Setting up Apple Pay to receive payments
To receive money through Apple Pay, you need an Apple ID, an iPhone or iPad running a current version of iOS or iPadOS, and a debit card or bank account linked to your Wallet app. Apple Pay does not work for receiving payments on its own — you receive money through the Wallet app, which stores your payment methods and connects to your bank.
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the plus sign in the upper right corner, then select "Debit or Credit Card." Follow the prompts to add a card or bank account. You can add multiple cards, but only one is set as your default payment method. The card or account you add is what receives the money when someone sends it to you.
Make sure your Apple ID is set up with two-factor authentication enabled. Go to Settings, tap your name, then Security. If two-factor authentication is not already on, turn it on. This protects your account and is required to receive payments through most Apple Pay features.
Key Takeaways
- You receive Apple Pay payments into a debit card or bank account linked to your Wallet app, not into Apple Pay itself.
- The person sending you money needs your phone number or email address associated with your Apple ID to initiate the transfer.
- Money sent through Apple Pay Cash or a peer-to-peer app typically arrives within one to three business days if sent to a bank account, or instantly if sent to a linked debit card.
- You can check incoming payments in the Wallet app under the card or account that received the money, or in your bank's app.
Receiving money from someone who has your contact information
The person sending you money needs either your phone number or your email address — whichever is registered with your Apple ID. They open their Wallet app, tap the plus sign, and select "Send Money" (or use Apple Pay Cash if available in your region). They enter the amount, your phone number or email, and confirm the payment.
You will receive a notification on your device. Open the notification or go to the Wallet app to accept the payment. Tap "Accept" and confirm your identity using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password. Once you accept, the money moves to your linked bank account or debit card.
If you do not accept the payment within 15 minutes, the sender can cancel it. If you reject it, the money returns to the sender immediately. There is no fee to receive money through Apple Pay in most cases, though your bank may charge fees for certain account types or transactions.
How long it takes for money to arrive in your account
The speed depends on what you linked to your Wallet app. If you linked a debit card, money typically arrives instantly or within minutes. If you linked a bank account, the transfer usually takes one to three business days because it goes through the ACH (Automated Clearing House) network, which processes transfers in batches.
Weekends and bank holidays slow down ACH transfers. A payment sent on Friday evening may not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday. If you need money faster, ask the sender to use a debit card transfer instead of a bank account transfer, or ask them to use a different payment app that offers instant transfers, such as Venmo or Cash App.
You can track the status of incoming payments in your Wallet app. Tap the card or account that is receiving the money, then look for recent transactions. You can also check your bank's app or website to see when the deposit actually posted to your account.
Receiving payments through Apple Pay Cash
Apple Pay Cash (called Apple Cash in some regions) is a digital wallet within the Wallet app that holds money temporarily before you transfer it to your bank. When someone sends you money to your Apple Pay Cash account, it arrives instantly and sits there until you move it to your linked bank account or debit card.
To set up Apple Pay Cash, open the Wallet app, tap the plus sign, and select "Apple Pay Cash" or "Apple Card" depending on your region and what is available. You will need to provide your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number for verification. Apple will confirm your identity before activating the account.
Once active, you can receive money directly into your Apple Pay Cash balance. You can then transfer that balance to your bank account (which takes one to three business days) or use it to make purchases anywhere Apple Pay is accepted. Some people keep a small balance in Apple Pay Cash for quick spending, then transfer the rest to their bank account weekly.
What to do if a payment does not arrive
If money was sent to you but has not arrived after the expected timeframe, first check your Wallet app and your bank account to confirm the payment was actually accepted. Open the Wallet app, tap the card or account that should have received the money, and look for the transaction in your recent activity. If it shows as "Pending," wait the full timeframe before taking action.
If the payment shows as accepted in your Wallet app but has not appeared in your bank account after three business days, contact your bank. Provide them with the date the payment was sent, the amount, and the sender's name. The bank can trace the ACH transfer and tell you where it is stuck. Most delays happen in the ACH network, not in Apple Pay itself.
If the payment never appeared in your Wallet app at all, ask the sender to check their Wallet app to see if the payment went through on their end. If it shows as sent, the problem is likely that they used the wrong phone number or email address. Ask them to cancel the payment and send it again to the correct contact information.
Receiving payments when you do not have an Apple device
Apple Pay only works on iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches. If you do not own an Apple device, you cannot receive money through Apple Pay directly. However, you can still receive money if the sender uses a different app or payment method.
Ask the sender to use Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, or another peer-to-peer payment app instead. These apps work on both iPhone and Android devices and do not require you to own an Apple device. You will need to download the app, create an account, and link a bank account or debit card to receive the money.
If the sender insists on using Apple Pay, they can send the money to your email address or phone number, and you can ask someone with an iPhone to accept it on your behalf and transfer it to you. However, this is not a reliable solution and creates extra steps. It is better to use a payment app that works on your device.
Protecting yourself when receiving payments
Only accept payments from people you know and trust. If a stranger sends you money through Apple Pay, do not accept it. Scammers sometimes send small amounts to test whether an account is active, then use that information for fraud later. If you receive an unexpected payment, reject it.
Check the sender's name and contact information before accepting. The Wallet app shows you who sent the money — make sure it matches the person you expected. If the name is unfamiliar or looks suspicious, reject the payment and ask the sender directly whether they sent it.
Be cautious of requests to send money back after receiving a payment. If someone sends you money and then asks you to return part of it or send money to a third party, this is often a scam. Legitimate payments do not come with strings attached. If something feels wrong, contact your bank before taking any action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive Apple Pay payments if I only have a savings account?
Yes. You can link a savings account to your Wallet app just like a checking account. Money will transfer to your savings account using the ACH network, which takes one to three business days. Some banks charge fees for frequent ACH transfers to savings accounts, so check your bank's rules first.
What happens if I receive a payment but my linked card expires?
The payment will still go through because it is sent to your bank account or card number, not to the card itself. However, if your card is the only payment method linked to your Wallet app, update it with a new card as soon as possible to avoid problems with future transactions.
Can someone send me money through Apple Pay without knowing my phone number?
No. They need either your phone number or your email address associated with your Apple ID. If they only have your name, they cannot send you money through Apple Pay. You will need to give them one of these contact methods first.
Is there a limit to how much money I can receive through Apple Pay?
Apple Pay has daily and weekly limits on how much you can send, but receiving limits depend on your bank and account type. Most banks do not restrict incoming transfers, but some accounts designed for minors or certain account types may have limits. Check with your bank if you are expecting a large payment.
Do I pay taxes on money I receive through Apple Pay?
That depends on why you received the money. Personal payments from friends or family are not taxable. Payments for goods or services you provided may be taxable income. If you receive regular payments for work, keep records and consult a tax professional about your reporting obligations.