Apple Pay launches in India for Axis Bank Visa, Mastercard users
Synopsis
Apple Pay has finally arrived in India — but with a narrower entry than many expected. Only Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards are supported at launch, leaving the vast UPI-first majority of Indian smartphone users on the sidelines. Whether Apple can broaden its banking partnerships fast enough to matter in one of the world's most competitive digital payments markets is the real story here.
Key Takeaways
Apple Pay launched in India on 30 September 2026 , available on iPhone , iPad , and Apple Watch ; Mac support is coming soon.
At launch, only Axis Bank -issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards are supported.
Payments require no PIN or OTP at checkout; a unique Device Account Number is used instead of the actual card number.
Apple says it stores no transaction data linked to users; cards can be suspended remotely via the Find My app.
Apple Pay is now live in more than 90 countries and works with over 11,000 banking and network partners globally.
Apple Pay is now live in India as of 30 September 2026, available across iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, with Mac support to follow shortly. At launch, the service supports Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards, enabling contactless payments at millions of in-store and online merchants nationwide, including anywhere that accepts NFC transactions.
What Apple Pay Offers Indian Users
The service eliminates the need to enter PINs or one-time passwords (OTPs) at checkout — a notable departure from the additional authentication steps that have long defined India's digital payments landscape. Users can tap to pay in stores, check out in apps, or complete web purchases without repeatedly keying in card details.
Importantly, the actual card number is never stored on the device or on Apple's servers. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is generated, encrypted, and stored in the Secure Element — an industry-certified chip embedded in the device. Apple says it retains no transaction data that can be linked back to the user; transaction records remain between the customer, the merchant, and the card-issuing bank.
How to Get Started
Eligible customers can add their Axis Bank credit card to Apple Wallet either through the latest version of the Axis Bank app or directly via the Wallet app on iPhone by tapping the plus icon and following the on-screen steps. Cards can be activated for use immediately after being added. Existing card rewards and benefits remain unaffected when transacting through Apple Pay.
If a device is lost or stolen, users can locate, lock, or suspend payments remotely using the Find My app — adding a recovery safety net that traditional contactless solutions do not offer natively.
What the Partners Said
Jennifer Bailey, Apple's vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, said: 'India is home to a dynamic and digitally savvy population that continues to embrace a cashless future while expecting the highest standards of security and privacy, and we're so excited to bring Apple Pay to users in India today.'
Amitabh Chaudhry, MD and CEO of Axis Bank, said the launch advances greater choice and flexibility for the bank's credit card customers across both the Mastercard and Visa networks. Gautam Aggarwal, Mastercard's president of India and South Asia, called it 'a new era of contactless commerce, giving Indian consumers greater confidence and peace of mind with every transaction.' Suresh Sethi, Visa's group country manager of India and South Asia, described the rollout as 'an important milestone in the evolution of the country's digital payments journey.'
India in Apple Pay's Global Network
Apple Pay is now available in more than 90 countries and regions globally, working with over 11,000 bank and network partners worldwide. India's addition comes as the country's digital payments ecosystem — anchored by UPI — has emerged as one of the world's largest by transaction volume, making it a strategically significant market for any global fintech or payments platform.
The current launch is limited to Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards; broader bank and card support is expected to expand as the service matures in the Indian market.
Point of View
With homegrown rails like UPI processing billions of transactions monthly at near-zero merchant cost; Apple Pay's NFC-and-card model must offer a genuinely superior experience to gain traction beyond Apple's existing premium user base. The privacy and security pitch is credible and differentiating, but the partnership funnel — currently one bank — will need to widen rapidly for this to be more than a niche feature. Watch for whether RBI's tokenisation framework and Apple's Device Account Number system align smoothly, as regulatory friction has historically slowed fintech rollouts in India.
NationPress
30 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Apple Pay and how does it work in India?
Apple Pay is Apple's contactless payment service that lets users pay in stores, apps, and online using their iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac without entering a PIN or OTP. In India, it works by storing a unique Device Account Number on the device rather than the actual card number, keeping the real card details off Apple's servers and away from merchants.
Which banks and cards support Apple Pay in India at launch?
At launch, Apple Pay in India supports only Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards. Broader bank and card support has not been announced yet, but is widely expected to expand over time.
How do I set up Apple Pay in India?
You can add your eligible Axis Bank credit card through the latest version of the Axis Bank app or directly in the Wallet app on your iPhone by tapping the plus sign and following the prompts. Once added, the card is ready to use immediately.
Is Apple Pay secure for use in India?
Apple Pay uses a Device Account Number stored in the Secure Element chip, so your actual card number is never shared with merchants or stored on Apple's servers. If your device is lost or stolen, you can lock or suspend payments remotely using the Find My app.
Does Apple Pay work with UPI in India?
No — Apple Pay at launch in India works with Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards via NFC, not with UPI. It is a separate payment mechanism and does not replace or integrate with UPI at this stage.
