Apple Pay Is Now Available in India: How to Set Up, Supported Cards and How It Works
Apple Pay has officially arrived in India. Apple has launched its payment service in the country, allowing eligible users to make contactless, in-app and online payments using supported Apple devices.
The initial rollout is limited to eligible Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards. RuPay cards and UPI payments are not part of the initial Apple Pay India launch.
If you have an eligible card and an Apple device, Apple Pay provides a convenient way to make supported payments without having to use your physical card for every transaction.
What Is Apple Pay?
Apple Pay is Apple's digital payment service that allows users to add eligible payment cards to the Apple Wallet app and use them for payments.
Instead of sharing the actual card number with a merchant during a transaction, Apple Pay uses a device-specific payment credential and a unique security code to help protect payment information.
Payments can be authenticated using Face ID, Touch ID or the device passcode, depending on the Apple device.
Apple Pay India: Which Cards Are Supported?
The initial Apple Pay rollout in India has limited card support.
| Card / Payment Type | Apple Pay India |
|---|---|
| Axis Bank Visa Credit Card | Supported* |
| Axis Bank Mastercard Credit Card | Supported* |
| RuPay Credit Card | Not supported at launch |
| UPI | Not supported |
| Other Indian Banks | Support may be added later |
*Eligibility can depend on the specific card and issuer.
How to Set Up Apple Pay in India
If you have an eligible card, you can add it to Apple Wallet by following these steps:
- Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
- Tap the + or Add Card option.
- Select the option to add a credit or debit card.
- Scan your card or enter the card details manually.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Complete any verification required by your bank.
- Once approved, your card will appear in Apple Wallet.
If your card cannot be added, it may not currently be eligible for Apple Pay or may require additional verification from the card issuer.
How to Pay Using Apple Pay in India
Once your card has been added to Apple Wallet, you can use your Apple device at supported contactless payment terminals.
Using an iPhone with Face ID
- Double-click the side button.
- Authenticate using Face ID.
- Hold the top of your iPhone near the contactless payment terminal.
- Wait for the payment confirmation.
Using Touch ID
- Keep your finger on Touch ID.
- Hold the iPhone near the contactless payment terminal.
- Wait for the confirmation.
The merchant's payment terminal must support contactless payments and the relevant card network for the transaction to work.
Can You Use Apple Pay Without a PIN or OTP?
Apple Pay is designed so that users can authenticate supported transactions directly on their Apple device using Face ID, Touch ID or the device passcode.
However, additional verification requirements can depend on the card issuer, transaction and applicable banking rules.
Does Apple Pay Support UPI in India?
No. UPI is not supported by Apple Pay in the initial India rollout.
This is an important difference between Apple Pay and India's UPI payment system.
Apple Pay primarily works with supported payment cards, while UPI enables payments directly through linked bank accounts and participating UPI applications.
Therefore, Apple Pay should not currently be considered a replacement for UPI apps when making QR-based UPI payments.
Does Apple Pay Support RuPay Cards?
RuPay cards are not supported in the initial Apple Pay India rollout.
The initial launch focuses on eligible Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards. Support for additional banks, card networks and card types may change as Apple Pay expands in India.
Where Can You Use Apple Pay in India?
Apple Pay can be used at participating merchants and supported websites and apps.
For in-store payments, look for the contactless payment symbol on the payment terminal.
Apple Pay can also be used for supported purchases inside apps and on websites that offer Apple Pay as a payment option.
Which Apple Devices Support Apple Pay in India?
Apple Pay is available on supported Apple devices, including:
- iPhone
- iPad
- Apple Watch
Support and availability can vary by device, operating system and payment feature.
Is Apple Pay Safe?
Security is one of the key features of Apple Pay.
Your actual card number is not shared with the merchant during an Apple Pay transaction. Apple uses a device-specific number along with a unique security code for transactions.
Authentication through Face ID, Touch ID or the device passcode adds another layer of protection when making payments.
Apple Pay vs UPI in India
| Feature | Apple Pay | UPI |
|---|---|---|
| Primary payment source | Supported payment card | Bank account |
| QR payments | Not part of initial India launch | Yes |
| Contactless payments | Yes | Not its primary use |
| Credit card based | Yes, where supported | Depends on supported UPI credit-card integration |
| Apple devices | iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch | Through supported UPI apps |
What Makes Apple Pay Different?
For iPhone and Apple Watch users who regularly use credit cards, Apple Pay provides a convenient way to keep an eligible card inside the Apple ecosystem.
Instead of taking out a physical card, users can authenticate on their Apple device and tap it at a supported contactless payment terminal.
The service is particularly useful for users who already prefer card payments and regularly use Apple devices.
Will More Banks Support Apple Pay?
The initial launch is limited, but Apple Pay availability can expand as more banks and card issuers integrate their cards with the service.
For the current launch, users should check Apple's official information and their bank's latest communication before assuming that a particular card is supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple Pay available in India?
Yes. Apple officially launched Apple Pay in India on September 30, 2026.
Which bank supports Apple Pay in India?
At the initial launch, eligible Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards are supported.
Does Apple Pay work with UPI?
No. UPI is not supported by Apple Pay in the initial India rollout.
Can I use my RuPay card with Apple Pay?
RuPay cards are not supported in the initial Apple Pay India launch.
Can I use Apple Pay on Apple Watch?
Yes. Apple Pay is available on supported Apple Watch devices in India.
Can Apple Pay be used for online shopping?
Yes. Apple Pay can be used for supported online purchases and in-app payments where Apple Pay is offered.
Is Apple Pay free to use?
Apple Pay itself is not a separate paid subscription. However, normal fees, interest, charges and terms associated with your payment card can still apply.
Do I need to carry my physical card?
For supported Apple Pay transactions, you can use your Apple device instead of presenting the physical card. However, keeping a backup payment method can still be useful.
Final Takeaway
Apple Pay's arrival marks Apple's entry into India's growing digital payment ecosystem. However, the initial rollout is limited.
For now, users need an eligible supported card to use Apple Pay in India. The service can be used for supported contactless, online and in-app payments, while UPI and RuPay are not part of the initial rollout.
As Apple Pay expands its support for Indian banks and payment networks, its usefulness for iPhone and Apple Watch users could increase further.
Last Updated: September 30, 2026
