How does Apple Pay work in Canada?

02 Feb 2023

Apple Pay is a mobile payment system that was developed by Apple Inc. Because of its simplicity, ease of use, and security, it has become a household name in Canada as an alternative to other payment channels.

When approaching a point-of-sale system compatible with Apple Pay in a retail store, the iPhone screen lights up and automatically opens Wallet, where a user can tap on a credit card to be used or pay with the default Apple Pay card.

Payment is made by holding a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch near an NFC-enabled checkout system, which most of the time looks like standard card checkout terminals in stores. After payment is authenticated and the transaction is completed, a registered Touch ID finger must be kept on the home button for a short period of time (or the Apple Watch must be kept on the wrist).

A slight vibration, a checkmark on the screen, and a beep indicating that the payment has been completed. A facial scan is used instead of a fingerprint scan on devices with Face ID, and a double tap on the device's side button is required to confirm payment.

Due to older point-of-sale machines, transaction limitations, and laws in certain countries, users may still be asked for a PIN code in some stores and countries, but for the most part, checking out with Apple Pay is a simple one-step process that does not require a signature or PIN.

A cashier does not see a credit card number, name, address, or any other personally identifying information when using Apple Pay, making it more secure than traditional payment methods. There's no need to pull out a credit card or verify the authenticity of a credit card with a driver's license or ID card because all of that information is stored on the iPhone and protected by several built-in security systems, including Touch ID.

Because it uses the same credit card and authenticates with Touch ID in participating apps that have adopted the Apple Pay API, making an online payment with Apple Pay is just as simple as making an in-store payment. When you use Apple Pay in an app or on a website, you avoid all of the steps that are normally required when making an online purchase, such as entering shipping and payment information.