Apple Pay works in two directions: you can send money using it, or you can receive money if you set it up on your device
If you want to receive money through Apple Pay, you need to enable it in your Wallet app and link a bank account or debit card. If you want to send money to someone else using Apple Pay, you set up the same way — the difference is whether you initiate the payment or someone else does. The mechanics are identical: a linked card or bank account, a recipient's phone number or email, and a few taps.
Apple Pay transfers happen through iMessage (person-to-person) or through apps that have built Apple Pay into their payment flow. The money moves from your linked bank account or card to theirs, usually within minutes, though settlement to their actual bank account can take one to three business days depending on their bank.
Key Takeaways
- To receive Apple Pay transfers, open Wallet on your iPhone or Apple Watch, tap the plus sign, and select "Apple Cash" or "Apple Card" depending on your device and region.
- You must link a debit card or bank account to your Wallet before you can send or receive money, and Apple verifies the account by depositing small amounts.
- Person-to-person payments through iMessage arrive in the recipient's Apple Cash balance within minutes, but moving that balance to a bank account takes one to three business days.
- Apple Pay payments are reversible if the recipient hasn't claimed them yet, but once claimed and moved to a bank account, the transfer cannot be undone.
- If you're a business owner, Apple Pay works differently — you use a payment processor like Square or Stripe, not the consumer Wallet app.
Setting up Apple Cash or Apple Card in your Wallet
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or Apple Watch. Tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. You'll see options including "Apple Cash" (in the US) or "Apple Card" depending on your device and what's available in your region. Select the one you want to use for receiving payments.
Apple will ask you to verify your identity. You'll provide your full name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This is a standard anti-fraud check. Once verified, you can link a debit card or bank account. Tap "Add Card" and either photograph your card or enter the details manually. If you link a bank account instead, Apple will deposit two small amounts (usually under a dollar each) into that account within one to two business days. You'll then confirm those amounts in the app to prove you own the account.
After your card or account is verified, you're ready to receive payments. Your Apple Cash balance will appear in your Wallet, and you can see your account number and routing information if you need to receive transfers from outside Apple's system.
How to receive money from someone else using Apple Pay
The person sending you money opens iMessage and starts a conversation with you. They tap the Apple Pay button (usually a plus sign or payment icon in the message field), enter the amount they want to send, and confirm. The payment request appears in your Messages app. You tap to accept it, and the money lands in your Apple Cash balance when ready.
From there, you have two choices: keep the balance in Apple Cash and spend it through Apple Pay at stores or online, or move it to your linked bank account. To move it to your bank, open Wallet, tap your Apple Cash card, tap the three dots, select "Transfer to Bank," enter the amount, and confirm. The transfer usually takes one to three business days, depending on your bank's processing speed.
If the sender hasn't claimed the payment yet — meaning they haven't accepted it — they can cancel it from their end. Once you've claimed it and it's in your Apple Cash balance, the sender cannot reverse it. If you then move it to your bank account, it's final.
Linking a debit card or bank account to Wallet
Wallet accepts both debit cards and bank accounts, but they work slightly differently. A debit card is when ready — you photograph it or enter the number, and it's ready to use. A bank account requires verification through those small deposits, which takes one to two business days.
To add a debit card: open Wallet, tap the plus sign, select "Debit Card," and either photograph the front and back or type in the card number, expiration date, and CVV. Apple will ask you to verify your identity again if this is your first card. Once verified, the card is active.
To add a bank account: tap the plus sign, select "Bank Account," and enter your routing number and account number. You can find these on a check or by logging into your bank's website. Apple will then deposit two small amounts into that account. Check your bank statement in one to two business days, note those amounts, and return to Wallet to confirm them. Once confirmed, your bank account is linked.
You can link multiple cards and accounts. Wallet will ask which one you want to use as your default for payments, but you can change this anytime.
