Open Wallet, tap the plus sign, and follow the prompts to link a new card or bank account
To add a second bank account to Apple Pay, open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad, tap the plus sign in the upper right corner, and select whether you're adding a debit card, credit card, or bank account. If you choose a bank account, you'll enter your routing and account number, or let Apple verify your bank through your online banking login. Apple then confirms the account with two small deposits (usually within one to three business days), which you verify by entering the amounts back into the Wallet app. Once verified, the account is ready to use for payments and peer-to-peer transfers.
The process is the same whether you're adding a second account at the same bank or switching to a different bank entirely. Apple stores the account information on your device and in your iCloud account, encrypted. You can add up to eight cards or bank accounts total across all your Apple devices.
Key Takeaways
- Open Wallet, tap the plus sign, select your account type, and enter your routing and account number or log in through your bank's app.
- Apple sends two small test deposits to your account, which you must verify by entering the amounts back into Wallet within 30 days.
- Once verified, the new account appears in your Wallet and is ready for Apple Pay purchases and peer-to-peer transfers through Messages or other apps.
- You can add up to eight cards or bank accounts total, and you can set which one is your default for payments.
- If verification fails, check that your routing number is correct and that your bank supports Apple Pay; some smaller or regional banks do not.
Step-by-step: adding the account in Wallet
Start by opening the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner. You'll see options for "Credit or Debit Card" and "Bank Account." Choose "Bank Account" if you want to link a checking or savings account for peer-to-peer transfers or bill payments; choose "Credit or Debit Card" if you're adding a card issued by your bank.
Next, you'll enter your account details. You can either type in your routing number and account number manually, or tap "Connect to Your Bank" to log in through your bank's website or app. The login method is faster and more accurate because it pulls your information directly from your bank's system. If you choose manual entry, double-check your routing number—it's a nine-digit code specific to your bank's location, not your account number.
After you submit your information, Apple displays a confirmation screen. It will tell you that two small deposits (usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each) will arrive in your account within one to three business days. Write down or screenshot these amounts—you'll need them to verify the account.
Verifying the account with test deposits
Once the two test deposits hit your bank account, go back to the Wallet app and tap on the account you're adding. You'll see a prompt asking you to enter the amounts of the two deposits. Open your bank's app or website, find the deposits in your transaction history, and enter the exact amounts (including cents) into Wallet. Apple verifies the amounts immediately.
You have 30 days from the date you started adding the account to complete this verification. If you miss the deadline, you'll need to start over and add the account again. If the deposits don't arrive within three business days, check that your routing number was entered correctly and that your bank supports Apple Pay. Some credit unions and smaller regional banks do not yet support Apple Pay, even though they issue debit cards.
If verification fails after you enter the amounts, try again—sometimes a typo or a delay in your bank's system causes the first attempt to fail. If it fails a second time, remove the account from Wallet and add it again, this time using the "Connect to Your Bank" login method instead of manual entry.
Setting your default account and managing multiple accounts
Once your new account is verified, it appears in your Wallet alongside any other cards or accounts you've added. To set it as your default for payments, open Wallet, tap the three dots on the account card, and select "Make This My Default." When you pay with Apple Pay at a store or online, it will use your default account unless you tap to change it at the moment of payment.
You can add up to eight cards or bank accounts total. If you reach that limit and want to add another, you'll need to remove one first. To remove an account, open Wallet, tap the three dots on that card, scroll down, and tap "Remove Card" or "Remove Account." Removing an account from Wallet does not close the account at your bank—it only stops Apple Pay from using it.
Each of your devices (iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch) syncs your Wallet accounts through iCloud, so adding an account on your iPhone automatically makes it available on your iPad and Apple Watch. If you turn off iCloud sync for Wallet, you'll need to add accounts separately on each device.
What happens if your bank account information changes
If you close the bank account linked to Apple Pay, that account stops working for payments immediately. You don't need to remove it from Wallet manually—it will simply decline when you try to use it. Remove it from Wallet to avoid confusion, then add your new account using the same process.
If your bank merges with another bank or changes your routing number, your existing Apple Pay account may stop working. Contact your bank to confirm your new routing number, then remove the old account from Wallet and add the new one. Some banks handle this automatically and update your information without requiring you to re-verify.
If you change your address or your bank requires you to re-verify your identity for security reasons, you may be asked to re-verify the account in Wallet. Follow the same process: wait for the test deposits, enter the amounts, and confirm. This usually happens only once every few years, if at all.
Troubleshooting: account won't add or verify
If you see an error message when trying to add your account, the most common causes are a wrong routing number, a bank that doesn't support Apple Pay, or a temporary issue with your bank's system. Check your bank's website or call their customer service line to confirm your routing number. If your bank doesn't support Apple Pay, you can still use a debit or credit card issued by that bank—just add the card instead of the bank account.
If the test deposits don't arrive after four business days, log into your bank's app and search your transaction history for deposits from Apple. Sometimes they appear under a generic name like "APPLE VERIFICATION" or "APPLE INC." If you don't see them, contact your bank's customer service and ask whether they've received deposits from Apple for verification purposes. Your bank may have blocked them for security reasons.
If you enter the deposit amounts and verification fails, make sure you're entering the exact amounts, including cents. A deposit of $0.15 is not the same as $0.51. If you've tried twice and it still fails, remove the account and add it again. This time, use the "Connect to Your Bank" option to log in directly through your bank's system, which bypasses manual entry and reduces the chance of error.
Security and what Apple does with your account information
When you add a bank account to Apple Pay, your actual account number and routing number are not stored on your device or sent to merchants. Instead, Apple creates a unique token—a long string of encrypted data—that represents your account. Every time you pay, the token is sent, not your real account details. This means a merchant or hacker who intercepts a payment cannot use that token to make another payment or access your account.
Your account information is encrypted and stored in a secure area of your iPhone called the Secure Enclave. It syncs to your other devices through iCloud, which is also encrypted end-to-end. Apple does not see your account number or routing number—only the token. If you lose your phone, you can remove your accounts from that device through iCloud.com or by signing into your Apple ID on another device, and the accounts will no longer work on the lost phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a savings account, or only a checking account?
Yes, you can add either a savings or checking account. Apple Pay works with both. Choose whichever account you want to use for payments and transfers. Some people add a checking account for everyday spending and keep a savings account separate.
Do I have to verify with test deposits every time I add an account?
Yes. Apple sends two small test deposits to every new bank account you add, and you must enter the amounts to verify. This is a security step to confirm you own the account. It takes one to three business days for the deposits to arrive.
What if I add the wrong account by mistake?
Open Wallet, tap the three dots on the account card, scroll down, and tap "Remove Card" or "Remove Account." Then add the correct account. Removing it from Wallet does not affect your actual bank account—it only stops Apple Pay from using it.
Can I use Apple Pay with a bank account if my bank doesn't have an app?
Yes. When you add an account, you can either log in through your bank's app or website, or enter your routing and account number manually. If your bank has neither, you can still add the account by entering the numbers yourself, then verify with the test deposits.
Will adding another account affect my credit score?
No. Adding a bank account to Apple Pay is not a credit inquiry and does not appear on your credit report. It's simply linking an existing account to a payment app. Your credit score is not affected.