How do I know which cards are linked to Apple Pay?

Apple Pay allows you to make purchases using your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad or Mac. It’s a contactless payment system that uses your device instead of a physical credit or debit card. Any cards you have added to the Wallet app can be used with Apple Pay.

So how do you know which of your cards are already set up for Apple Pay? Here are some tips to check which cards are linked and available for Apple Pay purchases:

Check the Wallet App

The Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad shows all the cards you have added for use with Apple Pay. Open the Wallet app and you will see a list of any credit, debit, store, reward and gift cards that are configured for Apple Pay.

The Wallet app has a few different views that show your cards:

  • Cards view – Shows all cards in a vertical stack
  • Apple Pay view – Displays the default card set for transit or purchases
  • Passes view – Lists any passes like boarding passes, movie tickets, etc.

So the Cards view will display all the active cards you’ve added. If you don’t see a card listed here, then it is not yet set up for Apple Pay.

Check Settings

You can also check Settings to see which cards are enabled. Go to Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay. Here you will see a list of all cards configured for Apple Pay under the Payment Cards heading.

If you tap on a card, you can see details like the last 4 digits, expiration date, and the option to remove the card from Apple Pay.

View in Safari

When paying with Apple Pay on the web in Safari, you can click on the Apple Pay button to see which cards are available. This will show you all the active cards linked to your Apple ID that can be used for the Apple Pay transaction.

Any credit or debit cards you’ve added to the Wallet app will be displayed here as payment options for that website.

Check on Your Apple Watch

If you have an Apple Watch, double click the side button to bring up your default card for payments. Swipe to the left to view other cards that are set up for Apple Pay on your watch.

Only the cards you’ve added to Apple Pay on your iPhone will be available on your Apple Watch. So if you don’t see a card as a payment option on your watch, then it is not configured for Apple Pay.

Check Your Bank Account

For the credit and debit cards linked to your bank accounts, you can log in to your bank’s website or mobile app to see details of cards set up for mobile wallets like Apple Pay.

In your account, look for any indications that your card is enabled for mobile payments or digital wallets. There may be notices displayed indicating the card is activated for Apple Pay or similar services.

Check Your Credit Card Account

Similarly, log in to the account website or app for your credit card. Look for account notices or details related to mobile payments.

You should see confirmation if your credit card is activated and ready for mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Call Your Bank or Card Issuer

If you are still unsure if your card is properly set up for Apple Pay, call your bank or card issuer directly. They will be able to check and confirm if your account is enabled for mobile wallet payments.

You can also ask them to add your card to Apple Pay if it is not already set up. In some cases the bank may need to verify your identity or perform other security checks before activating Apple Pay for your card.

Check Your Credit Card Statement

When you make a purchase using Apple Pay, it will show up on your regular credit card statement. Look for Apple Pay transactions on your monthly statement as an indicator the card is linked and active.

The transactions will display the merchant name and location like other purchases. It’s a quick way to confirm your credit card is working with Apple Pay if you see recent Apple Pay purchases on the billing statement.

Try Adding a Card

If you are unsure if a card is already set up, try adding it to the Wallet app. Open the Wallet app and tap the + button in the top right corner. Use the camera to scan the card details or enter them manually.

If the card is already added, you will see a message that the card is already in Wallet. This indicates the card is enabled for Apple Pay. If you can add the card successfully, then it was not previously set up.

Check with Merchants

When paying in stores, you can check if your card is activated for Apple Pay by holding your iPhone near the payment terminal. If your default card appears on the screen, then it is ready to use.

You can also ask the cashier to confirm if they see your card populated on their end when you hold up your iPhone. If the merchant sees your card details appear, that’s a sign it’s active for Apple Pay.

Try a Test Purchase

Attempt to make a small dollar purchase using Apple Pay either in-store or within an app. This will quickly confirm if your card is able to process transactions via Apple Pay.

Be sure to have Touch ID, Face ID, or your passcode enabled on your device for an added layer of security when testing Apple Pay.

If the transaction goes through successfully, then your card is linked and working. If not, you may need to check with your bank or card issuer to activate it for Apple Pay.

Conclusion

Checking your Wallet app and account settings are the easiest ways to see which cards are already configured to work with Apple Pay. If you don’t see a card listed, it is likely not activated yet for Apple Pay transactions.

To set up a new card, open the Wallet app and use your iPhone camera to scan card details or enter them manually. Your bank may require additional verification before adding your card to Apple Pay.

Enabling your debit and credit cards for Apple Pay allows for convenient, secure contactless purchases in stores, within apps and on websites. Be sure to periodically check which cards are active to ensure you have your preferred payment methods available via Apple Pay.

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