What happens when someone sends you money through Apple Pay
The sender initiates the payment through iMessage. You receive a notification and a message from them. You tap to view the payment request, which shows the amount and their name. You then tap "Accept" or "Decline." If you accept, the money moves to your Apple Cash balance in your Wallet app within seconds.
This balance is separate from your bank account. You can spend it when ready using Apple Pay at any store or online retailer that accepts it, or you can leave it sitting in Apple Cash. There's no time limit — the money stays there until you spend it or transfer it to your bank.
If you want to move it to your actual bank account, open Wallet, select your Apple Cash card, tap the three dots menu, choose "Transfer to Bank," enter the amount, and confirm. The money will arrive in your linked bank account in one to three business days. The exact timing depends on your bank's processing schedule, not Apple's.
Receiving payments as a business owner
If you're a business and want to accept Apple Pay from customers, you don't use the consumer Wallet app. Instead, you work with a payment processor that has integrated Apple Pay into their system. Square, Stripe, PayPal, and Toast all accept Apple Pay payments.
You set up a business account with one of these processors, connect your bank account, and they provide you with either a point-of-sale terminal (a physical device) or a link you can send to customers. When a customer pays with Apple Pay through that system, the money goes to your processor first, then to your bank account after a settlement period — usually one to two business days.
The processor charges a fee per transaction, typically 2.6% to 3.5% plus a small flat fee. This is different from person-to-person payments, which have no fee. If you're just receiving money from friends or family, use the consumer Wallet setup described above. If you're running a business, you need a processor.
Troubleshooting common issues with Apple Pay payments
If someone tries to send you money and the payment fails, the most common reason is that your Wallet isn't set up yet. They'll see an error message, and the money won't leave their account. The fix is to complete the Wallet setup steps above — add a card or bank account and verify your identity.
If you've set up Wallet but a payment still fails, check that your linked card or account hasn't expired and that you have enough balance to receive the money (some banks flag large incoming transfers). You can also check your Wallet settings to make sure Apple Cash is enabled in your region — it's not available everywhere.
If money arrives in your Apple Cash but won't transfer to your bank, the issue is usually with your linked bank account. Confirm that the routing and account numbers are correct by checking them against a recent check or your bank's website. If they're wrong, remove the account from Wallet and add it again with the correct information.
If you're trying to send money and it fails, the recipient's Wallet may not be set up. Ask them to complete the setup steps first. Alternatively, your linked card or account may have insufficient funds, or your bank may have flagged the transaction as suspicious. Contact your bank to check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive Apple Pay payments if I don't have an iPhone?
No. Apple Pay transfers through iMessage and Wallet, both of which require an Apple device. If you have an Android phone, you cannot receive Apple Pay transfers. The sender would need to use a different payment method like Venmo, PayPal, or a bank transfer.
How long does it take for money to arrive in my bank account after I transfer it from Apple Cash?
One to three business days, depending on your bank. Apple processes the transfer when ready, but your bank controls when the money actually appears in your account. Weekends and holidays can add time. Check your bank's website or call them if a transfer takes longer than three business days.
What if I lose my phone or it gets stolen after someone sends me money?
If the money is still in your Apple Cash balance, it's protected by your phone's passcode and Face ID or Touch ID. If your phone is lost, you can sign into iCloud on another device and access your Wallet. If the money has already been transferred to your bank account, it's safe there. Contact Apple Support if you need help recovering your account.
Can I receive Apple Pay payments internationally?
Apple Cash is only available in certain countries. In the US, UK, and a few others, you can receive payments. If you're outside these regions, Wallet may not offer Apple Cash as an option. Check Apple's support page for your country to confirm availability.
Is there a limit to how much money I can receive through Apple Pay?
Yes. Apple Cash has daily and weekly limits that vary by account age and verification status. New accounts typically have lower limits, which increase over time. You can check your limit in Wallet settings. If you need to receive a large payment, ask the sender to split it across multiple days or use a bank transfer instead.