In today’s digital age, mobile payments have revolutionized the way we shop, offering faster, safer, and more convenient ways to make purchases. Apple Pay is one such method, allowing iPhone and Apple Watch users to make contactless payments both in-store and online. However, many people wonder if Apple Pay can be used to make purchases on Amazon, one of the largest e-commerce platforms globally. While Apple Pay is not directly supported on Amazon, there are workarounds that allow users to take advantage of this payment method. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about how to use Apple Pay on Amazon and alternatives to consider.
Does Amazon Accept Apple Pay?
As of now, Amazon does not accept Apple Pay as a direct payment option. Amazon accepts traditional payment methods like credit and debit cards, gift cards, and Amazon’s own Amazon Pay service, but Apple Pay is not listed among these options. This can be disappointing for those who rely on Apple Pay for their online purchases, but don’t worry—there are ways to work around this limitation.
Using Apple Pay on Amazon via the Apple Card
One of the easiest and most seamless ways to use Apple Pay on Amazon is by using the Apple Card, Apple’s own credit card. The Apple Card is integrated with Apple Pay, and it works like a traditional Mastercard, which is accepted by Amazon.
Here’s how you can use your Apple Card on Amazon:
1. Add Your Apple Card to Amazon
- Open the Amazon app or visit Amazon.com.
- Navigate to the “Your Account” section.
- Select “Payment Options”.
- Click on “Add a Credit or Debit Card”.
- Enter your Apple Card information manually or scan it with your device’s camera.
- Once added, you can use the Apple Card to make purchases on Amazon just like any other credit card.
2. Earn Daily Cash with Apple Card
Using your Apple Card on Amazon allows you to take advantage of Apple’s Daily Cash rewards program. While Amazon purchases don’t qualify for the highest 3% cash back that’s available for purchases from Apple or select partners, you can still earn 1% cash back on every purchase. This can add up quickly, especially if you frequently shop on Amazon.
Use Apple Pay for Amazon Gift Cards
Another effective way to use Apple Pay indirectly on Amazon is by purchasing an Amazon Gift Card through a third-party platform that accepts Apple Pay as a payment method. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Purchase Amazon Gift Cards with Apple Pay
Many retailers and online platforms, like Target, Best Buy, or eGifter, allow you to purchase Amazon Gift Cards and pay using Apple Pay. Once you’ve purchased the gift card, simply apply it to your Amazon account to fund your purchases.
- Go to a retailer’s website or app that sells Amazon Gift Cards.
- Select the denomination of the gift card.
- Choose Apple Pay as your payment method during checkout.
- Complete the purchase and receive your Amazon Gift Card code.
2. Redeem Your Gift Card on Amazon
Once you have your Amazon Gift Card, follow these steps to redeem it on Amazon:
- Log in to your Amazon account.
- Navigate to the “Gift Cards” section under “Your Account”.
- Enter the gift card code and click on “Apply to Your Balance”.
- Your Amazon balance will be updated, and you can use it to make purchases.
This method offers a seamless way to take advantage of Apple Pay when shopping on Amazon, even if the platform doesn’t directly support it.
Other Alternatives to Use Apple Pay on Amazon
While the two methods above are the most popular workarounds, there are additional alternatives to explore if you’re committed to using Apple Pay or another form of mobile payment on Amazon. These include third-party services, virtual cards, and PayPal.
1. Use a Virtual Debit or Credit Card
Certain apps and services allow users to create a virtual debit or credit card that can be used for online purchases. These cards can often be linked to Apple Pay for added convenience. One example of such a service is Privacy.com, which lets you create virtual cards for secure online shopping.
Here’s how you can use a virtual card linked to Apple Pay on Amazon:
- Sign up for a service like Privacy.com.
- Create a virtual card and fund it using Apple Pay.
- Add this virtual card as a payment method on Amazon and use it for purchases.
While this method requires a bit more effort, it offers added privacy and security for your online purchases.
2. Use PayPal Key
Though Amazon doesn’t accept PayPal directly, you can use PayPal Key, a virtual card service offered by PayPal. PayPal Key generates a virtual Mastercard that can be used on sites that accept Mastercard, including Amazon. Since PayPal accepts Apple Pay, you can indirectly fund your PayPal Key account with Apple Pay and then use PayPal Key to shop on Amazon.
3. Third-Party Apps and Payment Platforms
Some third-party payment platforms or mobile wallet apps support Apple Pay and may allow you to purchase items on Amazon indirectly. Keep in mind that these platforms may charge service fees or come with certain limitations, so it’s essential to review the terms before using them.
Advantages of Using Apple Pay for Online Shopping
Using Apple Pay offers several benefits, particularly in terms of security and convenience:
- Enhanced Security: Apple Pay uses tokenization technology to keep your card details secure, which is especially important when shopping online.
- Speed and Convenience: With Apple Pay, transactions are quick and seamless. There’s no need to enter your card details manually.
- Privacy: Apple Pay doesn’t share your actual card numbers with merchants, ensuring your sensitive information stays private.
While these advantages are more pronounced when you can use Apple Pay directly, using Apple Card or purchasing gift cards with Apple Pay offers many of the same benefits when shopping on Amazon.
Conclusion
Although Amazon doesn’t currently accept Apple Pay as a direct payment method, there are still several ways to use Apple Pay indirectly to make purchases on the platform. Whether it’s through your Apple Card, purchasing Amazon gift cards, or using virtual cards, you can still enjoy the benefits of Apple Pay while shopping on Amazon. Each method has its advantages, and depending on your preference, you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
