Set Up Apple Pay Without Bank Card in North America
Apple Pay is one of the most convenient ways to make secure, contactless payments — but what if you don’t have a traditional bank card? Fortunately, Apple lets you set up and use Apple Pay without linking a debit or credit card, especially in North America. In this OnePlus guide, we’ll explain how to use Apple Pay with alternative options like Apple Cash, gift cards, and digital wallets, so you can start paying instantly and safely.
Why Use Apple Pay Without a Bank Card
Many users in the U.S. and Canada prefer digital-first financial tools or don’t want to share bank details. Setting up Apple Pay without a physical bank card helps you:
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Enjoy contactless payments anywhere Apple Pay is accepted.
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Receive and send money through Apple Cash.
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Keep your personal banking information private.
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Manage funds easily from your iPhone or Apple Watch.
OnePlus Tip: Apple Pay works perfectly with Apple Cash and prepaid cards issued by major providers, letting you use it even if you don’t have a traditional bank account.
Step 1: Make Sure Apple Pay and Wallet Are Set Up
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Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
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Tap the + (Add) button in the top-right corner.
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Choose Apple Pay setup.
If this is your first time using Apple Pay, sign in with your Apple ID and make sure your region is set to United States or Canada under Settings → General → Language & Region.
Step 2: Add an Apple Cash Account
Apple Cash lets you send, receive, and spend money without needing a debit card.
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In the Wallet app, tap Apple Cash.
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Tap Set Up Now and follow the prompts.
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Accept the terms and verify your identity (U.S. users must be 18+).
Once verified, you can receive funds from others via iMessage, which automatically appear in your Apple Cash balance.
OnePlus Tip: Apple Cash functions like a prepaid card, meaning you can use it anywhere Apple Pay is accepted — in stores, online, and apps.
Step 3: Fund Your Apple Cash Balance
To use Apple Pay without a bank card, you’ll need to load money into Apple Cash. Here’s how:
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From friends or family: Ask someone to send money to your Apple Cash via iMessage.
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From a linked card: If you have a prepaid or virtual card, add small funds to Apple Cash.
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From Apple Pay Rewards: If you use the Apple Card, your Daily Cash rewards are automatically added to Apple Cash.
OnePlus Tip: You can use your Apple Cash balance directly for payments — no debit or credit card required.
Step 4: Add a Prepaid or Virtual Card Instead of a Bank Card
If Apple Cash isn’t available in your region, you can still add a prepaid or digital card to Apple Pay.
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Open Wallet → Add Card → Debit or Prepaid Card.
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Enter the card details manually or scan it with your iPhone camera.
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Verify it with the issuing service (like PayPal, Revolut, or Cash App).
Supported virtual cards in North America:
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PayPal Cash Card
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Cash App Card
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Revolut Card
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Green Dot Prepaid Card
These work just like a regular bank card inside Apple Pay.
Step 5: Start Using Apple Pay Without a Bank Account
Once your Apple Cash or prepaid card is added, you can:
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Pay in stores by holding your iPhone near a contactless reader.
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Shop online or in apps using Apple Pay at checkout.
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Send money via Messages → Apple Cash → Send.
OnePlus Tip: Use Face ID or Touch ID for secure, one-tap payments — no PINs or card numbers needed.
Step 6: Manage and Track Transactions
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Open the Wallet app → Apple Cash.
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Tap Transactions to view payments, receipts, and transfers.
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You can transfer your Apple Cash balance to another user or to your prepaid account anytime.
OnePlus Tip: Keep an eye on your balance before big purchases — Apple Pay will automatically use Apple Cash if it’s available.
Related OnePlus Guides
FAQ
1. Can I use Apple Pay without any card at all?
Yes — as long as you have Apple Cash set up and funded. It works like a prepaid balance for Apple Pay.
2. Is Apple Cash available in Canada?
Currently, Apple Cash is only fully available in the U.S. Canadian users can use prepaid or digital cards instead.
3. Can I reload Apple Cash without a bank card?
Yes, by receiving payments from others via iMessage or transferring funds from another digital wallet.
Final Thoughts
Apple Pay is more flexible than most users realize — you don’t need a traditional bank card to enjoy its convenience and security. With Apple Cash or a prepaid card, you can pay, send, and receive money across North America seamlessly. OnePlus recommends using Apple Cash for everyday spending and enabling Face ID for extra protection — making your digital wallet secure, fast, and bank-free.
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