How to Set Up and Use Apple Cash on Your iPhone (2025 Guide)
Want to send money to friends, split bills, or receive payments right from your iPhone? With Apple Cash, you can easily send, receive, and spend money directly in the Wallet or Messages app no extra app needed.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn exactly how to set up and use Apple Cash on your iPhone, manage your balance, and even use it in stores or online.
What Is Apple Cash?
Apple Cash is a digital debit card built into your iPhone’s Wallet app. It allows you to:
- Send and receive money via Messages or Wallet
- Use funds to pay with Apple Pay
- Transfer money to your bank account
- Automatically receive Daily Cash from your Apple Card (if applicable)
Think of it as a virtual cash card that works anywhere Apple Pay is accepted.
How to Set Up Apple Cash on iPhone
To use Apple Cash, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old (or part of Apple Cash Family for teens)
- Live in the U.S.
- Have an eligible iPhone with iOS 15.5 or later
- Enable two-factor authentication for your Apple ID
Step-by-step:
- Open the Wallet app on your iPhone
- Tap Apple Cash card (or tap + to add)
- Tap Set Up Apple Cash
- Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your identity
- Accept the Terms & Conditions
🔐 You may be asked to verify your identity with your Social Security number and other personal information.
How to Send Money with Apple Cash
- Open the Messages app
- Open a conversation with the person you want to pay
- Tap the Apple Pay button (under the iMessage box)
- Enter the amount
- Tap Pay, then Send
- Use Face ID or Touch ID to confirm
✅ The recipient must also have Apple Cash enabled to receive funds.
How to Receive Money with Apple Cash
When someone sends you money via iMessage:
- You’ll get a notification
- The money is instantly added to your Apple Cash balance
- You can use it for purchases or transfer it to your bank
How to Transfer Apple Cash to Your Bank
- Open the Wallet app > Tap your Apple Cash card
- Tap More (•••) > Then tap Transfer to Bank
- Enter the amount
- Choose:
- Instant Transfer (for a small fee)
- 1–3 Business Days (free)
- Confirm using Face ID or Touch ID
💳 Instant transfers require a Visa debit card linked to Apple Pay.
Where Can You Use Apple Cash?
- In stores and online wherever Apple Pay is accepted
- In apps and Safari checkouts
- To send money to friends
- To pay your Apple Card balance or subscriptions
Apple Cash Family: For Kids & Teens
Want to set up Apple Cash for your child?
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing
- Tap Apple Cash
- Select your child > Tap Set Up Apple Cash
- Complete the setup with parental controls
🧠 Parents can view activity and set limits for spending or transfers.
Is Apple Cash Safe?
Yes Apple Cash is FDIC-insured and protected with Face ID, Touch ID, and two-factor authentication. Apple partners with Green Dot Bank to manage and secure the service.