Apple Pay is a mobile payment system developed by Apple Inc. It allows users to make contactless payments in stores, in apps, and on the web using supported Apple devices like the iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac. But is Apple Pay the same thing as using a traditional debit or credit card? While there are similarities in how you can use both to make purchases, there are some key differences between Apple Pay and physical card payments that are important to understand.
How Apple Pay Works
To use Apple Pay, you first need to set it up in the Wallet app on your compatible device. You can add supported credit, debit, and prepaid cards by scanning them with your iPhone’s camera or entering the details manually. Apple Pay uses a technology called tokenization to store your card information securely. Each card gets its own Device Account Number which replaces your actual card number when making purchases, so your real card details are never shared.
Once your cards are loaded, you can use Apple Pay in stores at contactless payment terminals, in supported apps, and on websites that accept Apple Pay. To make a payment, you simply hold your iPhone near the contactless reader or select Apple Pay as the payment method in an app or website and use Face ID, Touch ID, or double click the side button to authorize the payment. An encrypted token containing your Device Account Number is then sent to the merchant or app to process your payment.
Key Differences Between Apple Pay and Physical Cards
While Apple Pay allows you to use your cards for payment similarly to using the physical card, there are some notable differences:
Stored Card Details
- Apple Pay: Your actual credit or debit card number is not stored on your device or on Apple servers. Instead a unique Device Account Number is assigned to represent your card and used for transactions.
- Physical Card: The card number, expiration date, and CVV are physically imprinted on the card, so if the card is lost or stolen your full card details could be accessed.
Security
- Apple Pay: Uses tokenization, encryption, and Face ID/Touch ID authentication for improved security compared to physical cards. Your card details are never shared with the merchant.
- Physical Card: Relies on physical possession of the card and signature/PIN code verification, which can be subject to theft and fraud. Merchants get access to your full card details.
Acceptance
- Apple Pay: Can be used at contactless terminals, in iOS apps, and on websites that support Apple Pay. Not universally accepted at all merchants.
- Physical Card: Accepted nearly everywhere that takes credit or debit cards. Has wider acceptance than Apple Pay.
Transaction Data
- Apple Pay: Doesn’t share your name, card number or billing address with merchants. Only passes along a transaction-specific dynamic security code.
- Physical Card: Provides all card and cardholder details to the merchant for each transaction.
Lost or Stolen Card
- Apple Pay: Removing the card from your device or via Find My iPhone will disable Apple Pay for that card. Can call issuer to further suspend transactions.
- Physical Card: Much higher risk of fraudulent transactions if card is lost or stolen. Need to cancel card through issuer.
Checking Out
- Apple Pay: Quick and convenient checkout by holding your iPhone near the contactless reader. Do not need to insert or swipe a card.
- Physical Card: Need to insert chip card or swipe magnetic stripe card and occasionally provide a signature or enter a PIN.
When You Can and Can’t Use Apple Pay
Apple Pay works great in many situations, but there are times when only your physical card will work or may be the better option:
- Older payment terminals in stores may not support contactless payments yet so Apple Pay won’t be an option.
- Small businesses or vendors like farmers markets may not accept contactless payments.
- Websites must have Apple Pay support to use it for online purchases. Apple Pay is not universally supported online.
- ATMs and other automated kiosks do not accept Apple Pay. You’ll need your physical card and PIN.
- If your phone’s battery dies, you’ll need a backup payment option like your physical card.
- Traveling internationally can be problematic if Apple Pay is not widely supported. Carry a credit/debit card instead.
- If you need to hand your card to a merchant, like at restaurants, Apple Pay won’t work so you’ll need the physical card.
Apple Pay as a Replacement for Cards
For most users, Apple Pay does not completely replace the need for physical credit and debit cards. The wider compatibility of cards and ability to use them without a charged phone means keeping a physical card as a backup is wise. However, Apple Pay can potentially replace the use of cash and cards for many day-to-day transactions. By relying on Apple Pay whenever possible and limiting physical card use to situations it is absolutely necessary, users can enjoy increased security, convenience, and privacy in payments. Just be aware of situations where only your card will work.
Pros and Cons of Apple Pay vs Physical Cards
Apple Pay Pros:
- More secure thanks to tokenization and Touch ID/Face ID
- Convenient checkout with iPhone or Apple Watch
- Protects card details from merchants
- Works without needing phone signal or internet
- Can suspend/disable cards directly in app
- Receives real card numbers from bank so benefits/rewards still apply
Apple Pay Cons:
- Not universally accepted like physical cards
- Need a compatible Apple device to use it
- Cards may still need to be carried as backup
- Battery on device could die and prevent use
Physical Card Pros:
- Accepted virtually everywhere
- No need for a smartphone or charged battery
- Can be used by anyone without special device or setup
- Can hand card to merchant or insert into machine
Physical Card Cons:
- Less secure due to card details on card itself
- Fraud/theft of card details more likely
- Must share all card data with merchants
- No way to shut off card if lost; must cancel it
- Slower checkout process compared to contactless
Tips for Using Apple Pay Securely
- Only add cards to Apple Pay that you trust to use for mobile payments. Avoid adding cards you rarely use.
