Can I Pay with Apple Pay on Amazon? The Straightforward Answer and More

The burning question: Can you use Apple Pay on Amazon? The short answer is no, not directly through Amazon’s website or app. While Apple Pay has become ubiquitous across numerous online and brick-and-mortar retailers, Amazon remains a notable exception. Amazon has its own payment system. However, there are still indirect workarounds and alternative solutions that allow you to leverage your Apple devices for purchases on the platform. Let’s dive deep into why this is the case and explore the available options.

Why Doesn’t Amazon Accept Apple Pay?

The refusal to embrace Apple Pay stems from a complex interplay of strategic business decisions and competitive considerations. Primarily, Amazon possesses its own highly successful payment platform, Amazon Pay. By promoting its own payment system, Amazon retains control over transaction data, user experience, and, crucially, fees associated with processing payments. Integrating Apple Pay would potentially divert customers away from Amazon Pay, impacting the company’s overall financial ecosystem.

Another significant factor is the historical and ongoing rivalry between Amazon and Apple. Both companies compete in various sectors, including streaming services, smart home devices, and even cloud computing. Accepting Apple Pay could be perceived as lending a competitive advantage to Apple, a scenario Amazon is keen to avoid.

Beyond the strategic aspect, contractual stipulations may also play a role. Amazon has agreements with various financial institutions and payment processors, and these contracts may include exclusivity clauses that restrict the integration of competing payment platforms like Apple Pay.

Workarounds and Alternative Solutions

While you can’t directly pay with Apple Pay, fear not! Several ingenious workarounds let you indirectly utilize your Apple devices and Apple Pay credentials for Amazon purchases:

• Apple Card: The Apple Card, issued by Goldman Sachs, offers a seamless integration with Apple Pay. Although Amazon doesn’t take Apple Pay directly, you can still use your Apple Card as a regular credit card on Amazon. Input the card details from your Wallet app to make purchases. Furthermore, the Apple Card earns Daily Cash on purchases, potentially offering a small rebate on your Amazon shopping spree.
• Apple Cash via a Debit Card: If you’re determined to use your Apple Cash balance, transfer the funds from your Apple Cash card to your bank account. Link your bank account to Amazon and then make purchases using a debit card.
• Gift Cards: A surefire method is to purchase Amazon gift cards using Apple Pay at a retailer that accepts it. Major chains like Walgreens, CVS, and even some grocery stores often allow you to purchase gift cards with Apple Pay. After you acquire the gift card, redeem it on your Amazon account and use the gift card balance to make purchases.
• Third-Party Payment Apps with Apple Pay Integration: Some third-party payment apps like PayPal, accept Apple Pay. You could potentially transfer money from Apple Pay to these apps and then use those apps to make Amazon purchases. The viability of this approach depends on whether Amazon accepts payment via those specific apps.
• Amazon Store Card with Apple Pay integration through Wallet: Unfortunately, this solution is not available. You can not add your Amazon Store Card to your Apple Wallet.
• Using a Prepaid Card added to Apple Wallet: Add a prepaid card to your Apple Wallet and use it for online purchases on Amazon like a credit card.

The Future of Apple Pay on Amazon

While it seems unlikely in the near future, a potential shift in business strategy or a change in competitive dynamics could open the door for Apple Pay integration on Amazon. Public demand, technological advancements, or pressure from regulatory bodies could influence Amazon to reconsider its stance.

FAQs: All You Need to Know About Apple Pay and Amazon

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the complexities of using Apple Pay with Amazon:

1. Does the Amazon App Accept Apple Pay?

No, the Amazon app does not directly accept Apple Pay. The payment options within the Amazon app are similar to those on the website, primarily focusing on credit/debit cards, Amazon Pay, and gift card balances.

2. Can I Use Apple Pay for Amazon Prime Subscriptions?

Similar to regular purchases, you cannot use Apple Pay directly for Amazon Prime subscriptions. You’ll need to use an accepted payment method like a credit card or debit card, including your Apple Card.

3. If I Use My Apple Card, Do I Get Daily Cash on Amazon Purchases?

Yes, if you use your Apple Card to make purchases on Amazon, you will earn Daily Cash according to Apple’s rewards program. However, do note that it is just 1% unless using Apple Pay directly with a merchant.

4. Are There Any Rumors About Amazon Accepting Apple Pay in the Future?

While there have been occasional whispers and speculation, there is no concrete evidence or official announcement suggesting that Amazon will integrate Apple Pay anytime soon. All that we see now remains only rumors.

5. Is Amazon Pay a Direct Competitor to Apple Pay?

Yes, Amazon Pay is considered a direct competitor to Apple Pay. Both platforms aim to provide seamless and secure payment solutions for online and in-person transactions, although their scope and integration strategies differ.

6. Can I Add My Amazon Store Card to Apple Wallet for Apple Pay Use?

Unfortunately, you cannot add your Amazon Store Card to Apple Wallet and use it via Apple Pay. Amazon Store Cards are designed for exclusive use on Amazon and do not support integration with mobile wallets like Apple Pay.

7. Are there any VPN solutions that allow using Apple Pay on Amazon?

No, VPN solutions do not circumvent Amazon’s payment system. Amazon’s system is not regionalized, hence using VPNs is completely useless in trying to find a bypass.

8. Can I use Apple Cash to Buy Amazon Gift Cards directly from Amazon?

No, you cannot use Apple Cash directly on Amazon to purchase Amazon gift cards. You will need to use an accepted payment method.

9. If I have a business Amazon account, can I use Apple Pay?

No, Amazon business accounts also cannot use Apple Pay directly for purchases. The available payment options are the same as for personal accounts.

10. Can I pay with Apple Pay in Amazon Go stores?

Yes, Amazon Go stores do accept Apple Pay. This is a notable exception to Amazon’s general reluctance to embrace Apple Pay. Since Amazon Go stores rely on mobile payments and seamless checkout experiences, accepting Apple Pay aligns with the store’s overall concept.

11. What happens if I return an item I bought on Amazon using my Apple Card?

The refund process is the same as with any other credit card. The refunded amount will be credited back to your Apple Card.

12. Will Amazon ever change its mind about accepting Apple Pay?

It is impossible to say with certainty. However, market forces, competitive pressures, and technological advancements could influence Amazon’s future decisions. It is therefore important to keep tabs on tech advancements.

In conclusion, while directly using Apple Pay on Amazon remains elusive, the workarounds and alternatives discussed above offer viable solutions for Apple enthusiasts. While Amazon’s closed-off payment ecosystem might be frustrating for some, understanding the reasons behind it and exploring alternative payment options ensures a smooth shopping experience on the world’s largest online marketplace.