How To Add Money To Apple Pay Using A Gift Card
Apple Pay has become one of the most popular and convenient mobile payment systems.
With Apple Pay, you can make quick and secure purchases using your iPhone or Apple Watch. One great way to add funds to Apple Pay is by using gift cards.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: You can add money to your Apple Pay balance by redeeming App Store, iTunes, or Apple gift cards.
Simply open the Apple Wallet app, tap the plus icon, select the gift card option, and scan or enter the gift card code.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through all the steps and details you need to know to successfully add money from gift cards to your Apple Pay account.
Check If Your Gift Card Can Be Used for Apple Pay
Before adding money to Apple Pay using a gift card, it’s essential to check if your specific gift card can be used for this purpose. Apple Pay supports various types of gift cards, including iTunes Gift Cards, App Store & Apple Retail Gift Cards, and Third-Party Gift Cards.
Here’s a breakdown of how each type can be used:
iTunes Gift Cards
iTunes Gift Cards can be used to add funds to your Apple ID, which can then be used for purchases on the App Store, iTunes Store, Apple Music, and more. To add money to Apple Pay using an iTunes Gift Card, follow these steps:
- Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap on the “+” button to add a new card.
- Choose “Apple ID Balance” as the card type.
- Scratch off the label on the back of your iTunes Gift Card to reveal the redemption code.
- Enter the redemption code in the provided field.
- Tap “Next” and follow any additional prompts to complete the process.
Once you’ve added the funds to your Apple ID balance, you can use Apple Pay to make purchases within apps, online, or in stores that accept Apple Pay.
App Store & Apple Retail Gift Cards
App Store & Apple Retail Gift Cards can also be used to add funds to your Apple ID balance. These gift cards are primarily used for purchases on the App Store, iTunes Store, Apple Books, and other Apple services.
To add money to Apple Pay using an App Store or Apple Retail Gift Card, follow these steps:
- Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap on the “+” button to add a new card.
- Choose “Apple ID Balance” as the card type.
- Scratch off the label on the back of your gift card to reveal the redemption code.
- Enter the redemption code in the provided field.
- Tap “Next” and follow any additional prompts to complete the process.
Once the funds are added to your Apple ID balance, you can use Apple Pay for various purchases and transactions.
Third-Party Gift Cards
While Apple Pay primarily supports iTunes Gift Cards and App Store & Apple Retail Gift Cards, some third-party gift cards may also be compatible.
However, it’s crucial to note that not all third-party gift cards can be used with Apple Pay. To determine if your third-party gift card can be used, check with the gift card provider or visit their website for more information.
It’s always a good idea to verify the compatibility of your gift card with Apple Pay before attempting to add funds. This will ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience when using your gift card to make purchases through Apple Pay.
For more information on adding money to Apple Pay using gift cards, you can visit the official Apple Pay support page.
Where to Buy Eligible Apple Gift Cards
When it comes to adding money to Apple Pay using a gift card, it’s important to know where you can purchase eligible Apple gift cards. Luckily, there are several options available to make your shopping experience convenient and hassle-free.
Apple Online and Retail Stores
One of the most obvious places to buy an Apple gift card is directly from Apple themselves. They offer a wide range of gift card options that can be used to add funds to your Apple Pay account.
Whether you prefer to shop online or visit one of their physical retail stores, Apple makes it easy to purchase and redeem their gift cards.
Simply visit the Apple website and navigate to the “Gift Cards” section. From there, you can choose the value of the gift card and customize it with a personal message.
If you prefer to buy a physical card, you can have it delivered to your doorstep or choose to send it as an e-gift card to a recipient’s email address. If you prefer to buy a gift card in-store, you can find Apple retail stores in various locations around the world.
Other Online and Retail Stores
In addition to Apple’s own online and retail stores, there are other popular online and retail stores where you can purchase eligible Apple gift cards. These include well-known retailers like Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
These stores often offer a variety of denominations for Apple gift cards, giving you the flexibility to choose the amount that suits your needs.
When purchasing an Apple gift card from these stores, it’s important to ensure that the gift card is specifically labeled as an “Apple Store Gift Card” or “iTunes Gift Card,” as these are the types of gift cards that can be used to add money to Apple Pay.
Be cautious of purchasing third-party gift cards or generic prepaid cards, as they may not be compatible with Apple Pay.
Additionally, keep in mind that the availability of Apple gift cards may vary from store to store. It’s always a good idea to check the store’s website or contact their customer service to confirm the availability of Apple gift cards before making a trip to the store.
By knowing where to buy eligible Apple gift cards, you can easily add money to your Apple Pay account and enjoy the convenience and security that Apple Pay offers for your everyday transactions.
Adding the Gift Card to Apple Pay
Apple Pay is a convenient and secure way to make payments using your iPhone or Apple Watch. If you have a gift card that you would like to add to your Apple Pay account, follow these simple steps:
Open the Wallet App
To begin, locate the Wallet app on your iPhone. It should be pre-installed on your device. If you can’t find it, try using the search function on your home screen. Once you’ve found the app, tap on it to open.
