Apple Pay India: Apple Pay has officially launched in India, bringing Apple’s contactless payment service to one of the world’s biggest digital-payment markets. Starting 30 September 2026, eligible users can make payments with an iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch, while support for Mac is set to follow.

At launch, eligibility is more limited than the phrase “Apple Pay in India” might initially suggest. Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards are the supported cards announced for launch. Eligible customers can add those cards to Apple Wallet and use them at participating online and physical merchants, as well as locations accepting compatible NFC contactless transactions.

So, how does Apple Pay work in India, which devices are supported, and where can customers use it? Here’s what you need to know.

🇮🇳 Apple Pay Is Now Available in India

The India launch expands Apple’s payment ecosystem into a market already accustomed to digital transactions.

Apple Pay enables eligible customers to store a supported payment card digitally in Apple Wallet and then use a compatible Apple device for purchases.

For an in-store purchase, users can authenticate themselves on their device and hold it close to a compatible contactless payment terminal. Apple Pay can also be used for eligible transactions inside apps and on websites.

One of the key differences in the experience is that users don’t have to repeatedly enter their physical card information during supported checkouts.

💳 Which Banks and Cards Support Apple Pay in India?

At launch, Axis Bank is the announced issuing-bank partner.

Customers with eligible Axis Bank-issued Visa or Mastercard credit cards can add their cards to Apple Pay.

That distinction is important for readers searching for support from other Indian banks. The launch announcement does not say that every Indian debit or credit card can immediately be added to Apple Wallet.

More financial institutions or eligible cards could be added over time, but users should check current eligibility rather than assume an unsupported card will work.

📱 Which Apple Devices Support Apple Pay in India?

Apple says the service is available across iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, with Mac support coming soon. Its India announcement specifies iPhone XR or later running iOS 18 or later and Apple Watch Series 6 or later running watchOS 11 or later; the Watch must be paired with an iPhone XR or later.

Actual feature availability can depend on the device, software version, card eligibility and transaction type.

⚙️ How to Set Up Apple Pay in India

Getting started is relatively straightforward for an eligible cardholder.

Users can add an eligible card through the latest version of the Axis Bank app. Alternatively, they can open Apple Wallet on iPhone, tap the plus (+) button, and follow the on-screen instructions to add an eligible card.

Once verification and setup are completed, the card can be used through Apple Pay.

🛍️ How to Pay With Apple Pay in Stores

For a compatible in-store transaction, the process is designed to be quick.

Users double-click the appropriate side or Home button, authenticate when prompted using Face ID, Touch ID or their device passcode, and then hold the iPhone or Apple Watch near the contactless payment reader.

That makes the device itself part of the payment experience rather than requiring the customer to present the physical card.

🌐 Apple Pay Also Works in Apps and on the Web

The India launch isn’t limited to tapping an iPhone at a physical checkout terminal.

Apple Pay can be used for supported purchases on iPhone and iPad in apps and on the web, with Mac support planned. The system can reduce the need to repeatedly type payment, contact, shipping and billing information during supported checkout flows.

This could make Apple Pay particularly useful for customers who frequently shop using their Apple devices.

🔐 Is Apple Pay Secure?

Security and privacy are central to how Apple Pay is designed.

According to Apple, the customer’s actual card number is not stored on the device or Apple’s servers, and Apple doesn’t share the actual card number with the merchant. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is encrypted and stored in the device’s Secure Element.

Apple also says it doesn’t retain transaction information that can be tied back to an individual user. Payment transactions remain between the customer, merchant and the relevant bank or card issuer.

If an iPhone is lost or stolen, Find My can be used to locate or lock the device and suspend its ability to make payments.

Mastercard separately describes its tokenisation technology as using a cryptographically secured token so that card details aren’t shared with merchants.

🏪 Where Can You Use Apple Pay in India?

Apple says Apple Pay will be accepted by millions of merchants across India.

Among the merchants named at launch are Apple Store locations and brands such as Blinkit, Chaayos, Croma, Interflora, Ixigo, Le15 Patisserie, Reliance brands, Tata 1mg and Zomato.

Apple also says it has worked with payment service providers including BillDesk, Cashfree, Juspay, Mswipe, Paytm, PayU, Pine Labs and Razorpay to extend Apple Pay across merchant networks.

Globally, Apple says Apple Pay is now available in more than 90 countries and regions and works with over 11,000 bank and network partners.

🎁 What Happens to Credit Card Rewards?

Using an eligible card through Apple Pay doesn’t automatically mean giving up its normal rewards.

Apple says customers will continue earning the rewards and benefits provided by their cards when using Apple Pay.

The exact rewards, cashback, points and other benefits will therefore depend on the customer’s eligible card and its issuer’s applicable terms.

🚀 Why the Apple Pay India Launch Matters

India already has a deeply established digital-payment culture. Apple Pay’s arrival introduces another payment option, particularly for people already using Apple’s hardware ecosystem.

The initial launch is nevertheless best understood as a starting point rather than universal Indian card support. Axis Bank-issued eligible Visa and Mastercard credit cards form the announced launch offering.

The service becomes substantially more interesting over the longer term if additional issuers and eligible payment cards are added.

For now, eligible Axis Bank customers with compatible Apple devices can start using the service immediately.

❓ Apple Pay India FAQs

Is Apple Pay available in India?

Yes. Apple Pay officially became available in India on 30 September 2026.

Which bank supports Apple Pay in India?

At launch, Apple announced support for eligible Axis Bank-issued credit cards.

Does Apple Pay support Visa and Mastercard in India?

Yes, eligible Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards are supported at launch.

Can I use Apple Pay on an iPhone in India?

Yes. Apple specifies iPhone XR or later with iOS 18 or later for the India service.

Does Apple Pay work on Apple Watch in India?

Yes. Apple specifies Apple Watch Series 6 or later with watchOS 11 or later, paired with an iPhone XR or later.

Is Apple Pay available on Mac in India?

Not at the initial launch. Apple says Mac support is coming soon.

Do I lose my credit-card rewards when using Apple Pay?

Apple says eligible users continue to receive the rewards and benefits associated with their cards.

Do merchants receive my actual card number?

Apple says the actual card number isn’t shared by Apple with the merchant when a card is used through Apple Pay.

✨ Final Takeaway

The arrival of Apple Pay in India gives eligible Apple users another way to make contactless, in-app and online card payments. The launch begins with Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards, while Apple has already built acceptance relationships across large merchant and payment-service-provider networks.

For eligible customers, the biggest advantages are straightforward: tap-to-pay convenience, device-based authentication, tokenised card credentials and integration with Apple Wallet. The next development to watch will be whether support expands to additional Indian banks and card types.