Apple Pay is a payment method that combines ease of use, security, and respect for our privacy. This system, integrated into Apple devices like the iPhone and Apple Watch, allows us to make payments in both physical stores and online in an incredibly simple way: by simply bringing our device close to the payment terminal or clicking a button to confirm purchases on the internet.
What stands out about Apple Pay, besides its simplicity and convenience, is its commitment to privacy and security. Apple has designed this system in such a way that not even they can access the information of our purchases or store the data of our cards outside of the Secure Enclave of our devices. A level of security and privacy that makes us want to use Apple Pay in all our daily transactions.
What Apple Pay is used for
Apple Pay transforms the way we make payments in stores and online, eliminating the need to carry cash or even physical cards. By using our iPhone or Apple Watch to pay in stores, the process, besides being fast, protects our financial data by not sharing our credit card details with the venue.
In the online sphere, Apple Pay simplifies the purchasing process to just pressing a single button. Being integrated into various apps and websites, it allows us to make quick and secure payments without the need to repeatedly enter our payment information or shipping address, just press "Pay with Apple Pay" and confirm the purchase.
How Apple Pay works
To start enjoying the advantages of Apple Pay, the first step is to add our credit or debit cards to the system, making sure beforehand that our bank supports this service. Fortunately, most of the major banks support Apple Pay, although we can check the complete list on Apple's website.
With a credit or debit card from a compatible institution, all we have to do is open the Wallet app on our iPhone, tap the "+" at the top, choose "Credit or debit card", fill in the details manually or using the camera, accept the conditions, and the card will be ready to pay. If we then want to set up that same card for our Apple Watch, we go to the Watch app on our iPhone, in the Wallet and Apple Pay section we will find the corresponding option.
How to change the default card of Apple Pay
Once several cards have been added to Apple Pay, it's essential to select one as the default to simplify the payment process even further and avoid having to choose which one we want to use with each payment.
To do this, all we have to do is open the Settings app on our iPhone or Apple Watch, go into Wallet and Apple Pay, and modify the Default Card setting. The chosen one will be the one that appears when we start a payment. At that moment, and before paying, we can swipe on the screen to choose any other that we have set up.
Where Apple Pay is available
Contactless technology is the foundation on which Apple Pay operates, meaning that any payment terminal that supports this technology will be compatible with Apple Pay. Thus, in a nutshell, we can say that Apple Pay is available in practically any store.
Now, Apple Pay also works on the web. Here, availability varies, as each site has to implement support if it wishes. While major stores may offer us this form of payment, it's always good to check if we see the "Pay with Apple Pay" label during the payment process.
How to pay with Apple Pay in stores
Using Apple Pay in stores is extremely easy. With a simple gesture of double pressing the side button of our iPhone and verifying with Face ID, we are ready to bring the phone close to the payment terminal and complete the transaction.
On the Apple Watch, authentication is not necessary, so a double press is all we need before proceeding to payment.
Can I pay with Apple Pay on Android?
Apple Pay is designed exclusively for Apple devices, meaning it is not available on Android devices. Although there are alternatives like Google Pay or Samsung Pay for these devices, the privacy and security offered by Apple Pay are a standard in itself.
How to postpone a payment with Apple Pay
Although Apple is working on expanding Apple Pay Later outside the United States to allow installment payments, this option is not yet available in all countries and regions. However, it is possible to split or postpone payments made through Apple Pay thanks to the services offered by our banks. In this case, we would do it just like any other card payment, from our banking app.
Apple Pay redefines our payment experience with its simplicity and security while, at the same time, reinforcing Apple's commitment to protecting our privacy. A combination of features that makes Apple Pay an essential function in our day-to-day, making it easy for any payment to be as simple as bringing our iPhone close to the store's terminal.
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