Is Apple Pay safe from hackers?

Asked by: Dr. Judson Barton I  |  Last update: August 3, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (57 votes)

Apple Pay is considered relatively safe from hackers due to its multiple security layers. It replaces your card details with a unique device account number, encrypts all transactions, and requires Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode to authorize payments.

Can someone hack into your Apple Pay?

Yes, your Apple Pay account can potentially be hacked like any other online account. Apple devices and accounts are not immune to hacking attempts or stolen credentials.

Is there any risk with Apple Pay?

Key Takeaways. Apple Pay is certainly safer than cash and it has more safety features than credit cards. Some security features, like two-factor identification, are optional. A complicated passcode is still a good idea.

Can someone steal your card info from Apple Pay?

But just because scammers can't steal your credit card numbers using Apple Pay doesn't mean they can't steal your money. Apple Cash is a feature that allows you to send money to other Apple Pay users. Criminals target Apple Cash because it's a peer-to-peer digital wallet that doesn't offer buyer protection.

What are the downsides of Apple Pay?

Cons of Apple Pay

Apple Pay is not accepted at all retailers and not compatible with all banks or card issuers. Backup may be required, just in case. Apple Pay only works if your phone does. You may still need to carry a physical credit card as a backup in case your battery dies or you misplace your phone.

Apple Pay or Google Pay vs Credit Cards - which is safer?

26 related questions found

Why don't people use Apple Pay?

The survey results suggest that the top reason for using mobile tap-and-pay is because it is more usable than traditional debit or credit cards. In contrast, our survey identified user security concerns as the top reason for not using Apple Pay. In fact, Apple Pay nonusers were not too concerned about usability.

Which is safest Apple Pay or PayPal?

Apple Pay has inbuilt advanced security measures like tokenized transactions and biometric authentication, which typically shift the liability for fraudulent transactions to card issuers instead of merchants. These transactions are considered highly secure, so you're less likely to pay for fraudulent chargebacks.

Can you be scammed through Apple Pay?

Unsolicited payments

Then the person will explain that they've made a mistake and ask you to return it. Believing it was an honest mistake, you probably send the money back. But, the scammer used stolen card details to attach them to their Apple Pay account to send the money.

Is Venmo or Apple Pay safer?

It all depends on your needs, but currently, according to experts in this area, the two most secure are Apple Pay and Venmo. Choose whichever you please to use, but remember to take precautions to ensure security when using each platform.

Can thieves use my Apple Pay?

Biometric authentication ensures that no one else can use your Apple Pay if your phone is stolen. In contrast, a thief could easily use your stolen credit card at a store that doesn't check IDs.

Which is safer, credit card or Apple Pay?

Apple Pay is designed with your security and privacy in mind, making it a simpler and more secure way to pay than using your physical credit, debit, and prepaid cards. Apple Pay uses security features built-in to the hardware and software of your device to help protect your transactions.

How do I make my Apple Wallet more secure?

How to turn on a rotating security code
  1. Open the Wallet app and tap Apple Card.
  2. Tap the card number icon. , then authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
  3. Scroll down to Advanced Fraud Protection and turn it on.

Can the bank see who used my card online?

Banks and law enforcement can use transaction details, surveillance footage, and digital tracking methods to identify the perpetrator, with various results.

Is it safe to give out your Apple Pay?

Apple Pay provides security

Apple Pay requires you to use Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to make a purchase. So even if your phone is stolen, no one else can use your Apple Pay to buy something. On the other hand, a thief could easily use your stolen credit card at a store that doesn't match IDs and cards.

Do skimmers work on Apple Pay?

Apple Pay is unable to be skimmed. Since you cannot use Apple Pay through a regular card reader, there's no risk that someone will skim the card in the process. In terms of skimming, the risk is eliminated for Apple Pay users.

How do I know if my iPhone has been hacked?

Signs that your Apple Account has been compromised

You notice unusual activity, such as messages that you didn't send, deleted items that you didn't delete, account details that you didn't change or don't recognize, trusted devices that you didn't add or don't recognize, or purchase activity that you don't recognize.

What is the safest payment app?

Our Top Tested Picks
  • Best for Android Users. Google Pay. Jump To Details. ...
  • Best for Buying Stocks and Bitcoin. Cash App. ...
  • Best for Shopping Online. PayPal. ...
  • Best for Instant Bank-to-Bank Transfers. Zelle. ...
  • Best for Purchases iOS and Mac Users. Apple Pay. ...
  • Best for Contactless in-Store Purchases. Samsung Pay. ...
  • Best for Paying Friends. Venmo.

Should I put my debit card on Apple Pay?

Apple Pay is safer than using a physical credit, debit, or prepaid card. Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode is required for purchases on your iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac, or iPad. Your card number and identity aren't shared with merchants, and your actual card numbers aren't stored on your device or on Apple servers.

Is Zelle or Apple Pay better?

Clark's Take on Whether Apple Pay Is a Safe Alternative to Zelle. Clark says: “It's a different kind of tool, but Apple Pay is a well-thought-out safe alternative.” It's no wonder that a user may be “freaked out” using Zelle. Inside the Zelle app, there is no way to request a refund.

Can a hacker use my Apple Pay?

Hackers sometimes connect stolen credit cards to an Apple Pay account and use them to buy expensive items on online marketplaces where unsuspecting sellers might not know what to look out for.

Can Apple Pay be reversed?

Yes, you can reverse an Apple Pay transaction, but you typically need to contact your bank to start the process.

Is Apple Pay protected like PayPal?

Compared to PayPal, Apple Pay is often considered more secure because it relies on biometric data and encryption, whereas PayPal transactions are typically secured by passwords alone.

What is the cons of Apple Pay?

There are a few downsides to Apple Pay. The biggest con is that while Apple Pay is popular, there are still some customers who don't know how to use it. Your team will need to be knowledgeable enough to educate some new users. You may also need to upgrade your terminals if they aren't NFC-enabled.

What is the difference between Apple Pay and Apple wallet?

What is the difference between Apple Pay and Apple Wallet? Apple Pay is a safe way to pay and make secure purchases in stores, in apps, and on the web. Apple Wallet is the place where you store your credit or debit cards so you can use them with Apple Pay.

Is Google Pay as good as Apple Pay?

Apple Pay and Google Wallet are similar in what they can do. Apple may be easier to use, but Google has more features, although Google Pay P2P payments are no longer available in the U.S. Apple Pay is probably easier for teenagers 13 and up to use for peer-to-peer (P2P) and retail payments, with parental monitoring.