In today’s digital world, using a physical card for in-store purchases or typing your card information into online forms carries growing risks. Cards can be duplicated through skimming devices, and entering your credit card number on an untrustworthy website can easily lead to theft.
The solution: Apple Pay, a convenient, more secure way to pay. Using your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or Mac, you can make payments in both traditional stores and online.
Apple Pay not only speeds up the checkout process but keeps your information more secure than a traditional card.
How is Apple Pay Secure?
With Apple Pay, your information is protected at every step of the transaction. Even though users enter their card number into their device to use Apple Pay, multiple security layers protect your information.
Encryption & Tokenization
Encryption scrambles any information transmitted during a transaction while it travels from your device to the payment network and the merchant. That way, if someone intercepts the transaction, they will get indecipherable code, not your information.
Apple further protects your information by using tokenization. Apple Pay assigns a unique, device-specific number to your card, which is stored on your device, not your actual card number.
Additionally, a merchant will receive a one-time token generated by Apple instead of a card number to process payment. This way, if a merchant’s system is breached, your card information is still safe.
Authorization Methods
Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode verifications are necessary to make purchases with Apple Pay. This added layer of security ensures the owner of the device is authorizing the purchase. This feature helps prevent unauthorized purchases even if your device is stolen.
Two-Factor Authentication
When adding a card to your Apple Wallet, two-factor authentication is required. Verification typically happens through a text message, email, phone call, or banking app. The card will not be active for use until this second step is done, preventing anyone from hijacking your account.
No Card Theft Risks
One of the biggest advantages of using Apple Pay is removing the risks tied to physical cards. With the use of hidden devices called skimmers, your card information is stolen as soon as you insert or swipe your card at the payment terminal.
A lost wallet would mean several cards, identification, and cash are at risk of being used.
Physical cards have all the information printed on them, meaning people around you or dishonest employees could capture your information when you use or hand over a card for payment.
How to Set Up Apple Pay
Apple makes it easy and quick to start making secure payments using your device. Here is a simple 5-step guide to set up a credit or debit card to your Apple Wallet.
- Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
- Tap the + icon.
- Tap
Add New Card
, select
Debit
or
Credit
, then tap
Continue.
- Scan your card and let Apple autofill your card details or select Enter Card Details Manually. Fill out the required information.
- Complete two-factor authentication through your bank or card issuer. This may be done via text message, phone call, or through your banking app.
Additionally, you can add your card to your Apple Watch, Mac, and iPad for easy secure checkout.
All done! You’re now ready to start using your Apple devices to make payments both in-store and online.
How to Use Apple Pay
After setting up, it’s easy to use Apple Pay for online or in-store payments.
In-store
- On your iPhone, double-click the power button to activate Apple Pay. For Apple Watches, double-click the side button.
- If you have several cards on your Apple Wallet, select the one you’d like to use for the purchase.
- Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.
- Tap the contactless payment terminal.
Online
- When you're ready to check out, select Apple Pay. A payment window will appear where you can confirm your purchase.
- Select the card you’d like to use.
- Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.
Events and Travel
You can now store event tickets, boarding passes, or even your public transportation cards in your Apple Wallet. Add them from the merchant or airline’s app, then easily access them by simply double-clicking your iPhone’s power button and selecting the pass.
Start Using Apple Pay Today
Apple Pay’s security features and convenience make it essential for any Apple device owner. Taking a few minutes to set it up can simplify both in-store and online transactions while securing your payment information more effectively than a traditional card.
With Apple Pay now accepted at most major stores, restaurants, and vending machines, a forgotten wallet won’t stop you from getting what you need.
For added protection and quick, easy payments, take a minute to set up Apple Pay today!
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