How to Apple Pay someone: Step-by-step guide

If you have an iPhone, you may not know about all the useful digital payment features it has. One great function – if you reside in the US – is to send money using Apple Pay and Apple Cash.

Many people are using the service. In fact, over 500 Million people¹ worldwide – including 61.3 Million Americans² – use Apple Pay. The service has quickly become one of the most popular digital payment methods worldwide.

Apple Pay makes sending money quick, simple, and increasingly secure. Want to know how to use Apple Pay to send money? 

This article will show you how to send money to others with Apple Pay and more.

What is Apple Pay and Apple Cash?

Apple Pay is a payment method that lets you make purchases in stores and online, while Apple Cash is a digital card that lets you send and receive money. You can use Apple Cash as a payment method with Apple Pay. 

Let’s explore each in detail.

Apple Pay

Apple Pay lets you pay conveniently on your iPhones, Macs, iPads, and even Apple Watches. You only have to add your preferred payment option to your device, such as credit or debit cards or Apple Cash. 

Once set up, you can use Apple Pay³ in shops by placing your device close to a contactless payment terminal. For online transactions, just choose Apple Pay during checkout. 

Also, you can send and receive funds using Apple Pay and Apple Cash. This is particularly helpful when you have to split expenses or request money from others. 

Here are a few things Apple Pay can help you with:

• Lets you make purchases in stores, restaurants, gas stations, and taxis 
• Allows you to make purchases online in apps and on the web 
• Lets you use any credit card or debit card stored in your Wallet, including Apple Cash 
• Offers an accelerated checkout process for online stores 
• Encrypts and sends information you enter on your device to Apple servers 

Apple Cash

Apple Cash functions similarly to a debit card in the Wallet app. You can load money onto it, send or receive cash using the Messages app, and transfer funds to a connected bank account. 

As Apple Cash⁴ is linked to Apple Pay, you can employ it wherever Apple Pay is accepted. However, Apple Wallet, Pay, and Cash have different functions.

That said, here’s how the Apple Cash feature can be useful:

• Ideal for peer-to-peer transfers
• Lets you send and receive money 
• Can be spent in stores, online, and in apps 
• It can be used in Messages, in Wallet, or with Tap to Cash 
• You can use it anywhere. Visa is accepted if the merchant or app doesn't accept Apple Pay 
• Has limits on how much you can send or receive within a seven-day period⁵ 

While you can use Apple Pay with your iPhone or Apple Watch, Apple Cash can be used with an eligible device with the latest iOS version. 

Prerequisites for using Apple Pay to send money

So, how do you pay someone with Apple Pay? The first thing you need is to sign up. Here are a few specific requirements you need to fulfill to use Apple Pay:

Have a Compatible Apple Device

Make sure you own a device that runs on iOS. Moreover, you need to update your device to the latest version. For instance, Apple Pay (including Apple Cash) won't work on phones with iOS versions before 8.1.

Apple Pay and Cash works on⁶:

• iPhone – iPhone 6 and later models
• Apple Watch – Apple Watch Series 1 and later
• iPad – iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3 and later
• Mac – Mac with Touch ID or macOS Sierra and later

Apple ID & iCloud setup

You must be signed into iCloud with your Apple ID. Both the sender and receiver need to have Apple Cash enabled.

Linked payment method

You need to add a debit or credit card to Apple Pay. This is required to send money using Apple Cash. Here’s how to do it:

• Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
• Tap the “+” icon in the top right corner.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to add a debit or credit card.

Enable Apple Cash

Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Then, tap Wallet & Apple Pay and toggle Apple Cash to ON.

Identity verification

You may need to verify your identity⁷ to ensure your Apple Cash account qualifies for FDIC insurance and operates fully. This process includes providing your name, date of birth, and sometimes a government-issued ID. Once these prerequisites are met, you can receive and send money via Apple Pay. 

