → Apple Cash → More → Info → Verify Identity |
| Spend balance at store | At Apple Pay prompt → tap Apple Cash card |
For security settings and scam prevention, see Is Apple Pay safe?. For a full feature and fee comparison with Google Pay, see Apple Pay vs. Google Pay.
The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy