Apple’s peer-to-peer payment system,Apple Cash,might not have the brand recognition of aVenmo,Cash App, or Zelle, but its deep integration with iOS and iPadOS makes it a super easy way to send money to friends and family. Apple first added Apple Cash in 2017 and has slowly expanded its capabilities as Apple Pay has improved, even going as far as making cash-back payments from theApple Cardimmediately available as Apple Cash.
Now, whether a website or online vendor supports Apple Pay, you can use your Apple Cash thanks to the service’s new ability to generate a virtual card number, expiration date, and security code to use anywhere credit or debit cards are supported.
The problem with using Apple’s payment ecosystem is that, unlike the company’s credit card, Apple Cash is only available if you’re buying from a shop that supports Apple Pay. That’s fine when most physical stores accept tap-to-pay, but a whole other story online. But with the release ofiOS 17.4, that’s all changed.
Now, whether a website or online vendor supportsApple Pay, you’re able to use your Apple Cash thanks to the service’s new ability to generate a virtual card number, expiration date, and security code to use anywhere credit or debit cards are supported. Here’s how to get it set up on your iPhone or iPad.
Lock thieves out of your iPhone with iOS 17.4’s upgraded Stolen Device Protection
Apple made Stolen Device Protection even better in iOS 17.4. Here’s what you need to know.
How to set up your virtual card number
Once it’s setup, you can use it to buy stuff online
You’re just a few taps away from having a dedicated virtual card number for your Apple Cash account. Here’s what you need to do:
The process is similar on iPad, but completed through the Settings app rather than the Wallet app.
What is Apple Cash, how does it work, and how do you set it up?
How to use your virtual card number
It works just like a normal credit card
Once you’ve created your virtual card number, the main way you’ll use it is by viewing information in the Wallet app (Wallet>Apple Cash card>three-dot icon>Card number) and copying and pasting it into the payment information field on websites that don’t use Apple Pay.
Your virtual card number and expiration date will remain the same, unless you request a new one. However, every time you open the Wallet app or use Safari’s Autofill feature, the security code will change. It’s an anti-fraud feature Apple uses with the Apple Card.
If you’re using Safari on your iPad and iPhone, however, you can make this process even simpler by using Safari Autofill. Likely, your phone or tablet has already prompted you to set this up the first time you paid for something on Safari, but here’s how to verify you’re ready to go.
