Apple Pay Launches in India with Axis Bank Credit Card Support

Apple has launched its Apple Pay payment service in India, allowing users to make contactless and online payments through compatible iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch devices.

At launch, Apple Pay will support eligible Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued by Axis Bank. Users can use their cards through Apple Pay at thousands of merchants across India, as well as at locations that accept NFC-based contactless payments. Support for Mac is expected to be added soon.

The launch gives Apple users another way to make card payments without carrying a physical card or repeatedly entering card details, PINs or OTPs during checkout.

“India is home to a dynamic and digitally savvy population that continues to embrace a cashless future while expecting the highest standards of security and privacy, and we’re so excited to bring Apple Pay to users in India today,” Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, said.

Apple said security and privacy are central to the service. When a card is added to Apple Pay, the actual card number is not stored on the device or Apple’s servers and is not shared with merchants. Instead, Apple uses a unique Device Account Number, which is encrypted and stored in the device’s Secure Element, a dedicated security chip designed to protect payment information.

Apple also said it does not retain transaction information that can be traced back to individual users. Payment transactions remain between the customer, merchant and the card issuer.

Users can add an eligible Axis Bank card directly to Apple Wallet through the latest version of the Axis Bank app. They can also open the Wallet app on their iPhone, tap the plus sign and follow the instructions to add a supported card.

Once the card has been added, users can make payments by bringing their Apple device close to a compatible contactless payment terminal and authenticating the transaction using the device's security features.

Apple said users will continue to receive the rewards and benefits associated with their eligible cards when making purchases through Apple Pay.

The service will be available at millions of merchant locations across India, including Apple Store locations, giving users the option to make contactless payments without needing a separate payment application.

Amitabh Chaudhry, MD and CEO of Axis Bank, said the launch would provide greater choice and flexibility to the bank's credit card customers, while Gautam Aggarwal, Mastercard's president of India and South Asia, described the move as another step towards expanding contactless payments in the country.

Suresh Sethi, Visa's group country manager for India and South Asia, said the launch marked another milestone in the country's digital payments ecosystem.

Apple Pay is currently available in more than 90 countries and regions and works with over 11,000 banks and payment network partners worldwide.

For security in case a device is lost or stolen, Apple users can use the Find My app to locate the device and remotely lock or suspend payment capabilities.