contact.paisamarket@gmail.comUpdated: 30 September 2026 | Apple Pay officially launched in India today with Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards. Support for more banks expected later.
Apple Pay is Live in India Today – Quick Summary
Apple Pay has officially launched in India on 30 September 2026, as confirmed in the official Apple announcement..
At launch, it works only with Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
You can use it on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch for tap-to-pay in stores, as well as in apps and on websites.
UPI is not supported at launch. RuPay cards and debit cards are also not supported yet.
Quick Takeaway
If you have an eligible Axis Bank credit card + a compatible Apple device → You can start using Apple Pay today.
For everyone else → Wait for more banks to join.
Table of Contents
What Exactly is Apple Pay?
Apple Pay is Apple’s contactless payment service. It lets you make payments using your iPhone, Apple Watch or iPad without taking out your physical card, entering a PIN, or typing an OTP at checkout in many cases.
It works by storing a secure digital version (token) of your card inside the device instead of the actual card number. When you pay, the merchant and the payment network see only this token, not your real card details. This design prioritises security and convenience.
Which Cards Are Supported at Launch in India?
| Bank | Card Type | Network | Supported at Launch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axis Bank | Credit Cards | Visa | Yes |
| Axis Bank | Credit Cards | Mastercard | Yes |
| Other Banks | Any | Any | Not yet |
| Any Bank | Debit Cards | Any | No |
| Any Bank | RuPay Cards | RuPay | No |
Not every Axis Bank card is automatically eligible. Users should check inside the Wallet app or the Axis Bank app to confirm whether their specific card can be added. Popular Axis Bank cards such as Magnus, Atlas, ACE, Privilege and others on Visa or Mastercard networks are expected to work, subject to the bank’s final eligibility checks.
Compatible Apple Devices in India
- iPhone: iPhone XR or later running a supported version of iOS (generally recent iOS 18 or later builds)
- Apple Watch: Series 6 or later running a compatible watchOS, paired with a supported iPhone
- iPad: Compatible models for in-app and online payments
- Mac: Support is coming soon
Older devices that lack the required NFC hardware or software support will not be able to use Apple Pay for contactless payments.
How to Set Up Apple Pay in India (Step-by-Step)
There are two straightforward ways to add your card.
Method 1 – Through the Wallet App
- Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
- Tap the + icon.
- Select “Debit or Credit Card”.
- Follow the on-screen instructions, scan or enter your card details, and authenticate as required.
Method 2 – Through the Axis Bank App
- Open the latest version of the Axis Bank app.
- Look for the Apple Pay or “Add to Wallet” option.
- Follow the steps to add your eligible card.
Once the card is successfully added, it also appears on your paired Apple Watch automatically in most cases.
How to Make Payments Using Apple Pay
In-Store (Tap to Pay)
- Double-click the side button on iPhone (or the equivalent button on Apple Watch).
- Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode.
- Hold the top of your iPhone or the display of the Apple Watch near the contactless reader until the payment is confirmed.
In Apps & Online
At checkout, select Apple Pay as the payment method. Authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID. Payment is completed without manually entering card details, PIN or OTP in the majority of cases.
Where Can You Use Apple Pay in India Right Now?
Apple states that Apple Pay is accepted by millions of merchants. Confirmed examples at launch include:
- Apple Stores
- Zomato
- Blinkit
- Croma
- Reliance Retail brands
- Tata 1mg
- Ixigo
- Chaayos
- And many more through payment partners such as Razorpay, PayU, Pine Labs, Juspay, BillDesk, Cashfree and others
It works wherever contactless (NFC) card payments are already accepted. Acceptance will expand as more merchants enable the service through their payment service providers.
Apple Pay vs UPI – Complete Comparison
| Feature | Apple Pay | UPI |
|---|---|---|
| Launch in India | 30 September 2026 | 2016 |
| Works with | Eligible credit cards | Bank accounts |
| Supported at launch | Axis Bank Visa & Mastercard only | Almost all banks |
| RuPay support | No | Yes |
| Payment method | NFC tap + in-app/web | QR code + intent + number |
| Needs internet | For setup & some online payments | Usually yes |
| Authentication | Face ID / Touch ID / Passcode | UPI PIN |
| Merchant acceptance | Contactless terminals | Extremely wide (even small shops) |
| Best for | Card users who want convenience | Everyday payments of all sizes |
Key takeaway: Apple Pay does not replace UPI. It is an additional way to use your credit card more conveniently on Apple devices. UPI remains the default for the vast majority of day-to-day transactions in India.
While Apple Pay offers a smooth card experience on Apple devices, UPI continues to dominate everyday payments in India. For the latest developments on UPI charges and merchant rules, see our detailed update on the Supreme Court decision and UPI MDR from 15 October.
