Apple Pay is now available in India, allowing eligible Axis Bank customers to make contactless payments using their iPhone or Apple Watch and pay in supported apps and websites.
If you have an eligible Axis Bank-issued Visa or Mastercard credit card, getting started takes only a few steps.
Apple says customers can add a supported card either through the latest version of the Axis Bank app or directly through the Wallet app on iPhone.
How to add an Axis Bank card to Apple Pay on iPhone
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the plus button at the top of the screen.
Follow the onscreen instructions to add your eligible Axis Bank-issued Visa or Mastercard credit card.
Your card will need to be verified by Axis Bank before it can be used with Apple Pay.
Alternatively, open the latest version of the Axis Bank app and use its option to add an eligible card directly to Apple Wallet.
Once the card has been successfully added, Apple says you can begin using Apple Pay immediately.
How to pay with Apple Pay in stores in India
When you’re ready to pay at a compatible contactless terminal, double-click the side button on your iPhone.
If you’re using an iPhone with a Home button, double-click the Home button instead.
Authenticate the payment using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode when prompted, then hold the top of your iPhone close to the contactless payment reader.
On Apple Watch, double-click the side button and hold the display of the watch close to the contactless reader.
Apple Pay works at compatible NFC payment terminals, meaning you aren’t restricted to a small list of participating stores.
Apple Pay launched in India on September 30 with support for eligible Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
How to use Apple Pay in apps and on websites
Apple Pay is also available for purchases in supported apps and on websites from iPhone and iPad.
When Apple Pay appears as a payment option at checkout, select it and review your payment, contact, billing, and shipping information before authenticating the purchase.
This means you don’t need to repeatedly enter your card number or other checkout information on supported services.
Apple says Mac support is coming soon.
Which cards work with Apple Pay in India?
At launch, Apple Pay supports eligible Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
Cards from other Indian banks aren’t currently supported, and Apple’s launch announcement doesn’t include support for RuPay cards or UPI.
Apple is expected to expand banking support over time.
Do you still earn your Axis Bank card rewards?
Yes. Apple says customers continue to receive the rewards and benefits offered by their eligible card when they use it through Apple Pay.
Where can you use Apple Pay in India?
Apple says the service is accepted by millions of merchants across India.
Businesses named at launch include Apple Store locations, Blinkit, Chaayos, Comet, Croma, Interflora, Ixigo, Le15 Patisserie, Reliance brands, Tata 1mg, and Zomato.
In stores, Apple Pay can also be used anywhere compatible NFC contactless payments are accepted.
Is Apple Pay secure?
Apple says actual card numbers aren’t stored on your device or on Apple servers when you add a card to Apple Pay.
Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted, and stored in the Secure Element, a dedicated chip designed to securely store payment information.
When making a purchase, Apple Pay uses that Device Account Number alongside a transaction-specific security code rather than sharing your actual card number with the merchant.
If you have an eligible Axis Bank Visa or Mastercard credit card, Apple Pay is available to set up and use in India now.