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Can I add my Discover credit card to Apple Pay?

Pay with your iPhone at participating locations without carrying your credit card.

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Kliment Dukovski
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Fact checked

Whichever Discover card you may own or are applying for is Apple Pay-compatible. Using your card with Apply Pay enables you to pay at participating locations by simply tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch on the sales terminal.

The only downside is that not every store accepts this payment method — but major retailers like Best Buy, Macy’s, Nike and Whole Foods Market do.

How to set up Discover credit card for Apple Pay

Setting up your Discover credit card with Apple Pay is easy, but the process may vary depending on the iOS device. In general, here’s how to do it:
  1. Open the Wallet app or tap Wallet & Apple Pay.
  2. Select to add your credit card.
  3. If you have the card on iTunes, use the card’s security code to add it to your Apple Pay.
  4. If you’re adding a new card, select Add a different card and enter the card’s details manually or use your iSight camera.
  5. You can skip these steps with the Discover app — add your card from Activate and Manage Cards button.

Note: Sometimes you may be asked for additional information to verify your credit card. Follow the steps the app takes you through to verify your credit card account.

How does my Discover credit card work with Apple Pay?

As soon as you add your Discover credit card to Apple Pay, it will be stored as a virtual card on your iOS device. This means you can start using your card for purchases without using the card physically.

At checkout, unlock your iPhone with a fingerprint ID and move its top closer to the sales terminal. If your iPhone has a face ID feature or if you’re paying with your Apple Watch, tap the side button twice and unlock your iPhone by scanning your face.

The Apple Watch doesn’t require face ID unlock. As a final step, bring your iPhone or Apple Watch closer to the sales terminal.

Benefits of using your Discover credit card on Apple Pay

By adding your Discover credit card to Apple Pay, you can:
  • Make purchases with your iOS device.
    Your iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch can act as your credit card where Apple Pay and contactless payments are accepted.
  • Send money to contacts.
    With the messenger app, you can send money to your contacts by tapping the Apple Pay icon.
  • Purchase iOS apps.
    Pay for apps on the App Store or make in-app purchases.

Compare Discover credit cards

All Discover cards can be used with Apple Pay. Consider applying for a Discover card if you don’t have one already and start paying for your purchases at participating locations with your iPhone.

Name Product Filter values Rewards Purchase APR Annual fee
Discover it® Cash Back
Discover it® Cash Back
5% back in rotating categories up to $1,500 combined each activated quarter, then 1% after that and on all other purchases
0% intro for the first 14 months (then 11.99% to 22.99% variable)
$0
View details
Earn 5% back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories every quarter you activate, then 1% thereafter. Earn 1% back on all other purchases.
Discover it® Miles Travel Credit Card
Discover it® Miles Travel Credit Card
1.5x miles on all purchases
0% intro for the first 14 months (then 11.99% to 22.99% variable)
$0
View details
Earn unlimited 1.5x miles on all purchases - from airfare and hotels to groceries and online shopping.
Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Card
Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Card
2% back on gas and dining up to $1,000 combined quarterly, then 1% after that and on all other purchases
0% intro for the first 14 months (then 11.99% to 22.99% variable)
$0
View details
Earn 2% cash back on gas and dining on your first $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. After that earn 1% in these categories and on all other purchases.
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Bottom line

If you own an iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch, you can add your Discover credit card to Apple Pay and use the device to make purchases at participating locations. Plus, you can directly send money to friends and family from the messenger app.

However, most credit card providers support Apple Pay, so if the Discover cards don’t match your financial situation compare other credit cards to find one that fits your needs.

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