How do I manually add a card to my Apple Wallet?

Ditch the Plastic: A Quick Guide to Manually Adding Cards to Apple Wallet

Apple Pay offers the convenience of leaving your physical wallet at home, but first, you need to add your cards. While some cards may be automatically suggested by your participating bank apps, you can easily add any eligible credit or debit card manually directly through your device’s settings. This gives you complete control over which cards are available for contactless payments.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to adding a card to your Apple Wallet manually:

1. Open Wallet & Apple Pay Settings: The location of this varies slightly depending on your device. On an iPhone, open the Settings app and scroll down to “Wallet & Apple Pay”. On an Apple Watch, open the “Watch” app on your paired iPhone, then navigate to “Wallet & Apple Pay”. On iPad, go to Settings and then “Wallet & Apple Pay”.

2. Tap “Add Card”: Once you’re in the Wallet & Apple Pay settings, look for the “Add Card” button (usually a plus sign or a button with that text) and tap it.

3. Position Your Card: You’ll be presented with the option to use your device’s camera to scan your card. While this is convenient, this guide focuses on manual entry. Select the option for “Enter Card Details Manually.”

4. Enter Your Card Information: Carefully type in your card number, expiry date, and the security code (CVV) found on the back of your card. Double-check all the details for accuracy to avoid any delays in the verification process.

5. Verify Your Card: Depending on your bank and card type, you might be prompted to verify the card through various methods. This might involve receiving a text message with a verification code, answering security questions, or logging into your online banking account. Follow the instructions provided by your bank to complete this step.

6. Start Using Apple Pay: Once your bank confirms your information, your card will appear in your Apple Wallet and be ready to use for Apple Pay transactions. You can now enjoy the speed and security of contactless payments wherever Apple Pay is accepted.

While the process is generally smooth, keep in mind that some prepaid or store cards may not be compatible with Apple Wallet. If you encounter any issues during the verification process, it’s best to contact your card issuer directly for assistance. They can provide specific guidance related to your card and its compatibility with Apple Pay.