How to set up and use Apple Cash on iPhone

Using your iPhone to manage money is easy with Apple Cash. Whether you’re splitting a dinner bill or giving your teen an allowance, this feature lets you send, receive, and spend money right from your Wallet app.

At Asurion, our experts help people get the most out of their tech, whether they’re setting up mobile payments or fixing common issues. Here's how to set up and use Apple Cash on your iPhone.

What is Apple Cash

Apple Cash is a digital card in your Wallet app that works like a prepaid debit card. You can use it to:

• Send and receive money through Messages or Wallet.
• Make purchases in stores, online, and in apps with Apple Pay.
• Transfer money to your bank account or debit card.

To use Apple Cash, you need to be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident, or be part of an Apple Cash Family account if you’re under 18.

If you’re new to mobile payments, check out our guide on how to pay with your phone.

How to set up Apple Cash on iPhone

Before you start, make sure your iPhone has the latest version of iOS, and that you're signed in to iCloud with two-factor authentication turned on.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Wallet & Apple Pay.
3. Turn on Apple Cash.
4. Under payment cards, tap Apple Cash.
5. Tap Continue and follow the onscreen steps. You may be asked to verify your identity.

Once setup is complete, the Apple Cash card will show up in your Wallet app.

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How to set up Apple Cash for a child

If you use Family Sharing, you can turn on Apple Cash for a child or teen in your group.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap your name, then Family Sharing.
3. Tap the child or teen’s name.
4. Tap Apple Cash and follow the instructions.

You may need to verify your identity during setup.

Learn more about managing family accounts with our guide to Apple Family Sharing: 

How to send and receive money with Apple Cash

You can use Messages or the Wallet app to send and receive money.

To send money in Messages:

1. Open a conversation.
2. Tap the Apple Cash button.
3. Enter an amount and tap Pay.
4. Tap Send, then confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.

To send money in Wallet:

1. Open the Wallet app and tap your Apple Cash card.
2. Tap Send or Request.
3. Choose or add a contact.
4. Enter the amount and tap Send.
5. Confirm the payment.

When someone sends you money, it goes straight to your Apple Cash card. You can spend it, send it, or transfer it to your bank.

Need help sending money? This article walks you through how to transfer money with Apple Pay.

How to use Tap to Cash

With Tap to Cash, you can send or receive money by holding your iPhone near someone else's iPhone or Apple Watch.

To send money:

1. Open the Wallet app and tap your Apple Cash card.
2. Tap Send or Request, then Tap to Cash.
3. Enter an amount and tap Next.
4. Double-click the side button.
5. Hold your iPhone near the other person’s device.

To receive money:

1. Wake your iPhone or Apple Watch.
2. Hold it near the sender’s device.
3. Tap Accept when it appears.

Both devices need iOS 18 or watchOS 11 or later, and Apple Cash turned on.

How to spend Apple Cash

You can use Apple Cash anywhere Apple Pay is accepted.

• In stores: Hold your iPhone near the payment reader and confirm.
• Online or in apps: Choose Apple Pay at checkout and approve the payment.
• In Wallet: Tap your Apple Cash card, then tap the More button to view your card number for use on websites.

If your Apple Cash balance isn’t enough, your default payment method covers the rest.

If Apple Pay isn’t working, here’s what to do

How to transfer Apple Cash to your bank

You can move money to your bank account or eligible debit card.

1. Open the Wallet app and tap your Apple Cash card.
2. Tap the More button, then tap Transfer to Bank.
3. Enter an amount and tap Next.
4. Choose Instant Transfer or 1–3 Business Days.
5. Follow the instructions to finish.

Instant transfers may charge a small fee. Standard transfers are free.

Is Apple Cash safe

Yes. Apple Cash uses Face ID, Touch ID, and encryption to protect your money and personal info. If you lose your device, you can turn off Apple Cash remotely in iCloud settings.

What to do if Apple Cash isn’t working

Try these steps if you run into trouble:

• Check your Wi-Fi or cellular connection.
• Make sure your software is up to date.
• Sign out and back in to your Apple ID.
• Restart your iPhone.

FAQ

What do I need to use Apple Cash

You need an eligible iPhone with the latest iOS version, two-factor authentication turned on, and to be signed in to iCloud with your Apple ID.

Can I use Apple Cash with a child’s iPhone

Yes. You can turn on Apple Cash for a child or teen using Family Sharing.

Are there fees for using Apple Cash

There are no fees for sending or receiving money, but instant transfers to a debit card may have a small fee.

What happens if I send money to the wrong person

If the payment hasn’t been accepted, you can cancel it in Wallet. If it has, you’ll need to ask the person for a refund.

Is Apple Cash available outside the U.S.

No. Apple Cash is only available in the United States.