How to Use Apple Cash on Amazon: A Comprehensive Guide

The digital age has ushered in a new era of seamless transactions, but navigating the nuances of different payment systems can be tricky. Many users wonder: How can I use my Apple Cash balance on Amazon? The direct answer is that you cannot directly use Apple Cash as a payment method on Amazon. Amazon does not directly accept Apple Cash as a funding source for purchases. However, there are a few workarounds involving transferring your Apple Cash balance to your bank account or obtaining an Apple Card to use as payment method.

Understanding the Limitations: Why No Direct Apple Cash Support?

Before diving into the workarounds, it’s crucial to understand why Amazon doesn’t directly support Apple Cash. The primary reason boils down to payment processing partnerships and platform integrations. Amazon has established payment relationships with major credit card networks (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and its own Amazon Pay system. Integrating Apple Cash would require significant technical and financial agreements that haven’t been established between the two tech giants.

Furthermore, Apple Cash is designed primarily for peer-to-peer transactions and smaller purchases within the Apple ecosystem. While it can be used for online and in-app purchases where Apple Pay is accepted, its broader application to large e-commerce platforms like Amazon isn’t currently prioritized.

Workaround 1: Transferring Apple Cash to Your Bank Account

The most common and straightforward method is to transfer your Apple Cash balance to your linked bank account. This essentially converts your Apple Cash into regular funds that you can then use for any purpose, including shopping on Amazon.

Steps to Transfer Apple Cash to Your Bank Account:

1. Open the Wallet app: On your iPhone or iPad, locate and open the Wallet app.
2. Select your Apple Cash card: Tap on your Apple Cash card within the Wallet app.
3. Tap the More button: This is the three-dot icon located in the upper-right corner of the screen.
4. Tap “Transfer to Bank”: This option initiates the transfer process.
5. Enter the amount: Specify the amount of Apple Cash you wish to transfer to your bank account.
6. Confirm your bank account: Ensure the correct bank account is selected. You may need to add a bank account if you haven’t already done so. This requires your bank’s routing number and account number.
7. Tap “Transfer”: Confirm the transfer, and authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.

The transfer typically takes 1-3 business days to complete. Once the funds are in your bank account, you can use your debit card associated with that account to make purchases on Amazon. Alternatively, you can transfer the funds to a different bank account that may be connected with your Amazon payments methods.

Workaround 2: Using the Apple Card with Amazon

If you have an Apple Card, you can use it as you would any other credit card on Amazon. The Apple Card is a Mastercard, and Amazon accepts Mastercard payments.

Steps to Use Apple Card on Amazon:

1. Obtain an Apple Card: If you don’t already have one, apply for an Apple Card through the Wallet app on your iPhone.
2. Add the Apple Card to your Amazon account: Go to your Amazon account settings and navigate to the “Payment options” section.
3. Add a new card: Enter your Apple Card details (card number, expiration date, and security code). You can find these details in the Wallet app on your iPhone.
4. Use the Apple Card for purchases: When making a purchase on Amazon, select your Apple Card as your payment method.

Using the Apple Card offers the added benefit of earning Daily Cash on your purchases, which is then deposited back into your Apple Cash account. This creates a continuous cycle, albeit an indirect one, of using Apple Cash for Amazon purchases.

Workaround 3: Using Apple Pay Through Third-Party Services (Limited)

While Amazon doesn’t directly support Apple Pay, some third-party services or browser extensions might offer a workaround. These methods are often less reliable and can involve security risks, so proceed with caution. These services might provide a way to create a temporary virtual credit card linked to your Apple Pay account, which you can then use on Amazon. However, their availability and security are variable.

Warning: Always exercise extreme caution when using third-party services to link payment methods. Ensure the service is reputable and has strong security measures to protect your financial information. Using unverified services can expose you to fraud and identity theft.

FAQs: Apple Cash and Amazon

1. Can I directly pay on Amazon using Apple Pay and my Apple Cash balance?

No, Amazon does not directly accept Apple Pay as a payment method. Therefore, you cannot directly use your Apple Cash balance for Amazon purchases.

2. How long does it take to transfer Apple Cash to my bank account?

Transfers to your bank account typically take 1-3 business days to process.

3. Is there a fee to transfer Apple Cash to my bank account?

No, Apple does not charge a fee to transfer your Apple Cash balance to your bank account.

4. Can I use Apple Cash at physical Amazon stores, like Amazon Go?

Amazon Go stores typically accept mobile payments, but whether they directly accept Apple Cash is location specific. The best way to know is by checking the store’s payment information. You can usually pay using your Apple Card, which is tied into your Apple Wallet.

5. What is the Apple Card, and how is it related to Apple Cash?

The Apple Card is a credit card issued by Apple in partnership with Goldman Sachs. It is a Mastercard and can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted, including Amazon. Purchases made with the Apple Card earn Daily Cash, which is deposited into your Apple Cash account.

6. How do I add a bank account to my Apple Cash account?

In the Wallet app, tap your Apple Cash card, then tap the More button (three dots). Select “Bank Accounts” and follow the prompts to add your bank account information (routing number and account number).

7. Can I use a virtual Apple Card number on Amazon?

Yes, you can use the virtual Apple Card number to make purchases on Amazon. You can find your virtual card number, expiration date, and security code in the Wallet app.

8. Is it safe to use third-party services to link Apple Pay with Amazon?

Using third-party services can be risky. Always research the service thoroughly, ensure it has strong security measures, and be cautious about sharing your financial information. Only use reputable and trusted services.

9. What happens if my Apple Cash transfer to my bank account fails?

If a transfer fails, check that your bank account information is correct and that your account is in good standing. Contact Apple Support for further assistance.

10. Can I use Apple Cash to buy Amazon gift cards?

You can use Apple Cash to purchase Amazon gift cards from retailers that accept Apple Pay. You cannot directly buy Amazon gift cards on Amazon using Apple Cash.

11. What is Daily Cash, and how does it work with the Apple Card?

Daily Cash is a reward program offered by Apple Card. You earn a percentage of each purchase back in the form of Daily Cash, which is deposited into your Apple Cash account.

12. What are the limitations of using the Apple Card on Amazon?

The primary limitation is that you are still using a credit card, and interest charges may apply if you don’t pay your balance in full each month. The Apple Card also doesn’t offer the same level of rewards or perks as some other premium credit cards.