Add your Apple Gift Card balance to Apple Pay in three steps
You can use an Apple Gift Card as a payment method in Apple Pay by adding the card's balance to your Apple ID account first. Once the balance is there, it becomes your default payment source for purchases on Apple devices, in the App Store, and on websites that accept Apple Pay. The balance sits in your account and gets spent down with each transaction until it runs out.
The process takes about two minutes and requires only the gift card itself and access to an Apple device. You do not need to create a separate wallet or link anything to a bank account — the gift card balance lives directly in your Apple ID.
Key Takeaways
- Redeeming an Apple Gift Card adds its balance to your Apple ID account, which then becomes available as a payment method in Apple Pay.
- You can redeem the card on any Apple device — iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch — using the Wallet app or Settings.
- Once redeemed, the balance is spent automatically on App Store purchases, in-app transactions, and Apple Pay payments in order of your payment methods.
- If your gift card balance runs out mid-transaction, Apple Pay will prompt you to add another payment method to complete the purchase.
- You can check your remaining balance anytime in Settings under your Apple ID account.
Redeem the gift card on iPhone or iPad
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the plus icon in the upper right corner, then select "Gift Card" from the menu. Point your device's camera at the gift card — the camera will read the code automatically. If the camera does not pick it up, tap "Enter Code Manually" and type the 16-digit code on the back of the card.
Tap "Add" when the code appears on screen. The balance is now added to your Apple ID account. You will see a confirmation message with your new total balance. The gift card itself is no longer needed after this point.
Redeem the gift card on Mac
Open the App Store on your Mac. Click your account icon in the upper right corner, then select "Account Settings." Scroll down to "Gift Cards and Codes" and click "Redeem Gift Card or Code." Enter the 16-digit code from the back of your gift card and click "Redeem."
Your balance will appear in your account immediately. You can also redeem through iTunes if you have an older Mac, though the App Store method is standard on current versions.
How Apple Pay uses your gift card balance
Once redeemed, your gift card balance becomes part of your Apple ID account and is treated as a payment method. When you make a purchase on an Apple device or through Apple Pay online, the system checks your payment methods in this order: first, any Apple Gift Card balance you have; second, any other payment methods you have set as backup (like a credit card or debit card).
If your gift card balance covers the full purchase, it is spent down and the transaction completes. If the balance is lower than the purchase amount, Apple Pay will use the remaining balance and then charge your backup payment method for the difference. If you have no backup method set up, the purchase will fail and you will be asked to add one.
Check your remaining balance anytime
On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > tap your name at the top > select "Media & Purchases" > tap "View Account." Your current Apple Gift Card balance appears under "Account Information." On Mac, open the App Store, click your account icon, and select "Account Settings" — the balance is listed there as well.
You can also see your balance in the Wallet app by opening it and looking at the gift card tile. The balance updates in real time after each purchase.
What happens when your gift card balance runs out
Once your gift card balance reaches zero, Apple Pay will automatically use your backup payment method (credit card, debit card, or other linked account) for the next purchase. You will not be prompted to choose — the system moves to the next payment method in your list. If you want to add another gift card before the first one is empty, you can redeem it the same way, and both balances will combine in your account.
If you have no backup payment method set up and your gift card balance is insufficient, the purchase will be declined and you will see an error message asking you to add a payment method.
Transfer or share your gift card balance
Once you redeem a gift card into your Apple ID, the balance cannot be transferred to another person's account or converted back to a physical card. The balance is tied to your Apple ID permanently. If you want to give someone else access to funds, you must give them the unredeemed gift card code before you redeem it yourself.
You can, however, use your gift card balance to purchase items as gifts — such as apps, books, or subscriptions — and then send those to another person's Apple ID if they accept gift purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an Apple Gift Card on websites outside of Apple?
No. Apple Gift Card balance is only for purchases within Apple's ecosystem: the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud storage, Apple TV+, and other Apple services. It cannot be used on third-party websites or with merchants outside Apple, even if they accept Apple Pay.
What if I lose my unredeemed gift card?
If you have not redeemed the card yet, contact Apple Support with proof of purchase. Apple may be able to replace it if you can provide the original receipt or order confirmation. Once the code is redeemed into your account, the balance is protected by your Apple ID password and cannot be lost in the same way.
Can I use a gift card from another country on my US Apple ID?
No. Gift cards are region-locked to the country where they were purchased. A UK gift card cannot be redeemed on a US Apple ID account. You must use a gift card that matches your account's region.
Does my gift card balance expire?
Apple Gift Card balances do not expire once redeemed into your account. However, unredeemed physical gift cards may have an expiration date printed on them — check the back of the card. Once the code is entered into your Apple ID, the balance is permanent.
What if a purchase is declined even though I have enough gift card balance?
This usually means your Apple ID needs to be updated or verified. Go to Settings > your name > "Media & Purchases" and sign out, then sign back in. If the problem persists, contact Apple Support with details of the failed transaction.