Step-by-step guide to sending money with Apple Pay

Wondering how to send money with Apple Pay? Well, the process is considerably easy. 
When you send money with Apple Cash, your Apple Cash balance is used first by default. If you prefer, you can choose to send money directly from your debit card instead.

Sending money with Apple Pay Cash

You can send money using Messages or the Wallet app.

To send money in Messages:

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Start a new conversation or open an existing one.
3. Tap the Apple Cash button at the bottom.
4. Enter the amount you want to send.
5. Tap Pay, confirm, and the money is sent.

To send money in the Wallet app:

1. Open Wallet.
2. Select your Apple Cash card.
3. Tap Send Money.
4. Choose a contact or add a new one.
5. Enter the amount.
6. Tap Pay, confirm, and your payment is complete.

How to send money with Apple Pay on iPhone?

By default, Apple Pay uses your Apple Cash balance when you send money in Messages or Wallet.

However, if you prefer to use a debit or credit card instead, or if your Apple Cash balance isn’t enough to cover the transfer, you can choose a different payment method from your Apple Wallet.

Here’s how to change your payment method:

1. If you don’t want to use Apple Cash, you’ll need to turn it off in your phone’s settings.
2. If your Apple Cash balance isn’t enough, Apple Pay will prompt you to select a different card from your Wallet.

Follow the steps in Messages or Wallet and choose the card you want to use when prompted.

How to request and receive money using Apple Pay

Now you know how to pay someone with Apple Pay.  What if you want to receive or request money using Apple Pay?

Apple Pay allows you to swiftly send, request, and receive money via text messages⁸. 

When a person transfers money to you via Messages, it gets deposited into your Apple Cash card within the Wallet app. However, to send or receive payments, both you and the other individual need to utilize iMessage. 

Without further ado, here are the steps to request money through Apple Pay in Messages:

1. First, launch your Messages application on your iPhone. 
2. In an iMessage⁹ chat, perform one of these actions: Tap +, choose Apple Cash, and input the amount. If a message contains a dollar figure, tap it, then select Send with Apple Cash. 
3. Select Request or Send for a single payment. To establish recurring payments, press Show Keypad, then choose Send Recurring Payment and follow the prompts. 
4. Press Send, then adhere to the on-screen prompts.

Wondering how to receive a payment? Follow the steps to the T:

1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone. 
2. Go to the chat in which you got the funds. 
3. Press Accept, then adhere to the prompts displayed on the screen.

Apple Pay fees: are there any costs?

Many people who seek how to send money via Apple Pay often wonder: Does it charge any fees?

Luckily, Apple doesn’t impose any charges for using Apple Pay. However, your card provider may impose specific charges – particularly for international transactions. 

Apple Pay allows you to utilize your credit or debit card with greater convenience. Still, any current fees from your bank or card network, such as cash advances or foreign transaction fees, will continue to apply. 

The positive thing is that not every payment card charges these fees. Therefore, it's beneficial to consult your bank before you perform international transactions.

While Apple Pay is mostly free, here are certain transactions that may incur fees:

• Apple Cash transfers to friends – Free when using an Apple Cash balance or debit card.
• Credit card payments – A 3% fee¹⁰ applies if you send money using a credit card.
• Instant transfers to the bank – A 1.5% fee¹¹ will apply for instant transfers (minimum $0.25, max $15).

Apple Pay limits for sending money

Apple Pay and Cash impose a few limits on balance, transfers, and transactions. Here’s a quick overview of what users should know: 

Limits of balance 

Once you verify your identity, you can maintain a balance of up to $20,000¹² in your Apple Cash account. For Apple Cash Family, the highest balance allowed is $4,000¹². 

Adding funds 

You can only deposit funds using a debit or prepaid card in your Apple Wallet. The lowest amount you can load is $10¹³ for each transaction, while the highest amount you can contribute is $10,000. Also, you can deposit a maximum of $10,000¹³ altogether in a week. 
For Apple Cash Family, the least amount per transaction remains at $10. However, the highest limit per transaction decreases to $2,000. You can add a maximum of $2,000 within 7 days¹⁴. 

