Apple Pay has launched in one of the world’s largest digital payments markets, India, currently dominated by the state-backed United Payments Interface (UPI). The initial rollout is limited and arrives in partnership with Axis Bank, the country’s third-largest private lender. Customers with Axis Bank-issued credit cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks will be the first to get access to Apple’s contactless payment system.

To use Apple Pay, you can add eligible cards through the bank’s mobile app or Apple Wallet and make contactless payments using an iPhone, Apple Watch or iPad. It authenticates transactions through Face ID, Touch ID or a device passcode, so you don’t need to enter the card PIN or one-time password.

At launch, Apple Pay doesn’t support India’s homegrown RuPay network and is restricted to merchants and payment terminals that have been enabled for the service, including Blinkit, Croma, Ixigo, Reliance brands, Tata 1mg, and Zomato. Apple has also worked with payment service providers including Cashfree, JusPay, Mswipe, Paytm, PayU, Pine Labs, Razorpay, and Worldline to enable Apple Pay acceptance.

Earlier, Reuters had reported that Apple held talks with Axis Bank rivals, including HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, but they’re yet to agree on commercial terms.

“India is home to a dynamic and digitally savvy population that continues to embrace a cashless future while expecting the highest standards of security and privacy, and we’re so excited to bring Apple Pay to users in India today,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, in a statement.

How To Use Apple Pay On Your iPhone

To set up Apple Pay on your iPhone, you need to:

  1. Open the Wallet app.
  2. Tap on the plus sign.
  3. Follow the on-screen steps to add an eligible card to your Wallet app.
  4. Once added, you can use it at payment terminals by simply pressing the side button twice.