How to Set Up Apple Cash on iPhone

Setting up Apple Cash on iPhone illustration

Apple Cash is a digital debit card in the Wallet app. It lets eligible US users send and receive money in Messages, spend the balance with Apple Pay, and transfer money to a bank or debit card.

Apple Cash is US-only and requires identity verification with details such as legal name, US address, date of birth, and Social Security number.

Does This Affect You?

Use this if Apple Cash is not active in Wallet and you want to send or receive money from an iPhone through Messages or Apple Pay.

Set Up Apple Cash in Wallet

  1. Open the Wallet app.
  2. Tap the plus button.
  3. Choose Apple Cash and tap Continue.
  4. Agree to the terms when prompted.
  5. Enter the requested identity information, including legal name, date of birth, US address, and Social Security number details.
  6. Wait for verification. It may finish immediately or require review.
  7. After approval, the Apple Cash card appears in Wallet.

Add Money, Send Money, and Transfer Out

  1. Open Wallet and tap the Apple Cash card.
  2. Tap the more button and choose Add Money.
  3. Enter an amount and confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode. Funds come from an eligible debit card in Apple Pay.
  4. To send money, open Messages, tap the Apple Pay option, enter an amount, and send it to a recipient who can use Apple Cash.
  5. To move money to your bank, open Apple Cash card options, choose Transfer to Bank, enter the amount, and choose Instant Transfer or the free 1 to 3 business day option.

Apple Cash Notes

Verification Problems

Apple Cash uses banking partner verification. A typo, recent move, legal name change, or mismatch in personal details can delay approval. If it stays stuck, contact Apple Support.

US Availability

Apple Cash does not appear for non-US accounts or users without eligible US identity and address information.

Apple Cash Family

Family organizers can set up Apple Cash Family for children with spending limits and notifications, without the child completing the same full identity flow.

Transfer Fees

Standard bank transfers are free but slower. Instant Transfer arrives faster and usually charges a small fee.

Sources

  • Apple Support: Set up Apple Cash
  • Apple Support: Send, receive, and request money with Apple Cash
  • Apple Support: Add money to Apple Cash or transfer money out
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. I will only recommend products that I have personally used! Learn more on my Private Policy page.
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