Does Apple Gift Card count as Apple Pay?

Apple Gift Cards vs. Apple Pay: What’s the Difference?

Apple Gift Cards are a popular choice for those looking to purchase Apple products, apps, music, and other services. However, they are often confused with Apple Pay, a mobile payment system. While both are associated with Apple, they serve completely different functions.

Apple Gift Cards:

• Function: They are prepaid cards that can be used to purchase items from the Apple Store, iTunes, App Store, and other Apple services.
• Payment Method: Gift cards are not a payment method. They are a form of pre-loaded credit that you can use for specific Apple purchases.
• Use: You can use them online, in Apple Stores, and within apps.
• Balance: You can check your gift card balance on Apple’s website or within the Apple Store app.

Apple Pay:

• Function: It’s a secure mobile payment and digital wallet system that allows users to make contactless payments using their iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac.
• Payment Method: Apple Pay is a true payment method. It uses your existing credit or debit card information to make secure purchases.
• Use: You can use it at retail stores, online, and within apps that support Apple Pay.
• Balance: You can check your Apple Pay balance through your linked credit or debit cards.

The Key Difference:

Apple Gift Cards are a form of credit specifically for Apple products and services, while Apple Pay is a payment system that uses existing credit or debit cards for a wider range of purchases.

In short, you cannot use Apple Gift Cards to make payments through Apple Pay.

To Summarize:

• Apple Gift Cards are pre-loaded credit for specific Apple purchases.
• Apple Pay is a secure mobile payment system that uses your existing credit or debit cards.
• Apple Gift Cards and Apple Pay are distinct and serve different purposes.

Understanding the difference between these two Apple services will help you make informed choices when purchasing Apple products or making payments.