Apple Pay isn’t new, but it certainly is gaining traction in the cashless payment environment. Since 2019, cash payments have declined by 42%. And that was before we had a head-on collision with one of the toughest economic, social, and health crises most of us have ever seen.
Businesses and buyers alike are riding the cashless financial technology wave and for a good reason.
For small business owners, cashless payment solutions like Apple Pay help cancel out most human errors and keep your storefront safe and secure. For consumers – going cashless means greater physical security, fewer withdrawals, and the convenience of being able to leave your wallet at home.
If you’re curious about Apple Pay, you’ve come to the right place. From sending money to friends and family, making in-store payments, and shopping online, Apple Pay has managed to reach across every relevant touchpoint to bring you an experience that 507 million iPhone users have included in their day-to-day payments.
Going Cashless with Apple Pay
The decline in cash payments continues as more cashless options like Apple Pay step to the forefront, bringing secure, convenient payment options to consumers and merchants.
Though the software goes one step further than a tap or a swipe, Apple Pay isn’t just cashless, it’s cardless. In fact, it’s contactless.
In the words of Tom Cook, CEO of Apple:
“In this environment, people are less willing to hand over a card…contactless payment has taken on a different level of adoption in it that, I think, will never go back.”
Apple Pay works with Apple devices like iPhones, and (the increasingly popular) Apple Watches to facilitate store, online and in-app purchases. We’ve become familiar with tapping our cards and scanning barcodes on our smartphones, but Apple Pay works differently.
To pay, simply let the card machine scan your device and Apple Pay will transfer money instantly with no passwords and no contact.
Of course, you’ll need to be set up before you can pay in one mobile ninja swipe.
How Does Apple Work?
If you have an iPhone or Apple Watch, you’ll see there is an app called Wallet. Wallet and Apple Pay work hand-in-hand. This is where you store all your cards with their relevant details. You can choose different cards and switch between them for different payments.
- Open up the Wallet app
- Click on the + icon
- Tap ‘continue’
- Select either ‘debit or credit card’
- You can either scan your card using your camera or type in your card details manually
- Enter the name on the card and the CVV number
- Read the Ts & Cs (we know you always do), then tap on the green ‘Accept’ button
- Allow Apple Pay to access your location
- A verification code will be sent to you via SMS or a call, to verify your card details
Once that’s done, you’re set up and ready to tap and go. Another thing: when you pay using Apple Pay, you can set up your device to Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode for ultimate peace of mind.
Take note that Apple Pay is available on iPhone 6s and later, so if you have an earlier version of the iPhone, Apple Pay isn’t going to work.
Your Apple Wallet
It’s worth mentioning that your Apple Wallet doesn’t just store cards - it stores other important documents, too. You can virtually store all your boarding passes, coupons, concert tickets, and holiday bookings.
Making Online Payments with Apple Pay
Keep in mind that this whole process doesn’t just set you up for brick-and-mortar payments. Once you’ve set up Apple Pay, you can make quick online payments on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac via Safari.
So if you, like millions of other people, are growing tired of running to find your wallet every time you want to order a pizza or pay your rent, Apple Pay gets that out of the way.
How to Make Online Payments with Apple Pay
- On each online store you visit, you will see the Apple Pay logo with an option to pay. You can either tap the Apple Pay button or select Apple Pay as your payment method.
- To pay with a different card, tap the Next button or the Expand Menu button next to your default card. Choose your cards by using the Expand Menu button or the Next button next to your default card.
- For your first payment from a new card, you may have to enter your billing, shipping, and contact information. Once you’ve entered your information, Apple Pay securely stores your card. You won’t need to type in those details again.
- Press confirm the payment.
Who Accepts Apple Pay?
In 2020, a global study conducted by Visa showed us that 48% of consumers wouldn’t purchase from a store “that only offers payment methods that require contact with a cashier or shared machine like a card reader.”
And businesses are cottoning on. The same Back to Business study found that 67% of small businesses have welcomed new payment methods and financial technology into their businesses.
Any machine that can accept card payments can accept Apple Pay. This is the goal, but it is still being rolled out in South Africa. Fintech in South Africa is on fire. Apple Pay is quickly growing as a payment solution you won’t struggle to find.
Do you want to check if your favourite shop is using Apple Pay? You can search for Apple Pay locations by searching it in Maps.
You can also keep an eye out for these logos.
How Can I Start Accepting Apple Pay?
If you’re a business owner, that’s a fantastic question.
By offering Apple Pay in your store, you’re essentially opening up a whole new avenue of profit. Customers appreciate cashless, and here’s how you can offer them just that!
With the iKhokha Mover Pro and Shaker Solo, you don’t just get to accept credit and debit cards - you can also accept Apple Pay! To join the mobile card machine revolution, chat to somebody from our team on +27 87 222 700 or at support@ikhokha.com (they’re the champions of next-level support, you’ll love it).
To keep a finger on the pulse of all things fintech, business growth and small business success, make sure you keep an eye on our upcoming articles and blog posts. Have you started using Apple Pay yet? Let us know about your experience here!
