Apple Pay is finally available in India, giving iPhone users a new way to make contactless payments at stores, in apps and on supported websites. Apple launched its payment service in India on September 30, 2026, with Axis Bank as its first banking partner.
At launch, Apple Pay supports eligible Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards. Users can add their cards to Apple Wallet and use an iPhone or Apple Watch to make contactless payments at compatible payment terminals. Apple also supports Apple Pay purchases through apps and websites on iPhone and iPad, while Mac support is expected soon.
If you have an eligible Axis Bank credit card, setting up Apple Pay on your iPhone only takes a few steps.
What You Need Before Setting Up Apple Pay
Before adding your card, make sure you have an eligible card and a compatible Apple device.
For the initial India rollout, Apple Pay supports Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards. Other banks and card types are not included in the initial launch.
You should also make sure your iPhone is running the latest available software and that Face ID, Touch ID or a device passcode is enabled.
Apple Pay uses NFC technology for contactless payments, so physical store payments require a compatible NFC-enabled payment terminal.
How to Add an Axis Bank Card to Apple Pay
There are two convenient ways to add an eligible Axis Bank credit card to Apple Pay.
Method 1: Using the Apple Wallet App
The simplest option is to add the card directly through Apple Wallet.
Step 1: Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Tap the + button in the top-right corner.
Step 3: Select the option to add a debit or credit card.
Step 4: Follow the instructions displayed on the screen.
You can scan your physical card using your iPhone’s camera or enter the card information manually when prompted.
Step 5: Complete the verification process required by Axis Bank.
Once the bank approves the card, it will be added to Apple Wallet and become available for Apple Pay transactions.
Method 2: Add the Card Through the Axis Bank App
Axis Bank also provides an option to add eligible cards to Apple Wallet through its banking app.
Open the latest version of the Axis Bank app and look for the option to add an eligible card to Apple Wallet.
Follow the on-screen instructions and complete any verification requested by the bank.
This method can be particularly convenient because the bank can verify the card directly through its own application. Apple supports this type of issuer-based card provisioning as part of Apple Pay’s setup process.
How to Make a Contactless Payment With Apple Pay
Once your card has been added successfully, you can use your iPhone to make contactless payments at supported stores.
On an iPhone with Face ID, double-click the side button to bring up your default payment card.
Authenticate using Face ID or your passcode.
Then hold the top portion of your iPhone close to the contactless payment terminal.
Wait for the payment confirmation to appear on the screen.
You don’t need to open the Wallet app every time you want to make a payment.
The process is similar to tapping a physical contactless card, except the payment credentials are securely stored and processed through Apple Pay.
How to Use Apple Pay With Apple Watch
Apple Pay also works on compatible Apple Watch models in India.
After adding an eligible card to Apple Wallet, you can use the Apple Watch for contactless payments at supported terminals.
Double-click the side button on the Apple Watch and select the card you want to use if necessary.
Hold the watch near the contactless payment terminal until the transaction is confirmed.
This can be particularly convenient when you don’t want to take your iPhone out of your pocket while paying.
Can Apple Pay Be Used for Online Shopping?
Yes. Apple Pay isn’t limited to physical stores.
Apple says users in India can make purchases through supported apps and websites using Apple Pay. This allows customers to avoid repeatedly entering card numbers, billing details and other payment information during checkout.
When Apple Pay is available as a payment option, select it at checkout and authenticate the transaction on your device.
Apple Pay is already supported by a range of merchants and services in India, including Apple Store locations, Blinkit, Croma, Zomato, Tata 1mg, Ixigo and Reliance brands, among others. Apple says more merchants and apps are expected to support the service over time.
Does Apple Pay Require UPI?
No. Apple Pay’s initial India launch is card-based and does not require UPI.
The service currently supports eligible Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
This is different from UPI, which transfers money directly between bank accounts through India’s UPI ecosystem.
Apple Pay essentially gives eligible users another way to use their credit cards, particularly for contactless payments and supported online purchases.
Is Apple Pay Safe to Use?
Apple has built Apple Pay around several security and privacy measures.
The company says your actual card number isn’t stored on Apple’s servers or shared with merchants during Apple Pay transactions. Instead, Apple creates a unique Device Account Number, which is encrypted and stored in the device’s Secure Element.
Transactions also require authentication through Face ID, Touch ID or the device passcode.
This means you don’t need to enter your card PIN or an OTP at checkout when using Apple Pay for supported transactions.
Apple also says it doesn’t retain transaction information that can be traced back to the user.
What If Your Card Isn’t Supported?
If you don’t have an eligible Axis Bank Visa or Mastercard credit card, you may not be able to use Apple Pay with an Indian-issued card at launch.
Apple is expected to expand the service to additional banks and card issuers in the future, but users should wait for official announcements before assuming a particular bank or card will be supported.
Apple Pay India: Quick Setup Checklist
Before you start using Apple Pay, check the following:
- Your iPhone has the latest available software.
- You have an eligible Axis Bank Visa or Mastercard credit card.
- Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode is enabled.
- Your Apple Account is properly configured.
- The latest Axis Bank app is installed if you want to use in-app card provisioning.
- Your payment terminal supports contactless NFC payments.
Apple Pay India: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple Pay available in India?
Yes. Apple officially launched Apple Pay in India on September 30, 2026.
Which cards work with Apple Pay in India?
At launch, eligible Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards are supported.
Can I use Apple Pay with UPI?
No. UPI is not part of the initial Apple Pay India rollout.
Can I use Apple Pay on Apple Watch?
Yes. Apple Pay is available on compatible Apple Watch devices in India.
Does Apple Pay work without an internet connection?
Contactless Apple Pay transactions can generally be processed without requiring the phone to be actively connected to the internet, although specific transaction conditions can vary.
Is Apple Pay available on Mac?
Not yet. Apple says Mac support is coming soon in India.
Final Word
Setting up Apple Pay on an iPhone in India is relatively straightforward if you have an eligible Axis Bank credit card. You can add the card through Apple Wallet or through the Axis Bank app, complete the verification process and then start using your iPhone or Apple Watch for contactless payments.
Apple’s India launch currently has a limited card lineup, but the company has indicated that more merchants and payment partners will be added over time.
For now, eligible Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit card holders are the first group of Indian users who can take advantage of Apple’s long-awaited contactless payment service.
