How To Use Apple Pay Cash

Want to be able to send someone money using your smartphone? Those of you who use Apple Pay on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch should check out Apple Pay Cash.

- Lance Whitney

Apple Pay lets you use your phone to pay for things at physical stores including Sephora and Panera Bread, as well as within certain apps. And Apple Pay Cash lets you send money to someone else as easily as you might send them a text message.

Apple Pay Cash, which rolled out with iOS 11.2 and watchOS 4.2, can be linked to a credit or debit card; a debit card is the better option, since a credit card transaction socks you with a 3 percent fee. You can add more than one card to Apple Pay, so you can set up a credit card for regular transactions and a debit card for Apple Pay Cash.

On the other end, your recipient must also use an iOS device (sorry, Android users). They’ll receive an Apple Pay Cash virtual cash card, which can be used to purchase items via Apple Pay or transferred to a bank account.

To send and receive money using Apple Pay Cash, you must be at least 18 years old and live in the US. Your iPhone or iPad has to be compatible with Apple Pay, and you need to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your Apple account.

1. OPEN AN iMESSAGE

You can send money through Apple Pay Cash using iMessage or by talking to Siri. To send via Messages, open the app and start a new conversation or open an existing one to the person who will receive the cash. You can send someone money without typing an actual text. But you may want to remind the person why you’re sending money; if so, type a message in the text field. Then tap on the app icon on the left and tap the Apple Pay icon.

2. CHOOSE AMOUNT

Tap on the plus or minus key until you see the amount you wish to send. To enter a specific amount instead, tap on the Show Keypad button and then type the amount. At the keypad, you can tap on the Pay button to initiate the payment. Or you can tap on the down arrow to close the keypad screen and return to your message and then tap on Pay.