How to add a card to Apple Pay or Google Pay
Written by
Emily Tye
Reviewed by
Amy LancashireYou can add a credit or debit card to Apple Pay or Google Pay in a few taps. Open the wallet app on your phone, scan your card or type in the details, then wait for your card provider to verify it. Many banking and card apps can also add your card to your phone's wallet directly.
Mobile wallets are quickly becoming the normal way to pay. By 2023, around 20% of UK card users were already making more than half of their card payments through a digital wallet, according to the FCA.
This guide walks through both wallets step by step, what to do if your card won't add, and how paying with your phone actually works.
What you'll need before you start
A compatible device: an iPhone or Apple Watch for Apple Pay, or an Android phone with contactless (NFC) for Google Pay
A card from a provider that supports mobile wallets. Many UK banks and card providers support both, but check your provider's help pages if you're not sure. Zable supports both.
Your card details to hand, or your provider's app installed
How to add a card to Apple Pay
Apple Pay stores your cards in the Wallet app, which comes pre-installed on iPhone.
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone
Tap the add button (+)
Tap 'Debit or Credit Card', then tap 'Continue'
Hold your card near the back of your iPhone to scan it, or tap 'Enter Card Details Manually'. You'll need your card details, including your CVV
Follow the on-screen steps and wait while your card provider checks and verifies your details
You'll find the full official instructions in Apple's set up Apple Pay guide.
Adding a card through your banking or card app
Many providers let you add your card from inside their own app, usually with an 'Add to Apple Wallet' button.
In the Zable app, go to the Account section in the app and tap the ‘Add to Apple Wallet’ button just below your card.
Adding a card to your Apple Watch
When you add a card on your iPhone, you'll be given the option to add it to a paired Apple Watch at the same time. To add one later:
Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone
Go to the 'My Watch' tab and tap 'Wallet & Apple Pay'
Tap 'Add Card' and follow the on-screen steps
How to add a card to Google Pay
In the UK, you add and manage cards in the Google Wallet app. Google Pay is the payment technology you're using when you tap to pay with them. If your phone doesn't have Google Wallet, download it from the Play Store first.
Open the Google Wallet app
Tap 'Add to Wallet' and choose to add a payment card
Tap 'New credit or debit card'
Scan your card with the camera, or enter the details manually
Tap 'Save and continue', accept your card provider's terms, then complete any verification your provider asks for
The full official steps are in Google's guide to adding a card to Google Wallet.
Some banking and card apps also have an 'Add to GPay' button, which adds your card to Google Wallet directly from your banking app.
Verifying your card
Before your card starts working, your provider checks that you're the one adding it. You'll usually be asked to choose a verification method, such as a code sent by text or email, or confirming in your provider's app. Enter the code and your card is ready to use.
If the code doesn't arrive, check that your provider has your current mobile number and email address. On iPhone, you can also tap your card in the Wallet app and choose a different verification option.
Why can't I add my card to Apple Pay or Google Pay?
If your card won't add, work through these common causes:
Your provider doesn't support the wallet. Not every card can be added to every wallet, so check your provider's help pages for Apple Pay or Google Pay support
Your details don't match. The name, address and card details you enter need to match what your provider has on file. If you've moved recently, update your address with your provider first
The card isn't active. A card that's expired or that your provider has blocked won't add
Your device needs attention. Make sure your phone's software and your provider's app are up to date, and that you're signed in with the right Apple Account or Google Account
Two more fixes are worth trying. If a version of your card already shows in the wallet but doesn't work, remove it, close the wallet app, then add the card again from your provider's app.
It's also worth allowing notifications for your provider's app and checking it for an approval request, as some providers ask you to approve the card from inside their app.
If you have a Zable card, the help centre has a guide to having trouble adding your Zable card to Apple or Google Pay.
Can I add a card before it arrives in the post?
Often, yes. Some providers issue virtual card details in their app as soon as your account is open, and a virtual card can be added to Apple Pay or Google Pay in the same way as a physical one.
That means you could be paying with your phone days before the plastic arrives. Our page on virtual credit cards explains how they work.
Is it safe to pay with Apple Pay or Google Pay?
Yes. When you add a card, your card details are converted into a 'token': a device-specific number that links your real card to a virtual version on your phone, as described in the FCA's review of contactless payment limits. Apple also states that your actual card number is never shared with merchants or stored on its servers, in its Apple Pay overview.
Paying in shops needs your face, fingerprint or device passcode, so someone who finds your phone can't simply tap it at the till. And if you lose your phone, the wallet copy of your card can be removed without cancelling your physical card.
If you ever spot a payment you don't recognise, our guide to credit card fraud covers what you can do.
How do I remove a card from my mobile wallet?
On iPhone, open the Wallet app, tap the card and remove it from the card's settings.
In Google Wallet, tap the card, tap 'More' at the top right, then 'Remove payment method'. The full steps are in Google's guide to managing payment methods.
Removing a card from a wallet doesn't cancel the card itself. Your physical card keeps working as normal.
Mobile wallet FAQs
There are a range of financial products available that may suit your needs. We encourage you to research your options carefully and consider seeking independent financial advice before making any decisions. This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
