Why does Apple Pay say this card cannot be used?

Troubleshooting Apple Pay: Resolving “This Card Cannot Be Used” Error

Apple Pay is a convenient and secure payment method that allows you to make purchases using your iPhone or Apple Watch. However, sometimes users encounter the error message “This card cannot be used” when attempting to add a card to their Apple Wallet. This can be a frustrating experience, especially when the card appears to be valid.

Possible Causes of the Error

There are several reasons why Apple Pay may display the “This card cannot be used” error:

• Card activation: You may need to activate your card before adding it to Apple Pay.
• Authorization: Your bank or credit union may need to authorize the use of your card with Apple Pay.
• Technical issues: There may be a temporary technical issue with your device or Apple Pay itself.

Troubleshooting Steps

To resolve the error, you can try the following steps:

1. Make a small in-store transaction: Sometimes, simply using your card to make a small purchase in a physical store can resolve the issue.
2. Re-add the card to Apple Wallet: If the first step doesn’t work, try removing the card from your Apple Wallet and then adding it back.
3. Contact your bank or Apple support: If you’ve tried the above steps and the error persists, contact your bank or credit union to ensure that your card is activated and authorized for Apple Pay. You can also reach out to Apple support for further assistance.

Additional Tips

• Ensure your device has the latest software: Make sure your iPhone or Apple Watch is running the latest version of iOS or watchOS.
• Restart your device: Sometimes, simply restarting your device can resolve technical issues.
• Check if your card is supported: Not all cards are compatible with Apple Pay. Check with your bank or credit union to confirm that your card is supported.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve the “This card cannot be used” error with Apple Pay. If the error persists, don’t hesitate to contact your bank or Apple support for additional assistance.