Send & receive funds 

You can send or receive at least $1 for each message. The maximum limit for each message is $10,000. As an Apple Pay user, you can send or receive a maximum of $10,000¹⁵ combined in 7 days.  

For Apple Cash Family, the lowest amount per message is $1, while the upper limit for each message is $2,000. Over 7 days, you can send or receive up to $2,000 total.

Transferring money to a bank account or debit card

Considering a transaction to a debit card or bank account? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

For an individual Apple Cash card:

• You have to transfer at least $1¹⁶ to your bank account or debit card. If your balance is below $1, you need to transfer the full amount.
• The maximum you can transfer in a single transaction is $10,000¹⁶.
• Over a 7-day period, you can transfer up to $20,000 in total¹⁶.
• If you choose Instant Transfer, a 1%¹⁶ fee applies, with a minimum fee of $0.25 and a maximum of $10.
• Instant Transfer fees don’t count toward your transfer limits.

For an Apple Cash Family Account:

• The minimum transfer amount is $1¹⁷, or your full balance if it’s less than $1.
• The most you can transfer in a single transaction is $2,000¹⁷.
• Over a 7-day period, you can transfer up to $4,000 in total¹⁷.
• Instant Transfer fees are the same as for an individual Apple Cash card.

Sending money internationally: does Apple Pay work?

Apple Pay is accepted in many countries and regions, but its availability can vary. Support is limited in Africa, and not all South American countries offer Apple Pay. 

However, in many places, you can use Apple Pay while traveling. Just look for the contactless payment symbol in stores.

Listed below are a few countries/regions where Apple Pay works:

• United States
• Canada
• Argentina
• Mexico
• Brazil
• Costa Rica
• Most European countries
• Australia & New Zealand
• China
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• United Arab Emirates

You can add international credit and debit cards to Apple Pay, but your bank or card issuer must support it. Not every bank allows their cards to be used with Apple Pay. To be sure, contact your bank for confirmation.

Apple cards are issued on the MasterCard network, which is widely accepted worldwide. Thus, you can use them anywhere MasterCard is accepted.

While Apple Cash lets you send money to friends and family within the U.S., you can’t use it for international payments¹⁸. 

Fret not, as there are plenty of options available (we’ll discuss some in the next section) that users can use to make international transactions, such as BOSS Revolution (ideal for international money transfers), Wise (offers low-cost global transfers), and PayPal. 

Alternatives to Apple Pay for sending money

While Apple Pay can be a useful option for peer-to-peer payments, it’s not the only service available. There are numerous other options you can use to send money, such as:

Tips to use Apple Pay safely

Apple Pay is designed with strong security features. However, like any digital payment method, you should take precautions to protect your funds and personal information. 

Here are some essential tips for how to send Apple Pay safely:

Always verify the recipient 

Before you commit a payment, double-check the recipient’s details. Make sure:

• The phone number or email address is correct.
• You’re sending money to the right person (especially if they have a common name).

Use face ID, touch ID, or a secure passcode

Apple Pay requires biometric authentication¹⁹ (Face ID or Touch ID) or a passcode before you complete a transfer. This added layer of security prevents unauthorized transactions.

Listed below are the steps to enable Face ID or Touch ID for Apple Pay:

• Go to Settings on your iPhone.
• Tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode for older models).
• Make sure Apple Pay is enabled.

Never share your Apple ID or Apple Cash credentials

Your Apple ID is linked to your Apple Pay and Apple Cash accounts. If you share your login credentials, chances are it can put your funds and personal data at risk.

According to a University of Maryland study, a cyber-attack happens roughly every 39 seconds²⁰, which means a data breach occurs on average more than 2,200 times daily. 

Therefore, it’s best not to:

• Give out your Apple ID password.
• Sign into Apple Pay on someone else’s device.
• Store your login details in unsecured locations.