- Use strong passcodes and passwords for your devices. Enable Face ID or Touch ID when available.
- Check your card statements routinely to identify any suspicious charges. Report immediately.
- If your device is lost or stolen, use Find My iPhone to lock or erase data. Also suspend or remove cards from Apple Pay.
- Only make Apple Pay purchases on encrypted wifi or cellular connections for added security. Avoid public wi-fi.
- When finished using, double click side button or power off the screen to quickly lock Apple Pay.
- Use credit over debit cards with Apple Pay whenever possible for added fraud protection.
Apple Pay Verdict
While Apple Pay does not completely replace physical cards, it provides an excellent alternative for many purchases that is quick, convenient, and exceptionally secure. By understanding where Apple Pay works and where you still need a physical card, iPhone users can comfortably use mobile payments for many of their daily transactions while still carrying a backup card for situations that demand it.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Pay stores card details securely using tokenization and Device Account Numbers, not your actual card numbers.
- Transactions use one-time dynamic security codes, so card details are never shared with merchants.
- Apple Pay offers more security and convenience but lacks the universal acceptance of physical cards.
- Physical cards are still needed as backup for situations where Apple Pay is not accepted.
- With proper precautions, Apple Pay can securely replace cards for most of your routine, everyday transactions.
Conclusion
While Apple Pay does not equate to a physical credit or debit card, it provides immense convenience and security for daily purchases and can replace much of your physical card use. However, lacking universal acceptance, users should still carry a physical card for situations where Apple Pay isn’t an option. With an understanding of its capabilities and limitations, Apple Pay can give iPhone users a simple, secure payment experience for many of their regular transactions.
FAQs
Q: Can I use Apple Pay without an internet connection?
A: Yes, Apple Pay does not require an internet connection. It uses NFC technology to transmit payment data from your device directly to the payment terminal.
Q: Is Apple Pay safer than using my physical card?
A: Yes, Apple Pay is generally considered safer than using your physical card since it uses tokenization to keep your card details secure, transmits payment tokens instead of actual card details to merchants, and requires biometric authentication.
Q: Do I need a special NFC-enabled phone to use Apple Pay?
A: To use Apple Pay in stores you need an iPhone 6 or later model. For in-app and web purchases only, Apple Pay can work on an iPhone 6S or later, iPhone SE, iPad Pro, iPad (5th generation or later), iPad Air 2, and iPad mini 3 and later.
Q: Can I use Apple Pay internationally?
A: Apple Pay is available in many countries but not all. Check coverage for the location you will be travelling to ensure Apple Pay is supported there before relying on using it.
Q: Can I use Apple Pay if my phone battery dies?
A: No, Apple Pay requires power on your device to function. Make sure to carry a backup physical card in case your battery runs out and you need an alternative payment method.
Q: Do I earn credit card rewards and benefits when using Apple Pay?
A: Yes, when you use Apple Pay your regular credit card rewards, points, miles, etc. will apply just like using the physical card. Apple Pay works with your actual credit and debit cards.
Q: Is Apple Pay cheaper or less expensive to use than a credit card?
A: Apple Pay typically has no usage fee. You are charged the same amount by the merchant as you would be when using your physical card. However, some card issuers may charge cash advance fees for fund transfers from a credit card via Apple Pay.
Q: Can someone steal money from my Apple Pay account?
A: Due to the security features Apple Pay uses, it would be extremely difficult for someone to access your Apple Pay account or steal money. As long as you protect access to your devices there is minimal risk.
Q: What should I do if my iPhone with Apple Pay is stolen?
A: Immediately suspend or remove cards from Apple Pay using Find My iPhone. Also contact your card issuers to suspend transactions on the cards stored in Apple Pay as a precaution.
Q: Can I remove a lost or stolen card from Apple Pay?
A: Yes, you can remove cards from Apple Pay remotely by signing into your iCloud account online and removing the card from the Wallet settings there or through Find My iPhone app. This will disable Apple Pay for that card.
Q: Do all merchants accept Apple Pay?
A: No, Apple Pay is not yet universally accepted. Most large retailers accept it, but some small businesses may not. Always verify Apple Pay works or have a backup physical card before shopping at unfamiliar merchants.
Q: Can minors use Apple Pay?
A: A minor can use Apple Pay if they are an authorized user on a parent’s credit card account that is set up with Apple Pay. They can also use a prepaid debit card, checking account, or cash card linked to Apple Pay as long as they are legally eligible to have such accounts.
Q: Is Apple Pay cheaper than using a credit card?
A: No, Apple Pay costs consumers the same amount as using the physical credit card for purchases. However, it may be cheaper for merchants to accept than credit card processing fees.