Apple Pay launches in India with Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards at launch

Apple announced on September 30 that Apple Pay is now available in India. The service works on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, with support for Mac coming soon. According to the company, customers can pay in stores, in apps, and on the web without entering a PIN or an OTP at checkout.

Axis Bank cards only at launch

At launch, the only supported cards are Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued by Axis Bank; RuPay cards are not eligible at this stage. Customers can add a card to Apple Wallet directly through the latest version of the Axis Bank app, or by opening Wallet on iPhone, tapping the plus sign, and following the steps. Axis Bank is the first bank in India to offer Apple Pay.

How the security model works

Apple says security and privacy are at the core of Apple Pay. The actual card numbers are not stored on the device or on Apple servers, nor shared with the merchant. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted, and stored in the Secure Element, a certified chip on the device. Apple does not retain transaction information that can be tied back to the user, so a transaction stays between the user, the merchant, and the bank. If an iPhone is lost or stolen, the Find My app can locate, lock, or suspend payments from that device. Users continue to earn the rewards and benefits offered by their cards. In stores, payment works by double-clicking the side or Home button, authenticating with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode, and holding the device near the contactless reader.

Where it is accepted

At launch, Apple Pay is accepted by millions of merchants across India, including Apple Store locations, Blinkit, Chaayos, Comet, Croma, Interflora, Ixigo, Le15 Patisserie, Reliance brands, Tata 1mg, and Zomato. Apple worked with payment service providers such as Cashfree, JusPay, Mswipe, Paytm, PayU, Pine Labs, Razorpay, and Worldline to bring Apple Pay to their merchant networks. The company says Apple Pay is now available in more than 90 countries and regions and works with more than 11,000 bank and network partners worldwide.