No, you cannot use Apple gift cards for Apple Pay. While the Apple gift card is a prepaid card for purchasing Apple-related products and services alone, Apple Pay is a mobile Payment system that allows users to make contactless Payments across Apple and other platforms where Apple Pay is accepted and also serves as a digital wallet for managing debit/credit cards.
Both products clearly serve different purposes, and as such, an Apple gift card cannot be used for Apple Pay.
In this guide, we will be talking extensively about each of these Apple services, their differences, and how you can maximize their individual features to your advantage. Without any further ado, let's get started!
Key takeaways
- Apple Gift Cards and Apple Pay are two distinct Apple products designed for specific purposes.
- Apple gift cards are prepaid cards used only for purchasing items in the Apple ecosystem.
- Apple Pay is a Payment system and also serves as a digital wallet for managing credit/debit cards.
Where to buy Apple gift cards?
There are many places where you can purchase an Apple gift card; however, the most trusted and reliable place to get an Apple gift card is on Apple's website. When you arrive on their website, you get to choose the type of gift card you want and input the amount you are purchasing the gift card for.
Other details, like email or mailing address, are needed, and once you are done, your Apple gift card will be on its way, coming to your doorstep or email address.
How to redeem an Apple gift card
Redeeming an Apple gift card is super easy and straightforward, even for a non-technical person to do with ease. Also, you can redeem on various devices and operating systems apart from Apple devices.
Here is a detailed step-by-step process of how to redeem your Apple gift card through various devices:
On your iPhone, (iPod touch, or iPad)
- Carefully remove the label off your code.
- Then, head over to your iPhone and open the App Store app.
- Next, click on the sign-in button at the top right of your screen.
- Then, tap on the Redeem Gift Card or Code option.
- Input the code manually or click on Use Camera and follow the instructions on the screen.
- Then click on done when you are through.
On your Mac
- Peel off the label to reveal your 16-digit code on the back of the card.
- Head to the App Store and click on the sign-in button in the sidebar.
- Then click on Redeem Gift Card and follow the rest instructions.
On a Windows PC
- Start by taking the peel off the 16-digit code on your gift card.
- Then, open your iTunes application.
- Choose account from the menu bar at the top of the iTunes window and select redeem.
- Sign in and follow the rest of the instructions on your screen.
On an Android device
- Get the 16-digit code on the back of the card ready.
- Then, head to your Apple Music app.
- Click on the menu button and select the account.
- Click on Redeem Gift Card or Code and follow the rest of the instructions.
What is Apple Pay?
Apple Pay is a mobile payment system and digital wallet that enables users to make payments seamlessly using their Apple devices like iPhones, MacBooks, etc. Apple Pay is designed by Apple Inc. to ensure a secure, contactless, and convenient payment process for users, regardless of whether they are shopping online or offline.
Furthermore, Apple Pay is available in 166 countries and allows users to link their debit and credit cards to it for fast payments. However, there is a downside to it.
Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy.
Before you can use Apple Pay on your Apple device, it has to be a supported Apple device, such as an iPhone 6, iPad Air 2, or Mac with a touch ID and above; anything other than that will not work.
How to set up Apple Pay
The setup of an Apple Pay on your Apple device is quite simple and easy to do. Here is a step-by-step process of how to set up an Apple Pay on your Apple device:
- Go to the Wallet app on your Apple device and click on the + icon at the top right corner to add your card.
- Follow the prompts on the screen to enter your card information manually or scan your card using the device’s camera.
- Verify your card by providing additional information as requested by your bank or card issuer.
- Wait to be verified.
- Once it is verified, your card will be added to your Apple Wallet, and you can start using Apple Pay.
Pro Tip: You can add multiple cards to your Apple Wallet following the same process, so you can easily choose your preferred card during transactions.
Comparison table
| Feature | Apple Gift Cards | Apple Pay |
| Key Function | Used to purchase products and services within Apple’s ecosystem | A digital wallet used for mobile Payments and managing credit/debit cards |
| Compatibility | Limited to the Apple ecosystem and can not be added to Apple Pay | Compatible with credit, debit, and prepaid cards |
| Payment Flexibility | Cannot be used outside of Apple's ecosystems like the App Store, Apple Store, and iTunes. | Can be used as payment options at stores, e-commerce sites, and with other payment methods. |
| Transferability | Funds on Apple gift cards are non-transferable and cannot be used outside of Apple ecosystems. | Funds are transferable and can be used across various Apple devices. |
| Supported Transactions | Can only be used to Pay for Apple-related products and services | Can be used for various kinds of transactions like groceries, dining, etc. |
Wrapping up
Apple gift cards and Apple are different Payment systems in their own right, each serving various purposes. While Apple Pay allows users more Payment flexibility, Apple gift cards do not.
As such, it is best to use each product based on its capability and how well it suits your desired needs. I advise you to read this guide again if you skimmed through it to fully understand their differences.
Enjoy!
DISCLAIMER!
“This publication, review, or article ("Content") is based on our independent evaluation and is subjective, reflecting our opinions, which may differ from others' perspectives or experiences. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the Content and disclaim responsibility for any errors or omissions it may contain.
The information provided is not investment advice and should not be treated as such, as products or services may change after publication. By engaging with our Content, you acknowledge its subjective nature and agree not to hold us liable for any losses or damages arising from your reliance on the information provided.
Always conduct your own research and consult professionals where necessary.”