Is Apple Pay Better Than UPI? (Honest Answer)
For pure convenience on Apple devices when you already have a supported credit card, Apple Pay feels smoother — especially at modern retail stores, cafes and online checkouts where contactless terminals or Apple Pay buttons are available.
For daily use across all kinds of merchants (kirana stores, auto-rickshaws, street vendors, small neighbourhood shops), UPI is still far superior because of its near-universal acceptance and direct link to bank accounts.
Most Indians will continue using UPI as their primary payment method. Apple Pay will be useful mainly for iPhone users who already prefer paying with credit cards and value the speed and security of biometric authentication.
Security & Privacy Features of Apple Pay
- The actual card number is never stored on the device or on Apple servers.
- A unique Device Account Number (token) is used for each transaction.
- Apple does not keep transaction details that can identify you personally.
- Device authentication (Face ID, Touch ID or passcode) is required for payments.
- If your device is lost or stolen, you can suspend Apple Pay remotely using the Find My app.
These features make Apple Pay one of the more secure ways to use a credit card in physical stores and online.
Will More Banks and Cards Be Added Soon?
Apple has confirmed that support for additional banks and cards will be added over time. Discussions with other major issuers have been ongoing, but no firm public timelines have been announced for HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank or others at the time of launch.
RuPay and debit card support is also expected later, but neither is available on day one.
The broader digital payments landscape continues to evolve rapidly. Our earlier coverage of the RBI Payments Vision 2028 outlines the longer-term direction for UPI, cards and contactless payments in India.
Rewards and Benefits – Do You Still Get Them?
Yes. When you pay with Apple Pay, you continue to earn the same rewards, cashback, airline miles and other benefits offered by your Axis Bank credit card. The payment is treated as a regular card transaction by the issuer.
Common Limitations at Launch
- Only Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards
- No UPI integration
- No RuPay support
- No debit cards
- Requires relatively recent Apple devices with NFC
- Needs contactless (NFC) enabled terminals for in-store use
These limitations mean the service will initially reach only a subset of iPhone users in India.
How to Check If Your Card is Eligible
- Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
- Tap the + icon and try adding your card.
- Alternatively, open the Axis Bank app and look for the Apple Pay option.
- If the card is not supported, it will either not appear or will show an error message.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple Pay available in India now?
Yes. Apple Pay officially launched in India on 30 September 2026. It is available for eligible users with supported Axis Bank credit cards on compatible Apple devices.
Which banks support Apple Pay in India at launch?
Only Axis Bank at present. The service works with eligible Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards. No other bank has been enabled on day one.
Does Apple Pay work with UPI?
No. Apple Pay does not support UPI at launch. It functions purely as a card-based payment method using tokenised credit cards. UPI continues to operate separately through its own apps and interfaces.
Can I use RuPay cards with Apple Pay?
No. RuPay cards are not supported at launch. Only Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued by Axis Bank can be added currently.
Which iPhones support Apple Pay in India?
iPhone XR and later models running a compatible version of iOS generally support Apple Pay. Older devices without the required NFC capability or software support will not work for contactless payments.
Do I still get credit card rewards with Apple Pay?
Yes. Transactions made through Apple Pay are treated as regular card transactions by Axis Bank, so you continue to earn the same rewards, cashback and benefits linked to your card.
Is Apple Pay safe?
Apple Pay uses industry-standard tokenisation. Your actual card number is not stored on the device or shared with merchants. Every payment requires biometric or passcode authentication, and you can remotely disable the service if your device is lost.
Will HDFC and ICICI cards work soon?
Apple has stated that more banks and cards will be added over time. However, no official timeline has been announced for HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank or other major issuers as of the launch date.
Can I use Apple Pay on Android?
No. Apple Pay is exclusive to Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and soon Mac). Android users cannot access it.
Is there any extra charge for using Apple Pay?
Apple does not charge users any additional fee for making payments with Apple Pay. Standard card network and issuer terms (including any merchant surcharges that already exist for card payments) continue to apply as usual.
Final Verdict – Should You Use Apple Pay in India?
Apple Pay is a welcome addition for iPhone users who have eligible Axis Bank credit cards. It offers a clean, secure and convenient way to pay without taking out the physical card or entering OTPs.
However, because of limited bank support and no UPI integration at launch, it will not replace UPI for most people.
Best use case right now: iPhone users with Axis Bank Visa or Mastercard credit cards who want faster checkout at modern retail stores, apps and websites.
Closing Summary
Apple Pay has finally launched in India on 30 September 2026, starting with Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards. It works on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch for contactless and online payments. While it brings a premium payment experience, UPI remains the dominant and more widely usable system for everyday transactions. More banks and card networks are expected to join in the coming months.
