Is Apple Pay Safe? What You Need to Know

Mykola Churpita / Shutterstock.com

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

20 Years
Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed
by Experts

Trusted by
Millions of Readers

Mobile payments are becoming more popular, and Apple Pay is one of the most widely used digital wallets. It offers a fast and convenient way to pay in stores, online, and even within apps. But with the rise of digital transactions, many people wonder: Is Apple Pay safe?

The short answer is yes — Apple Pay is designed with advanced security features to protect your financial information. However, like any payment method, it’s essential to understand how it works and what precautions you should take to keep your data secure.

This guide breaks down Apple Pay’s security features, how it compares to traditional payment methods and tips for keeping your transactions safe.

How Apple Pay Works

Apple Pay is a built-in payment feature that’s part of Apple’s ecosystem. A separate download is not required and it is used for contactless payments. You can store a credit, debit or prepaid card on your Apple device, and you will not need a physical card for your transaction.

It works with:

• iPhones (via NFC technology for tap-to-pay transactions)
• Apple Watch (linked to your iPhone for wrist payments)
• Mac and iPad (for online and in-app purchases)

Digital Wallet Overview

Apple Pay can store multiple cards in the Wallet App and can be used for in-store, online and in-app purchases. There’s no need to manually enter your card details at checkout. The iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad and iMac can be compatible devices for Apple Pay.

Each transaction generates a one-time dynamic security code, preventing card details from being intercepted or reused.

Tokenization & Encryption

When you add a credit or debit card to Apple Pay, the card number isn’t stored. Instead, Apple Pay assigns a Device Account Number (token) to your device.

The data is encrypted when transmitted from your device to the payment network. Merchants will never know your credit card information. You have control to authorize the transaction by using Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode.

How tokenization works:

• When you add a card to Apple Pay, your bank issues a unique token instead of your real card number.
• Each purchase generates a one-time-use security code that is unique to that transaction.
• Your actual card details are never stored on your device or shared with merchants.

Security Features of Apple Pay

Apple Pay has several security features that ensure your data isn’t compromised while freeing you from carrying an extra credit card. Biometric authentication, device-specific transactions and the fact that no card details are stored on Apple servers provide multiple layers of security. 

Biometric Authentication

Apple Pay requires Face ID, Touch ID or passcode to approve transactions. Essentially you have full control over authorizing payments on Apple Pay. Even if someone were to gain access to your phone, they can’t use Apple Pay without your Face ID, Touch ID or passcode. 

Device-Specific Transactions

Every Apple Pay transaction is linked to your specific device. Transferring payment details to a new device is not feasible. In addition, each transaction on Apple Pay generates a one-time dynamic specific security code that prevents fraud. 

If your card is stolen, someone else cannot add it to a new device because it requires your authentication.

No Card Details Stored on Apple Servers

Apple Pay never stores and shares your card number which ensures full privacy. Vendors never receive your card number or card details. They process the transaction by using a unique token. 

Is Apple Pay Safer Than Credit Cards?

Apple Pay doesn’t have some of the same vulnerabilities as credit cards. Apple Pay has security measures like encryption, tokenization and biometric authentication.

When comparing Apple Pay vs. traditional credit cards, Apple Pay is generally more secure because:

Apple Pay has virtually no risk of card skimming. Skimmers can be installed at gas stations and ATMs by thieves to collect your sensitive financial data from your credit card. Since Apple Pay isn’t associated with a physical card, there is no risk of the card being stolen or skimmed. 

Digital wallets have key advantages because of their ability to have dynamic security codes, Touch ID and Face ID and the remote lock and disable feature of Apple Pay. 

Can Apple Pay Be Hacked? Understanding the Risks

Apple Pay is a secure payment method because of its encryption, Face ID, Touch ID, the use of passcodes and encryption. While Apple Pay is highly secure, no payment method is 100% risk-free.

Here are some potential threats and how to avoid them:

1. Phishing Scams & Fake Apple Pay Requests

Cybercriminals may trick users into entering their Apple ID or payment details on fake websites.

How to stay safe:

• Never click on suspicious emails claiming to be from Apple.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your Apple ID.

2. Lost or Stolen iPhones

If someone gets hold of your phone, they could attempt to make unauthorized payments.

How to stay safe:

• Enable Find My iPhone and use Lost Mode to remotely disable Apple Pay.
• Require Face ID or Touch ID for all Apple Pay transactions.

3. Unauthorized Transactions

Apple Pay uses your linked cards, so any fraud on those cards can still affect you.

How to stay safe:

• Regularly monitor your bank statements for suspicious transactions.
• Report unauthorized charges to your bank immediately.

How to Protect Yourself

You can protect yourself from a hacker or other security breach by enabling two-factor authentication for your Apple ID. This measure is an added layer of security. You can go to your settings and underneath “Password and Security” you can tap two-factor authentication and follow the setup steps. 

You can also remotely disable Apple Pay by clicking “Find My Phone,” and choosing “Erase My iPhone.” This will delete all Apple Pay information. You can also place your iPhone in lost mode, and this will suspend Apple Pay from being used.

Where Can You Use Apple Pay Safely?

Apple Pay is widely accepted across retail stores, online platforms, and apps.

• In Stores: Use Apple Pay at checkout terminals with NFC technology (look for the contactless payment symbol).
• Online: Many retailers accept Apple Pay for fast, secure online transactions.
• In Apps: Apple Pay is integrated into many apps for one-click payments.

For peer-to-peer payments, Apple Pay integrates with Apple Cash, allowing you to send money securely to friends and family. You can open iMessages and under the + symbol you will find Apple Cash. Funds are automatically transferred to the recipient’s Apple Cash Balance or transferred to a bank account. 

Final Thoughts to GO: Is Apple Pay Safe to Use?

Yes — Apple Pay is one of the safest payment methods available today. Its use of tokenization, biometric authentication, and encryption makes it more secure than carrying a traditional credit card. However, users should take precautions by enabling two-factor authentication, monitoring transactions, and using Find My iPhone in case of loss or theft.

If you want a faster, safer way to pay in stores and online, Apple Pay is a great option.

Information is accurate as of Feb. 19, 2025.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.

Share This Article: