The basic process: what you need before you start
Adding a credit card to iPhone Wallet takes about two minutes and requires three things: your iPhone (running iOS 12.1 or later), your physical credit card in front of you, and the card issuer's app installed on your phone or access to their website. You do not need to call your bank or card issuer first — the process is designed to work without permission from them, though some issuers will send you a verification text or email after you add the card.
The card you add to Wallet is linked to your phone's security system. When you use it to pay in a store or online, your actual card number is never shared with the merchant. Instead, your phone creates a one-time code unique to that transaction. This is why adding a card to Wallet is actually safer than handing your physical card to a cashier.
You can add multiple cards to Wallet — most people add one or two they use regularly. You can also remove a card from Wallet without closing the account; the card stays active in your wallet at the bank, and you can add it back later.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Wallet app, tap the plus sign, and select "Credit or Debit Card" to begin adding your card.
- You will need to enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back), then confirm your identity with your bank.
- Your card issuer may text or email you to verify the addition, and some require you to confirm through their own app or website before the card is ready to use.
- Once added, you can pay in stores by holding your phone near the card reader, or online by selecting the card from the payment menu and using Face ID or Touch ID.
Step 1: Open Wallet and start the card addition
Unlock your iPhone and find the Wallet app — it has a white icon with a black wallet symbol. Tap it to open. At the bottom right of the screen, you will see a plus sign (+) in a circle. Tap that plus sign.
A menu will appear with options including "Credit or Debit Card", "Transit Card", and others. Tap "Credit or Debit Card". The app will ask you to choose how you want to add the card: you can take a photo of the front of your card (the app will read the number and expiration date automatically), or you can enter the information manually by tapping "Enter Card Details Manually".
If you choose the camera option and the app has trouble reading your card, switch to manual entry — it is faster and just as straightforward. You will need your physical card in front of you either way.
Step 2: Enter your card details
Whether you used the camera or manual entry, you will now see a form asking for your card number, expiration date, and CVV. The CVV is the three-digit security code on the back of your card, usually printed in the top right corner of the signature strip. Do not enter the four-digit code on the front if your card has one — that is a different security feature.
After you enter these details, the app will ask for your billing zip code. This is the zip code associated with your card account at the bank, not necessarily where you live now. If you are unsure, check a recent statement or log into your card issuer's website.
Once you have entered all the information, tap the button to continue. The app will verify that the card number is valid and that it matches a real card issuer.
Step 3: Verify your identity with your card issuer
After you submit your card details, your card issuer takes over the verification process. Most banks will text you a code or send you an email asking you to confirm that you are adding the card. Some will ask you to open their mobile app and approve the addition there. A few will call you, though this is less common.
Check your phone for a text message or your email for a message from your bank. The message will usually arrive within a few minutes. Follow the instructions in that message — you may need to enter a code into the Wallet app, tap a link, or open the bank's app and confirm the addition.
If you do not hear from your bank within 10 minutes, go back to the Wallet app and check whether the card has been added anyway. Some issuers add the card immediately and send verification as a formality. If the card is still pending, contact your card issuer's customer service number (usually on the back of your physical card) and ask them to complete the verification.
Step 4: Use your card to pay
Once your card is verified and appears in your Wallet app, it is ready to use. In a store, hold your iPhone near the card reader (the same place you would tap a contactless card). Your phone will vibrate and show a checkmark when the payment goes through. You may need to use Face ID or Touch ID to confirm the payment, depending on your bank's settings.
Online, when you reach the payment screen on a website or in an app, look for an option to pay with Apple Pay or Wallet. Tap it, select the card you want to use from the list, and confirm with Face ID or Touch ID. The merchant will receive a confirmation but will not see your actual card number.
If you have multiple cards in Wallet, you can set one as your default card so it appears first when you pay. To do this, open Wallet, tap the three dots on the card you want as default, and look for a "Set as Default" option. Not all card issuers support this feature.
What to do if your card will not add
If the Wallet app rejects your card number, double-check that you entered it correctly — look at your physical card and compare each digit. Make sure you entered the expiration date in the format the app requested (usually MM/YY). If the number is correct and the app still rejects it, your card issuer may not support Wallet yet, though most major banks do.
If your card issuer asks you to verify through their app but you do not have their app installed, download it from the App Store, log in with your online banking credentials, and look for a notification or prompt about the Wallet addition. Some banks hide this in a "Settings" or "Security" menu.
If you have tried everything and the card still will not add, call your card issuer's customer service line. Tell them you are trying to add the card to Apple Pay on your iPhone. They can check whether your card is blocked from being added and can sometimes complete the process on their end.
Removing a card from Wallet or updating card details
To remove a card from Wallet without closing the account, open the Wallet app, tap and hold the card you want to remove, and look for a trash icon or "Remove" option. Tap it and confirm. The card stays active at your bank — you can add it back to Wallet anytime by repeating the steps above.
If your card number changes (for example, because your bank issued you a new card due to fraud), you will need to remove the old card from Wallet and add the new one. If your expiration date changes but your card number stays the same, some banks update Wallet automatically, while others require you to remove and re-add the card. Check your card issuer's website or call them if you are unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to add my credit card to Wallet?
Yes. Your actual card number is never stored on your phone or sent to merchants. Instead, your phone creates a unique, one-time code for each transaction. Your phone's security (Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode) protects the card, so if someone steals your phone, they cannot use the card without unlocking it first.
Can I add a card that is not from a major bank?
Most major banks and credit card issuers support Wallet, but some smaller banks and credit unions do not. Try adding the card — if the app rejects it, your issuer does not support it yet. You can still use the physical card or pay online through your bank's website.
What happens if I lose my iPhone?
You can remove the card from Wallet remotely using Find My iPhone on iCloud.com. Sign in, select your phone, and choose "Erase iPhone". This removes all data, including your Wallet cards. Your card account at the bank is not affected — the card itself is still active and you can use the physical card or add it to a new phone.
Do I need to tell my bank before I add my card to Wallet?
No. Your bank will know when you add the card because they verify the addition, but you do not need to call them first. If your bank has fraud protection that blocks unusual activity, adding the card might trigger a verification text, but that is part of the normal process.
Can I use Wallet to pay online on my computer?
No. Wallet is only for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. On a computer, you can pay online using your physical card or by logging into your bank's website. Some websites offer Apple Pay as a payment option on Mac computers, but this requires an iPhone or Apple Watch nearby to complete the payment.