Apple Pay launches in India with Axis Bank: Here’s how to use it and more

Eligible customers can add their Axis Bank credit card to Apple Pay through the latest version of the Axis Bank app. Pic/ Apple

Apple Pay is now available in India, allowing iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch users to make contactless payments at stores, in apps and online without entering a PIN or OTP at checkout. The service is currently available to customers with Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards, who can use Apple Pay at thousands of merchants across India and anywhere NFC payments are accepted. Support for Mac is expected to be added soon.

Apple Pay India launch: How does it work?

Apple Pay allows users to make contactless payments without entering a card PIN or OTP at checkout. For in-store payments, users can double-click the side button or Home button on their iPhone, authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID or their device passcode when prompted, and hold the device near a contactless payment terminal.

Apple Watch users can similarly use the device to make contactless payments.

The service can also be used for purchases in apps and on websites on compatible iPhones and iPads. Apple said Mac support is coming soon.

Apple Pay India: How to add an Axis Bank card

Eligible customers can add their Axis Bank credit card to Apple Pay through the latest version of the Axis Bank app.

Users can also open the Wallet app on their iPhone, tap the plus (+) button and follow the instructions to add an eligible card.

Once the card has been added, users can start making payments using Apple Pay.

Apple Pay security: Card details not shared with merchants

Apple said security and privacy are central to Apple Pay. According to the company, actual card numbers are not stored on the device or Apple's servers and are not shared with merchants.

Instead, Apple Pay assigns a unique Device Account Number to the card. This number is encrypted and stored in the device's Secure Element, a dedicated chip designed to protect payment information.

Apple also said it does not retain transaction information that can be linked back to a user. Transactions remain between the customer, merchant and card issuer.

If an iPhone is lost or stolen, users can use the Find My app to locate, lock or suspend payments from the device.

Where can Apple Pay be used in India?

Apple Pay will be available at participating merchants across India, including Apple Store locations and platforms such as Blinkit, Chaayos, Comet, Croma, Interflora, Ixigo, Le15 Patisserie, Reliance brands, Tata 1mg and Zomato.

Apple has also worked with payment service providers including Cashfree, JusPay, Mswipe, Paytm, PayU, Pine Labs, Razorpay and Worldline to enable Apple Pay across their merchant networks.

The company said more merchants and apps are expected to support Apple Pay over time.

Apple Pay India supports Visa and Mastercard credit cards

At launch, Apple Pay supports eligible Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards. Users will continue to receive the rewards and benefits associated with their cards when making purchases through Apple Pay.

Mastercard said its tokenisation technology generates a unique, cryptographically secured token for Apple Pay transactions, meaning the underlying card details are not shared with merchants.

Visa said Apple Pay combines Apple's payment experience with Visa's network and tokenisation capabilities.

Apple Pay availability and device requirements in India

Apple Pay is now available in more than 90 countries and regions and works with more than 11,000 bank and network partners globally, according to Apple.

In India, the service requires an iPhone XR or later running iOS 18 or later. Apple Pay is also available on Apple Watch Series 6 or later running watchOS 11 or later, with the Apple Watch paired with an iPhone XR or later.

Support for Mac in India is expected to follow soon.