Apple Pay goes live in India with Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard cards

Concerning safety, Apple Pay customers’ card numbers are not stored on the device or Apple servers [File] | Photo Credit: REUTERS Apple on Wednesday (September 30, 2026) launched Apple Pay in India — a payment feature that lets iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch users make payments using Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard cards.Support for Mac is coming soon, according to an official press release.With Apple Pay, users can make payments without having to type in PINs or OTPs. To make the payment, users will have to activate their devices and verify their identity if needed, before holding the device near a contactless reader.Concerning safety, Apple Pay customers’ card numbers are not stored on the device or Apple servers, with the service instead using a unique Device Account Number and encryption in order to store payment information securely.Apple also will not retain user-identifying transaction information, while there are mechanisms in place to remotely control payments even if the device is lost.To activate the service, customers can add their eligible credit card to the Apple Wallet via the Axis Bank app, or through the Wallet app on their iPhone.Customers can continue to avail the rewards and benefits offered by their cards.Some sellers and retailers that will accept Apple Pay include Apple Store locations, Blinkit, Chaayos, Comet, Croma, Interflora, Ixigo, Le15 Patisserie, Reliance brands, Tata 1mg, Zomato, and others.“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. Apple Pay makes everyday payments with a card easy, secure, and private — from simply tapping to pay in stores without an extra app, PIN, or OTP to checking out online without repeatedly entering payment information,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet.“We are at a significant inflection point in payments, where technology, security and changing customer expectations are reshaping how people transact. At Axis Bank, our aspiration is to remain at the forefront of this transformation by building payment experiences that are progressive, trusted and deeply relevant to our customers,” said Amitabh Chaudhry, MD & CEO, Axis Bank. Published - September 30, 2026 10:35 am IST