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, fees, and feature comparisons.
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. Neither product requires a separate download — both live inside the pre-installed Wallet app.
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 a suggested card if shown)
- Point your iPhone camera at your physical card — Wallet reads the number automatically, or enter it manually
- Enter the card’s expiration date and CVV
- Agree to the card’s terms
- Your card issuer verifies the card — typically via:
- A text or call to your number on file
- Logging into your bank’s app
- Calling the number on the back of your card
Once verified, the card appears in Wallet with a chip indicator. Your default card is shown first when you open Apple Pay — 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)
- Your default card appears in the Wallet selector
- Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode
- Hold the top of your iPhone near the contactless payment terminal — within about an inch
- Wait for the vibration and checkmark — payment is complete
The entire in-store process takes 2–3 seconds. To pay with a different card, tap any other card in the selector before holding to the terminal.
Paying Online or In-App
When a website or app supports Apple Pay, an Apple Pay button appears at checkout. Tap it, review the summary (amount, shipping address, email), and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID. No card number or CVV is ever shared with the merchant.
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 put it on
Part 2: Setting Up and Using Apple Cash (P2P)
Enabling Apple Cash
- Go to Settings → Wallet & Apple Pay → Apple Cash and toggle it 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 contact you want to pay
- Tap the + (plus icon) → Apple Cash
- Use the +/− buttons or type the dollar amount
- Tap Pay (green button) — not Request
- Confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode
The payment appears as a bubble in the conversation. The recipient taps Accept on their device. Payments not accepted within 7 days are automatically returned to your balance.
Requesting Money in iMessage
Follow the same steps but tap Request (blue button) 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 if desired
- Tap Pay and authenticate
Verifying Your Identity (Higher Limits)
Apple Cash has two tiers of sending limits based on identity verification:
| Tier | Weekly send limit | Bank transfers |
|---|---|---|
| Unverified | $2,000 | Not available |
| Verified | $10,000 | Available |
To verify your identity:
- 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
You must complete verification before you can transfer your Apple Cash balance to a bank account.
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
- Apple Cash verifies ownership using two small test deposits (arrives in 1–2 business days) that you confirm in the app
Standard Transfer (Free, 1–3 Business Days)
- Wallet → Apple Cash → More (…) → Transfer to Bank
- Enter the amount → select 1–3 Business Days → tap Transfer
Instant Transfer (1.5% fee, within 30 minutes)
- Same path → select Instant Transfer → review the fee → tap Transfer
Fee example: Transferring $500 via instant costs $7.50. Transferring $1,000 costs $15 — the maximum cap. Any amount above $1,000 still costs only $15 for instant delivery, which makes instant transfers proportionally cheaper for larger sums. For a full breakdown of when instant is worth it, see the Apple Cash fees guide.
Spending Your Balance Directly (No Withdrawal Needed)
Your Apple Cash balance works as a payment source for Apple Pay at any store or online:
- At checkout, when Apple Pay opens, tap Apple Cash in Wallet to select it
- Authenticate and pay — the merchant charges your Apple Cash balance directly
This is the simplest way to spend your balance without the delay or fees of cashing out.
Part 4: Direct Deposit with Apple Cash
Apple Cash supports direct deposit — your employer or benefits provider can deposit payroll directly to your Apple Cash account. Funds typically arrive up to 2 days early compared to a traditional bank. For setup instructions including the routing and account numbers to give your employer, see the Apple Cash direct deposit guide.
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 |
| Set up direct deposit | Wallet → Apple Cash → More → Direct Deposit |
What to Read Next
For security settings and scam protection, see Is Apple Pay safe?. For a full feature and fee comparison with Google Pay, see Apple Pay vs. Google Pay. If you’re also deciding between Apple Cash and Cash App, the Apple Cash vs Cash App comparison breaks down limits, fees, and extra features side by side.
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