Apple Pay comes to India with Axis Bank Visa, Mastercard credit cards

Apple Pay is now available in India, with Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards supported at launch across iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, giving users a new way to make contactless payments at stores, in apps and online.

The launch allows eligible Axis Bank credit card users to add their cards to Apple Pay and use them at thousands of merchants across India, as well as anywhere that accepts NFC transactions. Apple said the service can be used without entering card details, PINs or one-time passwords at checkout.

Also Read: Apple Pay set for India launch next month with Axis Bank credit cards: Report


“India is home to a dynamic and digitally savvy population that continues to embrace a cashless future while expecting the highest standards of security and privacy, and we’re so excited to bring Apple Pay to users in India today,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet.

“Apple Pay makes everyday payments with a card easy, secure, and private — from simply tapping to pay in stores without an extra app, PIN, or OTP to checking out online without repeatedly entering payment information,” she said.

For Axis Bank, the launch adds Apple Pay to its existing portfolio of digital payment options across both Visa and Mastercard networks.

How Apple Pay works

Users can add an eligible Axis Bank card directly to Apple Wallet through the latest version of the Axis Bank app. They can also open the Wallet app on an iPhone, tap the plus sign and follow the steps to add their card.

For in-store payments, users can double-click the side button or Home button, authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID or a device passcode if prompted, and hold the top of their iPhone or the display of their Apple Watch near a contactless payment terminal.

Apple said users can also make purchases with Apple Pay on iPhone and iPad in apps and on the web. Mac support will be added soon.

The service is designed so that users do not have to repeatedly enter card, contact or shipping information when making payments online. Cardholders will continue to receive the rewards and benefits associated with their cards.

Security at the core

Apple said security and privacy are central to Apple Pay. The actual card number is not stored on the device or on Apple’s servers and is not shared with merchants.

Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned to the card, encrypted and stored in the Secure Element, a certified chip designed to securely hold payment information.

Apple said it does not retain transaction information that can be tied back to the user. Transactions remain between the user, merchant and bank or card issuer.

If an iPhone is lost or stolen, users can use the Find My app to locate the device, lock it or suspend payments from it.

Mastercard said its tokenisation technology provides another layer of protection.

“With Mastercard’s tokenisation technology, every Apple Pay transaction is protected by a unique, cryptographically secured token, ensuring card details are never shared with merchants, safeguarding consumers against fraud,” said Gautam Aggarwal, Mastercard’s president of India and South Asia.

Suresh Sethi, Visa’s group country manager of India and South Asia, said the launch brings together Apple’s consumer experience with Visa’s payments network and tokenisation technology.

“By bringing together Apple’s intuitive consumer experience with Visa’s trusted global network and tokenisation capabilities, Apple Pay brings consumers in India a simpler, safer, and more seamless way to pay,” he said.

Where Apple Pay will work

At launch, Apple Pay will be accepted by millions of merchants across India, including Apple Store locations, Blinkit, Chaayos, Comet, Croma, Interflora, Ixigo, Le15 Patisserie, Reliance brands, Tata 1mg and Zomato.

Apple said it has worked with payment service providers including Cashfree, JusPay, Mswipe, Paytm, PayU, Pine Labs, Razorpay and Worldline to bring Apple Pay to their merchant networks.

The company said more merchants and apps will be added over time.

Apple Pay is currently available in more than 90 countries and regions and works with more than 11,000 bank and network partners globally.