How to Add Cash to Apple Wallet without a Debit Card

Bypass Apple's debit card requirement and add cash with a prepaid card

Co-authored by Nicole Levine, MFA Reviewed by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: June 16, 2024 Fact Checked

Apple Pay is a digital wallet service created by Apple that makes paying with your iOS device simple and easy. To get started, you'll usually need a valid debit card. If you don't have one, you can use a supported prepaid card! Once your prepaid card is added, you can send and receive money with friends. This wikiHow will show you how to add money to Apple Pay without a debit card using your iPhone or iPad.

Things You Should Know

You can use a prepaid card with Apple Wallet if you don't have a debit card.
To add money to your balance, add your prepaid card to your Apple Wallet, then transfer money from the card to Apple Cash.
Each time you want to add money from the prepaid card, open the Wallet app, tap "Apple Cash" → "•••" → "Add Money", enter an amount, and tap "Add".

Steps

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1
Open the Wallet app. This looks like a wallet with colored cards in it.
- Apple Pay only supports some prepaid cards; to check if your card is compatible, contact your card issuer. If you're unsure, continue with the steps. You'll be notified if your card is not supported.^{[1]
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- Make sure you're logged into the correct Apple ID and your iPhone or iPad is updated to the latest version.
2
Add the card to your Wallet. You must have a valid card linked to your Wallet to send and receive money with Apple Cash.
- Tap + in the top-right corner.
- Tap Debit or Credit Card.
- Tap Continue.
- Tap Enter Card Details Manually and enter the details from your prepaid card.
- Tap Next, and then tap Agree.
  - If you get an error that says "Could Not Add Card," "Wrong Name," "Invalid Card," "Card Device Limit," or errors about an address, first double-check the information you entered. If the card information is correct, the prepaid card you're trying to add does not support Apple Pay.
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3
Tap Apple Cash. If you don't already have Apple Cash set up, you'll need to do so now. Since you already have a card added to Wallet, you just need to accept the terms and select your default payment method.^{[2]
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- If you don't see this option, return to the main Wallet screen, then tap your Apple Cash card.^{[3]
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This will be in the top-right corner.
You can find this below the Apple Cash header.
6
Enter an amount. This amount will be taken from your prepaid card and added to your Apple Cash balance.
- You can add a minimum of $10 to a maximum of $10,000.^{[4]
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The amount will be added. Additionally, when you receive money from others, it will be added to your Apple Cash balance.

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Tips

If you don't have a prepaid card to add to Apple Pay, you can have a friend or family member send you money through iMessage.

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