How to Send Money From Apple Pay to a Bank Account or Another Person

Apple Pay lets you send money to people and move funds to your bank account, but the method depends on who you're sending to and what device you're using

Apple Pay is primarily a way to pay for things at stores and online, but it also includes a money transfer feature called Apple Cash (formerly Apple Pay Cash). You can send money to another person through the Messages app, or move money from Apple Cash into your linked bank account. The steps differ depending on whether you're sending to someone else or withdrawing to your own bank.

Not all banks work with Apple Pay transfers, and some features are only available on certain devices. The money usually arrives within one to three business days, though some banks are faster.

Key Takeaways

• You can send money to another person through Messages using Apple Cash, which requires both of you to have an Apple device and an Apple Cash account set up.
• To move money from Apple Cash to your own bank account, open the Wallet app, tap your Apple Cash card, and select the transfer option.
• Not all banks accept Apple Pay transfers, so you may need to check with your bank first to confirm they support the feature.
• Transfers to your own bank account typically take one to three business days, depending on your bank's processing speed.
• You need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid Social Security number to set up Apple Cash.

Sending money to another person through Messages

To send money to someone else, you use the Messages app and Apple Cash. Open a conversation with the person you want to send money to, then tap the Apple Pay button (it looks like a plus sign or dollar sign, depending on your iOS version). Select the amount you want to send and confirm the transaction. The recipient receives a notification and can accept or decline the money.

Both people need an Apple device with Messages, an Apple ID, and an active Apple Cash account. If the recipient doesn't have Apple Cash yet, they'll be prompted to set it up when they receive the money. The transfer is when ready, though the recipient may see a slight delay if they're checking a different device.

You can only send money this way to people in the United States. If you try to send to someone outside the US, the option won't appear.

Moving money from Apple Cash to your bank account

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad and tap your Apple Cash card. Look for a button labeled "Transfer to Bank" or similar (the exact wording varies by iOS version). Select the amount you want to transfer and choose your linked bank account as the destination. Confirm the transfer and you're done.

The money will leave your Apple Cash balance when ready, but it takes one to three business days to show up in your bank account. Some banks process faster than others. Transfers typically complete within 24 hours on weekdays, but weekend and holiday transfers may take longer.

You can transfer any amount from your Apple Cash balance, but your bank may have its own limits on how much you can receive in a single day or week. Check with your bank if you're transferring a large amount.

Setting up Apple Cash if you don't have it yet

Open the Wallet app and tap the plus sign to add a new card. Select "Apple Cash" from the options. You'll need to provide your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Apple verifies this information with Equifax, a credit reporting company, to confirm your identity.

You must be at least 18 years old to set up a full Apple Cash account. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian can set up a Family account that lets you send and receive money with restrictions.

Once your account is approved (usually within a few minutes), you can add a debit card or bank account to fund your Apple Cash balance. You don't need a credit card, though Apple accepts those too.

Banks and payment networks that work with Apple Pay transfers

Most major US banks support Apple Pay transfers, including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank. However, some smaller regional banks and credit unions may not. The best way to confirm is to check your bank's website or call their customer service line and ask if they support Apple Pay transfers or Apple Cash deposits.

If your bank doesn't support direct transfers, you can still use Apple Cash by linking a debit card instead. Money transfers to a debit card typically take one to three business days as well, and you'll see the transaction as a deposit from Apple.

Transfers work only within the United States. You cannot send money internationally through Apple Cash or transfer to banks outside the US.

Fees and limits for Apple Cash transfers

Apple does not charge a fee to transfer money from Apple Cash to your linked bank account. Sending money to another person through Messages is also free.

However, your bank may charge a fee if you're depositing money into an account that has restrictions or special terms. Most standard checking and savings accounts do not charge deposit fees, but it's worth checking your account agreement or calling your bank if you're unsure.

There is no daily or weekly limit set by Apple for transfers to your own bank account. Your bank may have its own limits, which typically range from $5,000 to $25,000 per day, though this varies. If you need to transfer more than your bank allows in one day, you can split the transfer across multiple days.

Troubleshooting common transfer problems

If your transfer doesn't go through, the most common reasons are that your bank account information is incorrect, your bank doesn't support Apple Pay transfers, or there's a temporary issue with Apple's servers. Check that your bank account number and routing number are correct in the Wallet app. If they look right, try removing the account and adding it again.

If you see an error message saying your bank isn't supported, contact your bank to ask if they've disabled Apple Pay transfers or if there's a problem with their connection to Apple's system. Some banks temporarily disable transfers during maintenance or if they detect unusual activity on your account.

Transfers can also fail if your Apple Cash account hasn't been fully verified. This usually happens within a few minutes of signing up, but occasionally takes longer. Wait a few hours and try again if you just created your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for money to show up in my bank account?

Transfers typically take one to three business days. Most banks process transfers within 24 hours on weekdays, but weekend and holiday transfers may take longer. Some banks, particularly larger ones, process transfers faster and may show the money within a few hours.

Can I send money to someone who doesn't have an iPhone?

No. Apple Cash transfers through Messages only work between people with Apple devices. If you need to send money to someone with an Android phone or a non-Apple device, you'll need to use a different service like Venmo, PayPal, or your bank's own transfer system.

What happens if I send money to the wrong person?

If you send money through Messages, the recipient has to accept it. If they decline, the money returns to your Apple Cash balance automatically. If they accept it, you cannot reverse the transaction. Contact the person and ask them to send the money back, or reach out to Apple Support for information.

Do I need a credit card to use Apple Cash?

No. You can fund your Apple Cash account with a debit card or by linking your bank account directly. A credit card works too, but it's not required.

Is there a limit to how much I can transfer at once?

Apple does not set a limit for transfers to your own bank account. Your bank may have daily or weekly limits, typically ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 per day. Check your bank's website or call them to find out what your specific limit is.