5 Easy Ways to Use Apple Wallet on an iPhone

Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: September 1, 2022 References Tested

Adding a Credit or Debit Card

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Adding a Loyalty, Store, or Gift Cards

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Changing the Default Credit or Debit Card

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Paying In Person with Apple Wallet

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Using Express Transit Mode on Public Transit

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Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

This wikiHow teaches you how to use your iPhone's Wallet app to store card information and pay at some vendors. Your iPhone's Wallet app can store credit and debit cards as well as some gift cards and reward cards.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Adding a Credit or Debit Card

1
Open the Wallet
app. It's a grey wallet with red, yellow, green, and blue cards in it. You'll find it on your home screen or inside of a folder.
- You can also add cards in the Settings app. Just tap Wallet & Apple Pay, select Add Card, and then skip to step 3.
2
Tap ＋. It's in the top-right corner of the screen.

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3
Tap Continue. This option is at the bottom of the screen.
4
Wait for the camera screen to appear. Once you see a rectangular frame appear on-screen, you can proceed.
- If your iPhone assumes you're trying to add a card that you've used in the past, you can tap Add a Different Card to get to this screen.
5
Lay your card face-up on a flat surface. Your card's name, number, and expiration date should be facing up.
6
Scan your card's front. Point your iPhone's camera at the card—making sure to line the edges of the card up with the inside edges of the rectangular frame—and hold your iPhone steady until the card scans.
7
Tap Next. It's in the top-right corner of the screen.
- If you notice that any of the card information on this page is inaccurate, fix it before tapping Next.
8
Enter your card's CVV. Tap the "CVV" text box, then type in the three-digit code found on the back of your card.
9
Tap Next. You'll find this in the top-right corner of the screen.
10
Tap Agree when prompted. It's in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
11
Verify your card. Some banks will require you to verify your card by sending a code to your phone via a text message. If prompted to verify your card, do the following:
- Check the "Text Message" option.
- Tap Next.
- Retrieve the verification code from the text message.
- Enter the code into the Wallet app.
- Tap Done.
12
Manage your card through the Settings
app. If you ever need to change anything about your card, such as your billing address, open the Settings app, tap Wallet & Apple Pay, and then select the card.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Adding a Loyalty, Store, or Gift Cards

1
Open the app for the card you want to add. While you can't add a gift card within the Wallet app, you can usually link the card's associated app with Wallet so it appears as a card.
- For example, if you want to add a Starbucks card, you'll need to open that app. Make sure your card is already set up with that app before you continue.
- The steps to add cards vary by card type.
2
Locate the Payment or Add Card section of the app. All apps will label this section differently, but you're looking for the part of the app that has details about your account/your card.^{[1]
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- If you don't see this option, your gift card probably can't be added to the Wallet app; alternatively, the card may automatically be added to your iPhone's Wallet.
3
Select the card or account and tap Add to Wallet. If you don't see that wording, look for Passbook instead. This opens the Wallet app.
4
Tap Add to confirm. It's at the top-right corner of the screen. The card is now ready to use.
- You can configure this card to be used automatically in stores. Just tap the card in the Wallet app, tap the three dots in a circle, and then toggle on Automatic Selection.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Changing the Default Credit or Debit Card

1
Open your iPhone's Settings
. This app is on one of your home screens.
2
Scroll down and tap Wallet & Apple Pay
. It's a few screens down.
3
Tap Default Card. It's the first option under "TRANSACTION DETAILS."
4
Select a card. Choose the card you want your Wallet purchases to use by default. Once you select a card, you'll return to the menu.
- You can also change other details about your card here, including your billing address.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Paying In Person with Apple Wallet

1
Make sure the selected vendor supports Apple Pay. The vendor's card reader should have a "Pay" sticker that has the Apple logo on it, though some vendors will have an icon that resembles a radio signal wave instead.^{[2]
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- If the card reader doesn't support Apple Pay, you can't use the Wallet app to pay.
2
Unlock your iPhone. The steps are different depending on your model:
- iPhone with Face ID: Double-click the side button, and then look at your phone to authenticate (or enter your passcode).
- iPhone with Touch ID: Rest your finger on the Touch ID button to unlock the screen.
3
Hold your iPhone a few centimeters from the contactless reader. Your default payment method will appear on the screen. After a few seconds, the amount of your transaction will be deducted from that account. You should see the word "Done" and a green checkmark on the screen.
- If you don't want to use your default payment method, tap your default card when it appears, and then select a different card.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Using Express Transit Mode on Public Transit

1
Add a compatible credit or debit card to your Wallet. If your local transit system supports the Apple Wallet's Express Transit mode, you can use the Wallet app to pay for public transit rides.
- If you're in the US, you can use Express Transit mode in New York City (MTA) and Portland, OR (Trimet). This service is also available across Beijing and Shanghai China, as well as Japan (Suica).^{[3]
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- Follow this link to see which regions' transit systems support Express Transit mode.
2
Open your iPhone's Settings
. This app is on one of your home screens.
3
Scroll down and tap Wallet & Apple Pay
. It's a few screens down.
4
Tap Express Transit Card. As long as you've added a payment card you should see this option.^{[4]
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5
Tap the card you want to use. The card you select is the one that will be billed for your public transit rides.
6
Follow the on-screen instructions to authenticate. Once you've confirmed your identity with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode, your iPhone will be ready to use where supported.
7
Hold your iPhone a few centimeters from the contactless reader to pay. There's no need to unlock your phone in Express Transmit mode—just hold the phone near the reader to charge your default Express Transit card and be on your way.

Community Q&A

Question

When trying to add coupons or passes to the wallet, I don't see how to select it, nor do I see any "Add to Apple wallet" button. What can I do?

Community Answer

Apple Wallet has only basic features if you are using a device under the iPhone 6s.
Question

How do I access my digital wallet on my IPhone 8?

Daniel Korkin

Community Answer

Go to the wallet app. If you don't have the wallet app ,go to app store and download it. Or, go to Settings and allow it. If none of this works, then contact Apple.

Warnings

Apple Pay isn't available in all markets, so you may not be able to use Wallet at your favorite locations.^{[5]
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