At launch, Apple Pay support in India is limited to eligible Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued by Axis Bank. Apple says more banks and card issuers are expected to be added over time. The service can be used at contactless payment terminals as well as supported apps and websites.
The launch gives iPhone users another way to pay with their existing credit cards without having to enter card details repeatedly or use an OTP or PIN at checkout. Instead, transactions are authenticated using Face ID, Touch ID or the device passcode.
What is Apple Pay?
Apple Pay is Apple’s digital payment service that allows users to add eligible credit and debit cards to Apple Wallet and use them for purchases.
Unlike a traditional card payment that may require additional authentication at checkout, Apple Pay uses the security features built into Apple devices. For in-store purchases, users can authenticate the payment on their iPhone or Apple Watch and hold the device near a compatible contactless payment terminal.
Apple says the actual card number is not stored on the device or its servers and is not shared with merchants. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned to the card and stored securely in the device’s Secure Element.
Apple also says it does not retain transaction information that can be tied back to the user. If an iPhone is lost or stolen, payments can be suspended remotely using Find My.
Which banks support Apple Pay in India?
At launch, Axis Bank is the only bank listed by Apple for Apple Pay in India.
Eligible Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards can be added to Apple Wallet. Apple has separately confirmed that some cards from participating banks may not be supported, so cardholders should check their specific card’s eligibility with the issuer.
This means users with credit cards from other Indian banks cannot currently add those cards to Apple Pay. The supported-bank list is expected to expand as Apple brings additional issuers on board.
How to set up Apple Pay on an iPhone
Setting up Apple Pay is relatively straightforward for users with an eligible Axis Bank card.
To add a card, open the Wallet app on the iPhone and tap the + button. Follow the on-screen instructions to add the eligible credit card and complete the verification process.
Apple also allows users to add an eligible card through the latest version of the Axis Bank app. Once the card has been successfully added to Apple Wallet, it can be used for Apple Pay payments.
The supported device requirement at launch is an iPhone XR or later running iOS 18 or later. Apple Watch Series 6 or later running watchOS 11 or later is also supported, provided the watch is paired with a compatible iPhone.
How to pay with Apple Pay in stores
Using Apple Pay at a contactless payment terminal involves only a few steps.
On an iPhone with Face ID, double-click the side button and authenticate using Face ID or the device passcode when prompted. On supported devices with a Home button, users can use Touch ID or the passcode.
Once authentication is complete, hold the top of the iPhone near the contactless card reader. The payment will be processed through the NFC connection between the device and the terminal.
Apple Watch users can also pay by double-clicking the side button and holding the display near the contactless reader.
Apple says Apple Pay can also be used for in-store purchases without an active Wi-Fi or cellular connection because the contactless payment uses the device’s NFC capability.
Can Apple Pay be used online and in apps?
Yes. Apple Pay can also be used for purchases on supported websites and in apps on iPhone and iPad.
At checkout, users can select the Apple Pay option, review their payment and shipping information and authenticate the transaction using the device’s security system. This eliminates the need to repeatedly enter card numbers, billing details and other payment information.
Apple has also confirmed support for third-party browsers. Depending on the merchant, users can select Apple Pay at checkout and complete the transaction using their iPhone.
Where can Apple Pay be used in India?
At launch, Apple Pay is available across millions of merchant locations and supported online services in India.
Apple has specifically listed merchants and brands including Apple Store locations, Blinkit, Chaayos, Comet, Croma, Interflora, Ixigo, Le15 Patisserie, Reliance brands, Tata 1mg and Zomato.
The service also works at other locations that accept contactless NFC payments, while Apple’s network of payment service providers is helping expand merchant acceptance. These include Cashfree, JusPay, Mswipe, Paytm, PayU, Pine Labs, Razorpay and Worldline.
As adoption expands, Apple expects more merchants and apps to support Apple Pay in India.
What happens to card rewards and benefits?
Using a card through Apple Pay does not mean giving up the rewards and benefits associated with that card.
Apple says users will continue to receive the rewards and benefits offered by their eligible cards when they use them through Apple Pay.
The service itself does not charge users an additional fee for making payments. Any normal charges or fees applicable to the card remain determined by the card issuer.
Apple Pay enters a UPI-dominated market
Apple Pay is entering India at a time when UPI has become a major part of everyday digital payments.
Unlike UPI, Apple Pay at launch is essentially a way to use an eligible credit card through an Apple device. It therefore gives users another payment option rather than replacing UPI-based bank-account payments.
For eligible Axis Bank credit cardholders who regularly use iPhones or Apple Watches, the service could make contactless card payments more convenient by keeping the card inside Apple Wallet.
The initial limitation to one bank, however, means the service’s reach will depend partly on how quickly Apple expands support to other Indian card issuers.
Apple Pay has a global network
Apple Pay is already available in more than 90 countries and regions and works with more than 11,000 bank and network partners globally.
India is now part of that international Apple Pay network, although its launch here begins with a much smaller group of supported cards.
Apple has said it is working with additional banks and card issuers, and its India support page will be updated as more cards become eligible.
For Indian users, the immediate requirement is therefore simple: an eligible Axis Bank Visa or Mastercard credit card, a supported Apple device and the necessary software version.
With Apple Pay now live, users can add their eligible card to Apple Wallet and start making contactless payments at supported terminals, as well as payments in participating apps and online stores.