Is it safe to put your SSN on Apple Pay?

Asked by: Jasper Schulist  |  Last update: July 8, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (41 votes)

Your name and address is securely stored by the partner bank and Apple Payments Inc., but any additional information that you're asked to provide — such as Social Security number, date of birth, answers to questions (e.g., confirm street name you have previously lived on), or a copy of your government ID — can't be ...

Should I give my social security number to Apple Pay?

In these scams, fraudsters may request personal information like your Social Security number, address, full name, and Apple ID credentials. Providing this information can lead to unauthorized access to your Apple Pay account, potentially resulting in financial loss.

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.

Does Apple Pay report to the IRS?

IRS Form 1099-K is a tax document that reports any payments you received through third-party networks like Venmo, PayPal, or Apple Pay. If you receive more than $5,000 in 2024 through these platforms, you'll likely get a 1099-K.

How to get Apple Pay card without SSN?

Yes, you can obtain an Apple Card MasterCard with an ITIN. You do not need a Social Security number and in the requirements muguy listed, you'll notice a Social Security number is not a requirement.

Why Apple Pay Is So Safe

19 related questions found

Is Apple Cash safe?

Apple Cash is more secure than a traditional debit card. For starters, it uses Face ID or Touch ID to authenticate your transactions — to make sure you're, well, you. When you make a purchase with Apple Pay, it uses a device-specific number and unique transaction code.

How do I use Apple Pay without identity?

You'll need either a state issued ID or drivers license to verify your identity. There is no workaround or alternative to verification.

Can Apple Pay get traced?

And when you use Apple Pay with credit, debit, or prepaid cards, Apple doesn't retain any transaction information that can be tied back to you. Your transactions stay between you, the merchant or developer, and your bank or card issuer.

What is the $600 rule on venmo?

Originally set to kick off at the beginning of 2022, the IRS planned to implement a new reporting rule that would require third-party payment apps, like PayPal, Venmo or Cash App to report income of over $600 or more per year to the tax agency. The IRS delayed this new reporting requirement in 2022 and again in 2023.

Does Apple Pay sell your information?

It may not store or sell user data, but Apple Pay does require access to certain personal information, which it then uses for marketing purposes.

Why is Apple Cash asking for my social security number?

Why you're asked to verify your identity. Apple Cash services are provided by Green Dot Bank, Member FDIC. Apple Card is issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Member FDIC. Green Dot Bank and Goldman Sachs require identity verification for fraud protection and regulatory reasons.

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.

Which is safer, PayPal or Apple Pay?

Many people wonder whether Apple Pay is safer than traditional credit cards or other payment services like PayPal. In many cases, Apple Pay offers a higher level of security.

Is Apple Pay safe from hackers?

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.

Is my social security number a bank account?

The claim that numbers on a Social Security card can be used as a routing and account number to make purchases is FALSE, based on our research. The Fed has debunked the claim on numerous occasions. It is not possible for an individual to have a bank account with the Fed.

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.

Does Apple cash report to the IRS?

A 1099-K form reports payment card and third-party network transactions to the IRS. It reports income received from electronic or online payments, such as credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Android Pay, PayPal, and other non-cash payment types.

Does the IRS look at my Venmo?

When you receive payments for goods and services on our platform, the IRS requires Venmo to report that payment activity if you reach the reporting threshold for these transactions. You can find the latest info about the current tax year's reporting thresholds on the IRS website.

Is it OK to have a lot of money in Venmo?

Despite their popularity and usefulness, P2P payment apps aren't safe places to store money. Loading cash onto the apps or keeping money there after you receive funds from another user might put your money at risk.

Does Apple Pay reveal your identity?

To help improve Apple Pay, Apple collects information about your use of Apple Pay and stores that information in a way that does not identify you personally.

Is it wise to use 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.

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.

Why did Apple Pay ask for my SSN?

To help protect your identity, you may be asked to provide additional information for verification, such as uploading the front and back of your government-issued identification, providing your full SSN, or entering a verification code sent to a phone number that Apple's identity verification service provider has ...

Can I put a driver's license in Apple Wallet?

On your iPhone, open the Wallet app. Tap Driver's License or ID and choose your state or region. Choose whether you want to add your license or ID to your iPhone only or to both your iPhone and paired Apple Watch. Follow the onscreen instructions to scan the front and back of your license or ID.

Can you use Apple Pay anonymously?

Apple Pay retains anonymous transaction information, such as approximate purchase amount. This information can't be tied to the user and never includes what the user is buying. Besides the use of Apple Pay in stores, it also works within iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and visionOS apps.