Apple Pay India launched: How to set up payments, supported banks and cards, features and how it differs from UPI

Apple has officially launched Apple Pay in India, bringing its contactless payment service to iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch users in the country. The service is initially available with eligible Axis Bank cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks, while Apple says support for more banks and cards will be added over time. Mac support is also coming soon. The India launch gives Apple users another way to pay at stores, in apps and on websites without repeatedly entering card details, PINs or OTPs during checkout.

How Apple Pay works in India

Users with an eligible Axis Bank card can add it directly to Apple Wallet through the latest version of the Axis Bank app. The card can also be added by opening the Wallet app on an iPhone, tapping the + button and following the instructions. Once the card is added, users can make contactless payments at supported payment terminals.

For an in-store payment, users can double-click the side button on an iPhone and authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID or the device passcode when required. They then need to hold the top of the iPhone near the contactless payment terminal. The same process can be used with an Apple Watch.


Apple Pay can also be used for purchases inside apps and on the web using supported iPhone and iPad devices. Mac support will be introduced soon.

How to set up Apple Pay on iPhone

1. Update your iPhone to the latest available iOS version.


2. Make sure you have an eligible Axis Bank Visa or Mastercard card.


3. Open the latest Axis Bank app and select the option to add your eligible card to Apple Wallet.


4. Alternatively, open the Wallet app on your iPhone.


5. Tap the “+” button in the top-right corner.


6. Select Debit or Credit Card and follow the on-screen instructions.


7. Scan your card or enter its details manually.


8. Complete the verification process required by Axis Bank.


9. Once the card is approved, it will appear in Apple Wallet and can be used with Apple Pay.

How to pay through Apple Pay in a store

At a contactless payment terminal, double-click the iPhone's side button, authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode if required, and hold the top of the iPhone near the terminal.

Which banks support Apple Pay in India?

At launch, Axis Bank is the first banking partner for Apple Pay in India. Eligible Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards are supported at launch. Not every Axis Bank card is necessarily eligible, so users need to check whether their particular card can be added to Apple Wallet. Apple is expected to expand the list of participating banks and card issuers over time. Globally, Apple Pay works with thousands of banks and payment partners.

Supported cards at launch

Bank	Card network	Current support
Axis Bank	Visa	Eligible cards supported
Axis Bank	Mastercard	Eligible cards supported
Other banks	Visa/Mastercard and others	More support to be added

Users should check with their card issuer if a particular card does not appear as eligible in Apple Wallet.

Where can you use Apple Pay?

Apple says Apple Pay is available at millions of merchants across India at launch. These include Apple Store locations, Blinkit, Chaayos, Comet, Croma, Interflora, Ixigo, Le15 Patisserie, Reliance brands, Tata 1mg and Zomato. The service is also being enabled across merchant networks through payment service providers including Cashfree, JusPay, Mswipe, Paytm, PayU, Pine Labs, Razorpay and Worldline.

Apple said more merchants and apps will be added over time. For physical stores, the key requirement is that the merchant's terminal supports contactless payments and accepts the relevant card network.

What are the main Apple Pay features?

One of the biggest changes for users is that they do not need to repeatedly type their card information during supported online checkouts. Apple Pay can store payment credentials securely and allow users to confirm a transaction using their device authentication. It can also store contact and shipping information for supported purchases. Users continue to receive the rewards and benefits linked to their eligible cards when paying through Apple Pay.

Is Apple Pay safe?

Apple has built Apple Pay around tokenisation and device-level security. The actual card number is not stored on the device or Apple's servers, and it is not shared with the merchant. Instead, Apple uses a unique Device Account Number, which is encrypted and stored in the iPhone's Secure Element, a dedicated chip designed to protect payment information.

Each transaction also uses a unique security code rather than sending the actual card number to the merchant. Mastercard said tokenisation technology adds another layer of protection.

What if your iPhone is lost?

Losing an iPhone does not mean the person who finds it can automatically use the cards stored in Apple Pay. Users can use the Find My app to locate their device, lock it or suspend payments. Device authentication such as Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode is also part of the payment process.

Apple Pay vs UPI: What is different?

Apple Pay's India launch does not replace UPI. The two systems work differently. UPI generally connects a bank account to a UPI app or payment interface and is widely used for QR-code payments. Apple Pay, by contrast, is initially focused on eligible bank cards added to Apple Wallet and can be used through contactless terminals, apps and supported websites. For iPhone users who already rely on cards for purchases, Apple Pay offers a way to use those cards without carrying the physical card.