Also, you should enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your Apple ID to add an extra security layer.

Be cautious of scams and fraudulent requests

Scammers may try to trick you into sending money through Apple Pay. Here are a few common scams every user should watch out for:

• Fake payment requests from unknown contacts.
• Messages that claim you won a prize but need to send money first.
• Calls or texts pretending to be from Apple Support asking for your details.

Monitor transactions regularly in the Wallet app

To stay on top of your finances, make sure to review your Apple Pay transactions often. The process is incredibly easy:

• Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
• Tap on your Apple Cash card or linked bank card.
• Scroll through recent transactions to ensure all payments are legitimate.

Conclusion: Why use Apple Pay to send money?

Apple Pay provides a fast, secure, and convenient way to send money within the Apple ecosystem. With features such as Face ID security, seamless iMessage integration, instant transfers, and no fees for debit card transactions, it’s an excellent choice for peer-to-peer payments. However, note that Apple Cash is U.S.-only, so international users may need to use alternatives such as BOSS Revolution. Use this article to decide whether Apple Pay – including Apple Cash – is right for you or if you need other ‘better’ alternatives.

Sources: all third party information obtained from applicable website as of February 28, 2025

1. https://www.statista.com/topics/4322/apple-pay/

2. https://capitaloneshopping.com/research/apple-pay-statistics/#:~:text=Apple%20Pay%20Digital%20Wallet%20Use%20Statistics&text=61.3%20million%20U.S.%20iPhone%20owners,used%20a%20mobile%20payment%20platform.

3. https://www.apple.com/apple-pay/

4. https://www.apple.com/apple-cash/

5. https://support.apple.com/en-us/109305#:~:text=General%20sending%20and%20receiving%20limits&text=Per%20message%2C%20you%20can%20send%20or%20receive%20a%20maximum%20of,receive%20a%20maximum%20of%20%2410%2C000.

6. https://support.apple.com/en-gb/102896

7. https://support.apple.com/en-gb/109312#cash

8. https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/iph6d80edff1/ios

9. https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/iph4e9799206/18.0/ios/18.0

10. https://discussions.apple.com/thread/8224166

11. https://support.apple.com/en-us/109305#:~:text=Within%20a%207%2Dday%20period%2C%20you%20can%20transfer%20a%20maximum,limit%20doesn't%20include%20fees.

12. https://support.apple.com/en-us/109305#:~:text=The%20maximum%20Apple%20Cash1,verifying%20your%20identity%20is%20%2420%2C000.&text=If%20you're%20part%20of,as%20the%20participant%20is%20%244%2C000.

13. https://support.apple.com/en-lk/109305#:~:text=Limits%20for%20adding%20money%20to,add%20a%20maximum%20of%20$10%2C000.

14. https://support.apple.com/en-us/105010

15. https://support.apple.com/en-us/109305

16. https://support.apple.com/en-us/109305#:~:text=You%20can%20transfer%20a%20minimum,debit%20card%20or%20bank%20account.

17. https://support.apple.com/en-us/120401#:~:text=If%20you're%20a%20part%20of%20Apple%20Cash%20Family&text=You%20can%20transfer%20a%20maximum,debit%20card%20or%20bank%20account.

18. https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253725715

19. https://support.apple.com/en-us/101554#:~:text=To%20send%20your%20payment%20information,apps%20or%20on%20the%20web

20. https://eng.umd.edu/news/story/study-hackers-attack-every-39-seconds

This article is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to address every aspect of the matters discussed herein. The information in this article is not intended as specific personal advice. The information in this article does not constitute legal, tax, regulatory or other professional advice from IDT Payment Services, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “IDT”), and should not be taken or used as such by any individual. IDT makes no representation, warranty or guaranty, whether express or implied, that the content in this article is current, accurate, or complete. You should obtain professional or other substantive advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the information in this article.