How does Apple Pay know which card to use?

Understanding Apple Pay’s Card Selection Mechanism

Apple Pay is a convenient and secure contactless payment system that simplifies mobile transactions. It seamlessly integrates with iPhones and other Apple devices, allowing users to make payments with just a tap of their device. However, users may wonder how Apple Pay determines which payment card to use when multiple cards are linked to their account.

Default Card Identification

When you configure Apple Pay on your iPhone, the system automatically selects a default payment card. This card is typically the one you used most recently or the one you added first. If you have only one card linked to Apple Pay, it will be used by default.

Authentication and Express Mode

To ensure the security of your transactions, Apple Pay requires authentication before each payment. This authentication can be done through Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. However, Apple Pay also offers an Express Mode feature that allows for faster payments without requiring authentication. This mode is only available with certain payment cards and requires additional security measures to be enabled.

Overriding the Default Card

While Apple Pay typically uses the default card for payments, you can manually override this selection. To do so, simply open the Apple Wallet app, tap on the default card, and select a different card to use. This allows you to switch between cards easily and choose the one that best suits your payment preferences.

Additional Considerations

• If you have multiple cards linked to Apple Pay but none of them are set as the default, Apple Pay will prompt you to select a card each time you make a payment.
• Some payment terminals may not support all payment card types. If a specific card is not accepted, Apple Pay will display a message indicando such.
• Apple Pay can store up to 12 payment cards, but only one can be designated as the default at any given time.

Conclusion

Apple Pay’s card selection mechanism is designed to provide a convenient and secure payment experience. By automatically identifying a default payment card and allowing users to override this selection, Apple Pay ensures that users can make payments quickly and easily without compromising security.