Tap the Plus Icon
Next, look for the plus icon (+) located in the top right corner of the Wallet app. Tap on it to proceed to the next step.
Select ‘Gift Card or Rewards Card’
From the options presented, select ‘Gift Card or Rewards Card’. This will allow you to add your gift card to Apple Pay.
Enter or Scan the Gift Card Code
Now, you have two options to add your gift card: you can either manually enter the gift card code or use the camera on your iPhone to scan the code. Choose the method that is most convenient for you and follow the on-screen instructions.
Confirm the Gift Card Balance
After entering or scanning the gift card code, Apple Pay will verify the balance on your gift card. This is to ensure that the gift card is valid and has sufficient funds. Once the balance is confirmed, your gift card will be added to your Apple Pay account.
It’s important to note that not all merchants accept Apple Pay, so it’s always a good idea to check if the store or website you plan to use your gift card at supports Apple Pay.
Also, keep in mind that gift cards added to Apple Pay are separate from your actual credit or debit cards, so you’ll need to select the gift card as your payment method when making a purchase.
For more detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips, you can visit the official Apple Support website here. Apple’s support page provides step-by-step guidance and answers to common questions you may have.
Using the Added Gift Card Balance
Once you have successfully added a gift card balance to your Apple Pay account, you can use it to make purchases in various ways. Here are a few ways you can utilize the added gift card balance:
Pay with iPhone or Apple Watch
If you have an iPhone or Apple Watch, you can easily make payments using the added gift card balance. Simply hold your device near the payment terminal and authorize the transaction with Touch ID or Face ID.
It’s a convenient and secure way to pay for your purchases, whether you’re at a physical store or using Apple Pay within apps and websites.
Pay on the App Store and iTunes
With the added gift card balance, you can also make purchases on the App Store and iTunes. Whether you want to download new apps, buy music, rent movies, or subscribe to Apple services, you can use your gift card balance to pay for these transactions.
It’s a great way to enjoy your favorite digital content without using your credit card or bank account.
Pay with Apple Services
In addition to the App Store and iTunes, you can use the added gift card balance to pay for various Apple services. This includes Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple TV+, and iCloud storage subscriptions.
By using your gift card balance, you can easily manage your subscriptions and enjoy these services without any hassle.
By having the added gift card balance in your Apple Pay account, you have the flexibility to make purchases across multiple platforms and services.
It’s a convenient way to manage your expenses and enjoy the benefits of Apple’s ecosystem. So go ahead and start using your gift card balance to make your purchases today!
Troubleshooting Gift Card Issues
Code Not Scanning or Invalid Code Error
If you’re experiencing trouble scanning the code on your gift card or receiving an “invalid code” error, there are a few steps you can take to resolve the issue.
Firstly, ensure that the gift card you’re using is compatible with Apple Pay.
Some gift cards may only be redeemable in physical stores or online, and may not be compatible with mobile payment apps. If you’ve confirmed that your gift card is compatible, make sure that the code is not smudged or damaged.
Sometimes, a simple cleaning of the code or gently rubbing it can make it scannable again.
If the issue persists, reach out to the retailer or the issuer of the gift card for further assistance. They may be able to provide you with a new code or troubleshoot the issue on their end.
Balance Not Showing Up
If you’ve successfully added the gift card to your Apple Pay wallet but the balance is not showing up, there are a few things you can try.
Firstly, double-check that the gift card has been properly added to your Apple Pay account.
Go to the Wallet app on your iPhone and ensure that the gift card is listed and selected as the default payment method. If it is, but the balance is still not showing, try refreshing the app or restarting your device.
Sometimes, a simple glitch can prevent the balance from displaying correctly.
If the problem persists, contact Apple Support for further assistance. They have the tools and knowledge to help troubleshoot and resolve any issues with your Apple Pay account.
Using Up the Balance
Once you’ve successfully added your gift card to Apple Pay and the balance is showing up, you can start using it for purchases. When making a payment with Apple Pay, the app will automatically deduct the amount from your gift card balance.
If the purchase amount exceeds the gift card balance, Apple Pay will prompt you to choose an alternate payment method for the remaining balance. It’s important to note that some retailers may have specific policies regarding the use of gift cards through mobile payment apps.
Make sure to check with the retailer beforehand to ensure they accept gift cards through Apple Pay. Enjoy spending your gift card balance hassle-free using Apple Pay!
Remember, if you encounter any issues or have further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the retailer or Apple Support for assistance. They are there to help you resolve any gift card-related issues and ensure a smooth experience using Apple Pay.
Conclusion
Adding money to your Apple Pay wallet using gift cards is easy and convenient.
iTunes, App Store, and select third-party gift cards can be redeemed right from the Wallet app.
Just purchase an eligible gift card, add the code to Wallet, and you’ll have funds available instantly for Apple Pay purchases and services.
With this simple trick, you can continue using Apple Pay even when you don’t have your actual credit or debit card handy.