How to Put Apple Pay on Amazon? A Comprehensive Guide

Unfortunately, you can’t directly put Apple Pay on Amazon. Amazon does not natively support Apple Pay as a payment method. However, there are a few well-trodden workarounds to allow you to effectively use your Apple Pay balance or credit cards linked to Apple Pay on Amazon.

Understanding the Apple Pay and Amazon Disconnect

Before diving into the how-tos, it’s crucial to understand why this limitation exists. Amazon has its own payment system, Amazon Pay, designed to keep users within its ecosystem. Integrating Apple Pay, a direct competitor, would divert customers away from Amazon’s proprietary solution. Business strategies aside, this restriction can be frustrating for Apple Pay enthusiasts.

Workaround 1: Using Apple Cash with the Apple Card

If you have an Apple Card linked to your Apple Pay, and you receive Apple Cash through iMessage or other channels, this method might be beneficial.

1. Transfer Apple Cash to your Apple Card: In the Wallet app, transfer the Apple Cash balance to your Apple Card.
2. Use your Apple Card on Amazon: Your Apple Card acts like a regular credit card. Simply add it as a payment method on Amazon and use it to make purchases.

This option is best when you have available Apple Cash you want to use on Amazon purchases.

Workaround 2: PayPal as an Intermediary

This is arguably the most reliable and widely used workaround. PayPal allows you to link your Apple Pay-enabled credit or debit cards to your PayPal account. Then, you can use PayPal as your payment method on Amazon.

1. Link your Card to PayPal: Open your PayPal account (or create one if you don’t have it). Add the credit or debit card you have linked to your Apple Pay as a payment method within PayPal.
2. Select PayPal on Amazon: When checking out on Amazon, select PayPal as your payment method. You’ll be redirected to PayPal to log in and authorize the payment.
3. Complete your Purchase: Choose the Apple Pay-linked card from your PayPal wallet and complete your purchase on Amazon.

This method effectively uses your Apple Pay-linked card through PayPal’s secure platform.

Workaround 3: Using Apple Pay on a Gift Card

Another option is to purchase an Amazon gift card using Apple Pay, and then redeem that gift card on your Amazon account.

1. Purchase a Gift Card: Use your Apple Pay to purchase an Amazon gift card from a retailer that accepts Apple Pay. Major retailers like Target, Best Buy, and Walgreens often sell Amazon gift cards and support Apple Pay. Many gas stations will work as well.
2. Redeem the Gift Card: Once you have the gift card (physical or digital), redeem it on your Amazon account under “Your Account” and then “Gift Cards.” The gift card balance will be added to your Amazon account.
3. Use the Gift Card Balance: During checkout, your Amazon gift card balance will automatically be applied to your purchase.

This method requires a little more upfront planning, but can be very effective.

Workaround 4: The Apple Pay Cash Card & Third-Party Services

This method involves utilizing the Apple Pay Cash card in conjunction with a third-party payment service. This is a more complex workaround but technically possible.

1. Ensure Apple Pay Cash Card is Active: Verify that your Apple Pay Cash card is enabled within your Apple Wallet.
2. Explore Third-Party Services: Research payment services that allow you to link virtual debit cards and then fund them. Popular options include services where you can load funds onto a digital Visa or Mastercard.
3. Link and Fund: Link your Apple Pay Cash card to the chosen payment service. Then, load funds onto the virtual debit card using your Apple Pay Cash card.
4. Use on Amazon: Add the virtual debit card details (card number, expiration date, CVV) as a payment method on Amazon and use it for your purchases.

This is a more involved process with potential fees associated with the third-party service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why doesn’t Amazon accept Apple Pay directly?

As previously mentioned, Amazon has its own payment system, Amazon Pay, which directly competes with Apple Pay. Integrating Apple Pay would potentially reduce the use of Amazon Pay and direct customers towards a competitor’s ecosystem. Business rivalry plays a significant role here.

2. Is it safe to link my Apple Pay-linked cards to PayPal?

Yes, it is generally considered safe to link your cards to PayPal. PayPal uses robust encryption and security measures to protect your financial information. They also offer buyer protection, which can safeguard you against fraudulent transactions.

3. Are there any fees associated with using PayPal on Amazon?

In most cases, there are no fees for using PayPal to make purchases on Amazon. However, it’s always a good practice to check PayPal’s terms and conditions for any potential fees related to currency conversion or specific types of transactions.

4. Can I use Apple Pay for Amazon Prime subscriptions?

Using the workarounds described above, yes, you can indirectly use Apple Pay for Amazon Prime subscriptions. By linking your Apple Pay-enabled card to PayPal or using a gift card purchased with Apple Pay, you can pay for your Amazon Prime subscription.

5. What if my Apple Pay transaction is declined on Amazon?

If your transaction is declined, double-check the following:

• Sufficient Funds: Ensure you have sufficient funds available on the card linked to your Apple Pay or in your Apple Cash balance.
• Card Information: Verify that the card information you entered on PayPal or Amazon is correct.
• Transaction Limits: Check if you have any transaction limits set on your card or PayPal account.
• Security Settings: Your bank might have flagged the transaction as suspicious. Contact your bank or card issuer to resolve the issue.

6. Can I use Apple Pay Later on Amazon?

No, you cannot directly use Apple Pay Later on Amazon. Apple Pay Later is integrated directly into Apple Pay and works at merchants that accept Apple Pay at checkout. Since Amazon doesn’t accept Apple Pay, this feature is unavailable for Amazon purchases.

7. Is it possible Amazon will support Apple Pay in the future?

While it’s impossible to predict the future, it’s unlikely that Amazon will directly support Apple Pay in the near future. The strategic competition between the two companies and Amazon’s focus on promoting its own payment system makes direct integration improbable. However, business strategies can change.

8. What are the advantages of using PayPal as an intermediary?

Using PayPal offers several advantages:

• Security: PayPal provides an extra layer of security by masking your card details from the merchant.
• Convenience: You can manage multiple payment methods within your PayPal wallet.
• Buyer Protection: PayPal offers buyer protection, which can help you resolve disputes with merchants.

9. Are there any alternatives to Apple Pay for making payments on Amazon?

Yes, Amazon supports a wide range of payment methods, including:

• Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Gift Cards
• Amazon Pay
• Checking accounts (via ACH)

10. How can I redeem an Amazon gift card that I purchased with Apple Pay?

To redeem your Amazon gift card:

1. Go to “Your Account” on Amazon.
2. Click on “Gift Cards.”
3. Enter the gift card code in the designated field and click “Apply to Your Balance.”

The gift card balance will be added to your Amazon account and automatically applied to your next eligible purchase.

11. Are there any specific Apple Pay-related security concerns I should be aware of when using these workarounds?

Generally, these workarounds are safe. However, be mindful of phishing attempts. Never enter your Apple ID or financial information on untrusted websites. Always use the official PayPal website or app and ensure you are on the genuine Amazon website. Always use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts.

12. What happens if I return an item purchased on Amazon using PayPal linked to my Apple Pay-linked card?

If you return an item, the refund will typically be processed back to your PayPal account. From there, the funds will be credited back to the credit card you used via PayPal, which is the card linked to your Apple Pay. The refund process usually takes a few business days.