What is the limit on Apple Pay in the UK?/Does Apple Pay to have a limit in the UK?

02 Feb 2023

UK Finance announced a new GBP 100 spending limit for contactless payments, including Apple Pay, that will take effect on October 15.

When using contactless payments, the current limit is GBP 45, and this limit can be applied to Apple Pay depending on the merchant. Contactless payments in this context refer to using an NFC-enabled card without a security pin.

Apple Pay and Google Pay, according to a UK Finance report, should be available as an alternative to contactless card payments. Some registers, however, will treat Apple Pay as a contactless payment and will apply the limit regardless.

Because using an NFC card requires no security verification, the limit is intended to protect users from fraud. Thieves are less likely to attempt stealing a card for fraudulent use at GBP 45, and even less likely at GBP 100.

Because security verification is taking place, Apple Pay and other secure payment methods such as chip and pin are not supposed to trigger the limit. Some payment terminals, however, do not recognize Apple Pay as a separate payment method from NFC cards and thus decline payments in excess of the limit.

To confirm support, customers should look for the Apple Pay sticker at registers. Purchases made otherwise may be subject to the limit.