Apple Pay is a payment system that was specially launched by Apple in 2014 for its own devices. This payment option has also been available in Germany since December 2018. With the help of your smartphone, you can then pay contactlessly via an NFC point or via apps on your smartphone. The NFC function can also be used on other Apple devices such as the Apple Watch, iPad or Mac.
What can Apple Pay do?
As described, Apple Pay is a payment service offered by Apple. All you need to do to pay is a credit card. Money is then either debited directly from this or can alternatively be deposited in a wallet. A great advantage results from the fact that your credit card details are never actually passed on to the seller, but the transaction is processed securely via Apple Pay. This is how you can protect yourself against credit card fraud. The transaction is carried out using a unique transaction code that is linked to the number specific to your device. This means that your credit card details are not saved on the Apple servers.
The use of Apple Pay is completely free for you as the end user. There is basically no minimum amount to pay either - but this depends on the seller. This can, for example, stipulate that a minimum turnover of € 10 must be made in order to be able to pay with Apple Pay.
By the way: You can use Touch-ID to pay quickly and securely online on your MacBook with your fingerprint.
How do I pay with Apple Pay?
You save your credit card details with Apple Pay. It is not yet possible to deposit a girocard. If you now make a purchase in a suitable app or a suitable online shop, all you have to do is select "Apple Pay" as the payment method. You will then be automatically guided through the payment process. In addition, many shops, such as supermarkets or clothing stores, offer payment with Apple Pay. You simply use the usual contactless payment with your smartphone - hold your smartphone over the card sensor and complete the transaction. By the way, you don't need internet access to pay..
How do I set up Apple Pay on my device?
Apple Pay cannot be used on all Apple devices. The payment system is available on models from iPhone 6, all Apple Watches, Macs (from 2012 and macOS Sierra) and many iPad models (e.g. iPad from 5th generation or iPad Pro from 3rd generation). A list of all compatible devices can be found here. The Apple devices that can use Apple Pay have it immediately. So you don't have to download an app or something like that. You can add a credit card via Settings in Apple Pay. For more information on setting up Apple Pay, see the Apple Help page.
Which credit companies cooperate with Apple Pay in Germany?
To use Apple Pay, you need a valid credit card. The credit cards from the following companies can be used:
- alliance
- American Express
- Boon
- Bunq
- BB Bank
- BW Bank
- Comdirect
- Commerzbank
- Consors finance / Consors bank!
- Crosscard
- Deutsche Bank
- DKB
- Edenred
- Fidor Bank
- Fleetmoney
- Hanseatic Bank
- HypoVereinsbank
- ING
- Klarna
- maestro
- mastercard
- Miles & More
- monese
- N26
- netbank
- norisbank
- O2 banking
- Openbank
- psd bank
- Revolut
- Sparda-Bank (Berlin, Hanover, Southwest)
- Savings bank
- Triodos Bank
- Unicredit Bank
- VIABUY
- VIMpay
- VISA
- Volksbanken Raiffeisenbanken
There are always new companies entering into collaborations with Apple Pay.