Apple Pay Launches in India With Axis Bank Credit Card Support

Apple has officially launched Apple Pay in India, ending the long wait for its card based payment service in the country. The service is initially available to eligible Axis Bank customers with Visa and Mastercard credit cards.

The launch gives users a new way to pay at supported stores, apps and websites without repeatedly entering card details. At compatible contactless payment terminals, users can simply authenticate their transaction and bring their Apple device close to the reader.

For now, the service has a limited banking partnership. Apple lists Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards as the eligible cards currently available in India. RuPay credit cards are not included in the initial rollout.

Setting up Apple Pay is relatively straightforward. Users can open the Wallet app on their iPhone, tap the plus option and follow the instructions to add an eligible Axis Bank card. Axis Bank also allows customers to add eligible cards through its mobile banking application.

Once the card has been added, making an in store payment does not require users to open a separate payment application. On compatible iPhones, users can double click the side button, authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID or the device passcode and hold the device near an NFC enabled payment terminal. Apple Watch users can also use the device for contactless payments.

Apple Pay is also available for purchases inside supported apps and on websites. At launch, Apple has listed services and merchants including Blinkit, Zomato, Ixigo, Croma, Tata 1mg and Reliance brands among those supporting the service. More merchants and applications are expected to join over time.

One of the main differences is that Apple Pay is based on credit and debit card payments rather than the bank account based model used by UPI. This means users need an eligible supported card to make payments through the service.

Apple has placed strong emphasis on privacy and security. The actual card number is not stored on the device or on Apple servers and is not provided to the merchant. Instead, Apple uses a unique Device Account Number that is encrypted and stored in the devices Secure Element.

Payment authentication is handled through Face ID, Touch ID or the device passcode. Apple says users do not need to enter a separate card PIN or OTP at checkout when using Apple Pay at supported locations.

The service is currently available on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, while Mac support is expected to arrive later. Apple says compatible devices and operating system requirements apply.

The India launch comes into a market where digital payments are already widely used, particularly through UPI. Apple Pay therefore enters a payment environment where consumers are accustomed to quick mobile transactions, but the new service focuses on integrating existing credit cards directly into Apple devices.

Axis Bank is the first Indian bank to support Apple Pay through its Visa and Mastercard credit card networks. The bank said customers can use their eligible cards for payments in stores, apps and online through compatible Apple devices.

For existing Axis Bank cardholders, the rollout means the physical credit card does not always have to be carried for supported contactless transactions. The card can instead be added to Apple Wallet and used through a compatible device.

Apple has also confirmed that customers can continue receiving the rewards and benefits associated with their eligible cards when making payments through Apple Pay.

The initial launch is only the beginning of the service in India. Apple has indicated that additional banks and networks may be added over time, although the company has not announced a complete list or timeline for future expansion.

For now, the key requirement is an eligible Axis Bank Visa or Mastercard credit card and a compatible Apple device. With the service now live, Indian users can use Apple Pay for supported contactless and online transactions without relying on a separate payment application at checkout.