Is using Apple Wallet the same as Apple Pay?

Asked by: Elody Beer  |  Last update: January 29, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (22 votes)

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.

What is the difference between Apple Pay and Apple Wallet?

Apple Pay and Apple Wallet are related parts of the same system–the one that lets you pay for items both in person and online with your iPhone, Mac, or Apple Watch. But while Apple Pay is the name of the whole digital payment option, Wallet is the app on your phone that stores the cards you use there.

Can you use Apple Wallet as Apple Pay?

Using Apple Pay can be simpler than using a physical card, and safer too. With your cards stored in the Wallet app, you can use Apple Pay to make secure payments in stores, for transit, in apps, and on websites that support Apple Pay.

What is the difference between Wallet and pay?

Google Wallet allows consumers to hold a wallet balance, send and receive money from friends in the United States, and use a plastic card in stores and online. Google Pay allows users to tap and pay in stores and use/redeem loyalty cards, gift cards, and offers in store.

What are the disadvantages of Apple Wallet?

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.

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23 related questions found

Do I get charged for using Apple wallet?

No. Apple does not charge any fees when you pay with Apple Pay — in stores, online, or in apps.

Is it safe to put a credit card in Apple Wallet?

When you add a credit, debit, prepaid, or transit card (where available) to Apple Pay, information that you enter on your device is encrypted and sent to Apple servers. If you use the camera to enter the card information, the information is never saved on your device or photo library.

How to use Apple Wallet?

Pay with your iPhone
  1. To use your default card: If your iPhone has Face ID, double-click the side button. ...
  2. To use a different card, tap your default card to see your other cards. Tap a new card and authenticate.
  3. Hold the top of your iPhone near the contactless reader until Done and a checkmark appear on the display.

Why use wallet on iPhone?

Use the Wallet app to securely keep your credit and debit cards for Apple Pay, driver's license or state ID, transit cards, event tickets, keys, and more—in one convenient place for easy access.

What is the point of a wallet?

A wallet is a flat case or pouch, often used to carry small personal items such as physical currency, debit cards, and credit cards; identification documents such as driving licence, identification card, club card; photographs, transit pass, business cards and other paper or laminated cards.

Can I pay bills with Apple Wallet?

You can now pay your bill online using Apple Pay in the Safari web browser with a compatible Apple device. To use Apple Pay, you must first add a credit or debit card to your Apple Wallet.

Why can't I add my debit card to Apple Pay?

Contact your card issuer to see if they support Apple Pay. Update to the latest version of iOS, watchOS, macOS, or visionOS. Confirm that you have Face ID, Touch ID, Optic ID, or a passcode set on your device. Make sure that you are in a supported country or region.

Is Mobile Wallet the same as Apple Pay?

A mobile wallet is an app used to store your debit or credit card information on your phone or mobile device. Once you add your card to your mobile wallet, you can use Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay to make contactless and tap payments in-store and online. Learn more about Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or Google Pay.

Do I need my Wallet if I have Apple Pay?

After I enroll in Apple Pay™, do I still have to carry my credit or debit card(s) in my wallet? Yes. There are still many retail outlets that do not accept Apple PayTM, so you will need your physical cards at those stores.

Is it better to use Apple Card or Apple Pay?

The best way to use Apple Card is with Apple Pay — the secure payment technology built into iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac and accepted at 85 percent of merchants in the United States. Apple Pay is a safer way to pay that helps you avoid touching buttons or exchanging cash.

How do I use my iPhone as a card machine?

To set up Tap to Pay on iPhone, enable it in the payment app of your choice. To accept a payment, open the app, enter the amount, and present your iPhone to your customer. To pay, the customer holds their card horizontally or places their device directly over the payment symbol.

Does Apple Pay charge a fee?

Apple Pay transactions incur no more charges for customers or businesses than traditional credit card transactions do. While there might be some setup costs, purchases such as NFC-enabled payment terminals can be a good investment to keep the organization up to date and provide a smoother checkout process.

Is Apple Pay going away?

Apple has announced that it will discontinue its Apple Pay Later program, choosing instead to introduce a global offering that will allow users to “access installment loans offered through credit and debit cards, as well as lenders, when checking out with Apple Pay”.

Why would I use Apple wallet?

The Wallet app lives right on your iPhone. It's where you securely keep your credit and debit cards, eligible driver's license or state ID, transit cards, event tickets, keys, and more — all in one place. And it all works with iPhone or Apple Watch, so you can take less with you but always bring more.

How do I checkout with Apple wallet?

Pay in an app, an App Clip, or Safari

During checkout, tap the Apple Pay button. You can choose a different payment card; if available, you can also pay with rewards or installments (available on cards from participating banks and card providers in certain markets; subject to eligibility and approval).

How do I save tickets to my Apple Wallet?

How to add a boarding pass, ticket, or other pass to Apple Wallet on your iPhone
  1. Open the app, email, notification, or other communication that contains your boarding pass, ticket, or other pass.
  2. Tap Add to Apple Wallet.
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen.
  4. If necessary, tap Add in the upper right corner.

How do I use Apple Wallet instead of credit card?

How to use Apple Pay online or in apps
  1. Tap the Apple Pay button or choose Apple Pay as your payment method.
  2. To use a payment method different from your default card, tap Other Cards & Pay Later Options or Change Payment Method.
  3. If necessary, enter your billing, shipping, and contact information.
  4. Confirm the payment.

What are 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.

Can someone use my debit card without my PIN?

Fraudsters can still use your debit card even if they don't have the card itself. They don't even need your PIN—just your card number. If you've used your debit card for an off-line transaction (a transaction without your PIN), your receipt will show your full debit card number.