The basic steps to link your bank account
To add your bank account to Apple Pay, open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad, tap the plus sign in the upper right corner, select "Credit or Debit Card," and choose "Other" at the bottom of the screen. Enter your bank account details — the routing number and account number appear on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find them by logging into your bank's website or app. Apple will then verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under a dollar each) into your account within one to three business days.
Once those deposits arrive, go back to the Wallet app, find the card you added, and tap it to see the verification screen. Enter the two deposit amounts exactly as they appear in your bank account, and Apple will confirm the link. Your bank account is now connected to Apple Pay and ready to use for payments, transfers, and other features.
Key Takeaways
- You need your routing number and account number, both found on the bottom left of your checks or in your bank's online portal.
- Apple verifies new accounts by depositing two small amounts that you must confirm within the Wallet app — this usually takes one to three business days.
- Your bank must support Apple Pay; most major banks and credit unions do, but some smaller institutions do not.
- Once linked, your bank account works for Apple Pay purchases, peer-to-peer transfers through Apple Cash, and bill payments through Wallet.
Finding your routing and account numbers
Your routing number and account number are printed on every check you receive from your bank. Look at the bottom left corner of a check — you will see nine digits (the routing number), then your account number, then the check number on the right. If you do not have checks or prefer not to use them, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for "Account Details," "Account Information," or a similar section. Most banks display both numbers there.
If you cannot find these numbers online or on a check, call your bank's customer service line — the number is usually on the back of your debit card. A representative can read both numbers to you over the phone. Do not share these numbers with anyone except Apple Pay during setup.
What happens during the verification process
After you enter your account details, Apple deposits two small amounts — usually between 1 and 99 cents each — into your bank account. This is how Apple confirms you actually own the account. The deposits typically arrive within one to three business days, depending on your bank's processing speed. You will see them listed in your account as small credits.
Check your bank account online or through your bank's app to find these deposit amounts. They may appear with a description like "Apple Verification" or straightforward as small deposits from Apple. Once you see them, return to the Wallet app, tap your card, and enter both amounts in the verification screen. Apple will then permanently link your account.
Checking whether your bank supports Apple Pay
Most major banks and credit unions support Apple Pay, including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and thousands of smaller institutions. However, some regional banks and credit unions do not yet offer this feature. The easiest way to check is to open the Wallet app, tap the plus sign, and select "Credit or Debit Card." If you see your bank listed when you start typing its name, it supports Apple Pay.
If your bank does not appear in the list, you have two options: contact your bank to ask when they plan to support Apple Pay, or link a debit card from a different bank or credit union that does support it. Some people maintain accounts at multiple institutions for this reason — it gives them more payment options.
Troubleshooting common problems
If the verification deposits do not arrive after five business days, log into your bank account to confirm they were not deposited under a different name or account. If you genuinely do not see them, remove the card from Wallet and try adding it again. Sometimes a typo in the account or routing number causes the deposits to fail silently.
If you enter the verification amounts incorrectly, Wallet will reject them and ask you to try again. You get multiple attempts, so take your time matching the exact amounts. If you still cannot verify after several tries, remove the card and start over — do not worry about the small deposits already in your account; you can leave them there or contact your bank to have them reversed.
If Apple Pay says your bank does not support the service, your institution genuinely does not offer it yet. In this case, you can link a debit card from another bank instead, or contact your bank to request they add Apple Pay support.
What you can do once your account is linked
Once your bank account is verified in Apple Pay, you can use it to make purchases anywhere Apple Pay is accepted — in stores, online, and in apps. You can also send money to other people through Apple Cash, which is Apple's peer-to-peer payment system built into the Wallet app. To send money, open Wallet, tap Apple Cash, select "Send Money," enter the recipient's name or phone number, and choose the amount.
Your linked bank account also works for paying bills through the Wallet app if your service providers support it. Some utilities, insurance companies, and subscription services let you pay directly from Wallet using your linked account. You can also set up automatic payments for recurring bills.
Security and what Apple does with your information
Apple does not store your actual bank account number on your phone. Instead, it creates a unique token — a code that represents your account without exposing the real details. When you make a payment, Apple sends the token to the merchant, not your account information. This means your bank account number stays private even if someone steals your phone.
You can remove your bank account from Apple Pay at any time by opening Wallet, tapping the card, scrolling down, and selecting "Remove Card." This when ready stops Apple Pay from using that account, though any pending transfers will still complete. If you lose your phone, you can also remove all cards remotely through iCloud.com by signing in and selecting "Find My iPhone."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a savings account or only a checking account?
Most banks allow you to add either a checking or savings account to Apple Pay. During setup, you will enter your account number, and the system does not distinguish between account types. If your bank restricts savings accounts from Apple Pay, you will find out during the verification step when the test deposits fail to arrive.
How long does it take to verify my account?
The two verification deposits usually arrive within one to three business days. Once you see them in your account and enter the amounts into Wallet, verification is when ready. The entire process typically takes three to five business days from start to finish, though it can be faster if your bank processes deposits quickly.
What if I enter the wrong routing or account number?
If you make a mistake, the verification deposits will go to the wrong account (or fail entirely). You will not see them arrive in your account, so you will know something went wrong. straightforward remove the card from Wallet and add it again with the correct numbers. There is no penalty for trying multiple times.
Can I use Apple Pay if I do not have an iPhone?
Apple Pay requires an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. If you use an Android phone, you can use Google Pay instead, which works similarly — it links to your bank account and lets you make contactless payments and peer-to-peer transfers. The setup process is comparable, though the apps and steps differ.
Is it safe to link my bank account to Apple Pay?
Yes. Apple encrypts your information and never stores your actual account number on your device. When you pay, merchants receive a one-time token instead of your real account details. Your bank also monitors the account for fraud just as it normally would, so you have the same protections as any other payment method.