Apple Pay Now Available in India Who Can Use It and How to Set It Up
By News National Editorial Team
Apple Pay is now available in India for eligible cards. Learn about supported devices, Axis Bank credit cards, setup steps and contactless payments.
Apple Pay Arrives in India
Apple has introduced its digital payment service, Apple Pay, in India, giving eligible Apple device users another way to make contactless payments. The service allows supported bank cards to be added to Apple Wallet and used at compatible payment terminals, participating apps and supported online checkout pages.
According to the reported launch information dated September 30, 2026, the service initially supports eligible Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued by Axis Bank. This means Apple Pay is not immediately available to every Indian bank customer, and users should check whether their specific card is supported before attempting to set it up.
Apple Pay uses compatible Apple devices and payment terminals to facilitate transactions without requiring users to hand over their physical cards.
Who Can Use Apple Pay in India?
To use Apple Pay, customers need a compatible Apple device, supported software and an eligible payment card.
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iPhone: A compatible iPhone running a supported version of iOS.
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Apple Watch: A compatible Apple Watch with supported watchOS, paired with an eligible iPhone where required.
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iPad: Supported iPad models can be used for eligible in-app and online payments.
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Eligible bank card: Initially, the reported launch supports eligible Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
Card eligibility may depend on the bank's terms, card type and verification requirements. Users should consult Apple's official support pages and Axis Bank's latest information for the current list of supported cards.
How to Set Up Apple Pay
Eligible users can try adding their card through the Wallet app or a supported banking app.
Method 1: Through Apple Wallet
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Open the Wallet app on your compatible iPhone.
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Tap the plus (+) button.
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Select the option to add a debit or credit card.
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Follow the on-screen instructions to enter or scan your card details.
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Complete any verification requested by the bank.
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Once the card is approved, follow the instructions to use it for eligible payments.
Method 2: Through Your Banking App
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Open the latest version of your supported banking app.
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Check whether it offers an option to add your card to Apple Wallet.
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Follow the bank's instructions.
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Complete the required verification.
If your card cannot be added, contact Axis Bank to confirm eligibility. Do not share your PIN, password or one-time password with anyone claiming to help activate Apple Pay.
How to Pay at Stores
At a participating store, Apple Pay can be used at a compatible contactless payment terminal.
Using an iPhone:
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Double-click the side button on a compatible iPhone.
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Authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID or your device passcode, as applicable.
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Hold the iPhone near the contactless reader.
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Wait for the payment terminal to confirm the transaction.
Using an Apple Watch:
Open the payment interface using the watch's supported controls, authenticate if required, and hold the watch near the contactless reader.
The merchant's terminal must support the relevant contactless payment method. For online and in-app transactions, the merchant must offer Apple Pay as a payment option.
Where Can Apple Pay Be Used?
The availability of Apple Pay depends on merchant support and payment infrastructure. Reported launch coverage has mentioned retailers, food-delivery platforms, travel services and other businesses, including Apple Store, Blinkit, Chaayos, Croma, Ixigo, Reliance brands, Tata 1mg and Zomato.
However, availability may differ between a company's physical stores, website and mobile app. Users should look for the Apple Pay option at checkout or confirm acceptance with the merchant before relying on the service.
Payment-service providers and payment-terminal operators also play a role in enabling merchants to accept contactless transactions.
Is Apple Pay Secure?
Apple says Apple Pay is designed to protect payment information. Instead of sharing the original card number with a merchant, the service uses a device-specific account number and transaction-specific security measures. The device account number is stored in a dedicated security component on supported devices.
Apple also provides features that allow users to protect a lost device through Find My, including locking or disabling access where supported.
Nevertheless, no digital payment system should be considered completely risk-free. Users should:
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Protect their devices with a strong passcode.
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Keep their operating systems and apps updated.
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Review bank statements and transaction notifications.
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Contact their bank immediately about suspicious transactions.
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Never share banking credentials or verification codes with strangers.
For the precise technical details and applicable limitations, consult Apple's official security documentation.
Does Apple Pay Replace UPI in India?
No. Apple Pay and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) serve different payment use cases.
Apple Pay enables eligible payment cards to be used through compatible Apple devices. UPI facilitates bank-account-based payments through supported applications and participating financial institutions.
The arrival of Apple Pay therefore does not mean that users no longer need UPI. Customers can continue choosing between available payment methods according to their needs, the merchant's acceptance options and their bank's services.
Will Credit Card Rewards Continue?
Eligible card benefits may continue to apply when a supported card is used through Apple Pay, subject to the bank's card terms and any applicable exclusions.
Customers should review Axis Bank's current rewards, promotional offers, fees and transaction conditions rather than assuming that every benefit applies to every Apple Pay transaction.
What the Launch Means for India's Digital Payments Market
Apple Pay adds another potential contactless payment option for Indian customers using compatible Apple devices. Its initial reach, however, depends on which banks, cards, merchants and payment terminals support the service.
The number of participating banks and eligible card types could change over time. Users should rely on current official announcements rather than assuming that every Indian credit or debit card can already be added to Apple Wallet.
For now, the most practical first step is to check device compatibility, confirm card eligibility and follow Apple's official setup instructions.
Reference Websites
1. Apple Newsroom India — Official Announcement
For Apple's launch announcement, supported devices, availability and security information:
https://www.apple.com/in/newsroom/2026/09/apple-pay-launches-in-india/
2. Apple — Participating Banks and Cards
Check the latest information about supported banks and eligible cards:
https://www.apple.com/in/apple-pay/banks/in/en-in.html
3. Reuters — Apple Pay Launch in India
For independent news coverage of the reported launch and banking partnership:
https://www.reuters.com/world/india/apple-pay-launches-india-with-axis-bank-partnership-2026-09-30/
4. Siasat — Original Article
“Apple Pay now available in India: Who can use it and how”
https://www.siasat.com/apple-pay-now-available-in-india-who-can-use-it-and-how-3550133/
5. Apple Support — Apple Pay Setup and Use
For device-specific instructions and troubleshooting, consult Apple's official support resources:
https://support.apple.com/apple-pay
