How to accept Apple Pay

Apple Pay is a contactless payment which can be made via Apple products such as iPhone mobiles, iPad and watches. The difference between Apple Pay and other forms of contactless payments, is that there is no limit when it comes to the transaction size, with contactless currently being £45.00.

Following the successful launch of face to face payments using Apple Pay, online payments can now be made using similar tech. When shopping online customers simply click the Apple Pay icon and authorise the payment using their device. This can be done on the same device, ie purchasing on a mobile phone and completing the transaction in the same manner or on different devices – purchasing on a laptop and authorising on an Apple device such as phone, watch etc.

To accept Apple Pay transactions online, businesses will need a gateway which is Apple Pay enabled. Although a lot of high street banks and acquirers have the function some don’t, so if Apple Pay is a function you are set on it’s important to check with your provider before applying.

If you work in a high-risk industry, finding a provider who will allow Apple Pay transactions can be more complex. For help with this speak to our experts today.

It doesn’t cost any more to accept Apple Pay than it does standard transactions, which will be charged at the agreed percentage rates stated at the beginning of your contract. Some merchant accounts offer lower or free fees when it comes to processing contactless payments. Apple Pay should be seen as the authorisation method, not an additional service with extra costs.

If you feel you are paying over the odds for card processing or haven’t reviewed your account for a while, we suggest switching accounts regularly meaning you have the best rates and associated costs available to you. Merchants should compare accounts on a pound for pound basis, ensuring to keep an eye out for hidden fees.

In recent years the increase of App use has been significant, retail and hospitality are with no exception. From gaming to subscriptions, finding a gateway which will integrate with your App will not only streamline the customer journey but also reduce the bounce rate at checkout.

Following the COVID pandemic in 2020, there has also been a huge increase in restaurant and booking Apps, meaning that Apple Pay can be integrated into the Apps communicating payment data between diners and EPOS systems.