How to Send Money to Another Person Using Apple Pay

Apple Pay lets you send money directly to another person through the Messages app or the Wallet app, but the person receiving it must have an Apple device and a compatible bank account

You can transfer money using Apple Pay in two ways: through Messages (the fastest route for most people) or through the Wallet app. Both methods move money from your linked debit card or Apple Cash balance to another person's Apple Cash account. The recipient gets the money within minutes if both of you use the same bank, or within one to three business days if you use different banks. The person receiving money does not need to do anything to accept it — the money lands in their Apple Cash balance automatically.

Apple Pay transfers work only between people who both have iPhones, iPads, or Apple Watches running current versions of iOS or watchOS. The recipient must also have set up Apple Cash or a compatible debit card in their Wallet. You cannot send money to someone with an Android phone or to a bank account directly — you can only send to their Apple Cash balance.

Key Takeaways

• You can send money through Messages by tapping the Apple Pay button, or through Wallet by tapping the send button and entering the recipient's name or phone number.
• The recipient must have an Apple device with Apple Cash set up, and both of you must be in the United States for the transfer to work.
• Money sent through Messages arrives within minutes if you both use the same bank, or within one to three business days if you use different banks.
• You can send up to $20,000 per transaction, but your bank may have lower daily or monthly limits that override Apple's limit.
• If the recipient does not accept the money within 30 days, it returns to your account automatically.

Sending money through the Messages app

Open Messages and find the conversation with the person you want to send money to. Tap the Apple Pay button (it looks like a white circle with an Apple logo) at the bottom of the keyboard. If you do not see it, swipe left on the row of app icons until you find it.

Tap the amount field and enter how much you want to send. You can also tap one of the preset amounts if they appear. Then tap the send button (usually a green arrow or checkmark). If this is your first time sending money, you may be asked to verify your identity or confirm your payment method. Once you confirm, the money goes to the recipient's Apple Cash balance right away.

The recipient will see the money appear in Messages with a notification. They do not have to do anything to accept it — it lands in their Apple Cash account automatically. If they want to move it to their bank account, they can do that through their Wallet app, which usually takes one to three business days depending on their bank.

Sending money through the Wallet app

Open Wallet and tap the send button (it looks like a plus sign or an arrow pointing upward, depending on your iOS version). Tap "Send Money" or "Request" — make sure you choose "Send" and not "Request," since requesting money asks someone to send you funds instead.

Enter the recipient's name, phone number, or email address. Apple will show you matching contacts. Select the correct person. Then enter the amount you want to send and tap next. Review the details and confirm your payment method. Tap send to complete the transfer.

The money moves to the recipient's Apple Cash balance when ready. They will get a notification on their device. Like transfers through Messages, the money is final once sent — you cannot cancel it after you tap send, so double-check the amount and recipient before confirming.

What happens if the recipient does not have Apple Cash set up

If you try to send money to someone who does not have Apple Cash, the transfer will fail and you will see an error message. The person receiving the money must have already opened the Wallet app, tapped the plus button, and set up Apple Cash or added a compatible debit card. They cannot set it up after you send the money.

If the recipient has an older iPhone or iPad that does not support Apple Cash, they will not be able to receive money through Apple Pay at all. In that case, you would need to use a different payment method, such as Venmo, PayPal, or a bank transfer.

Limits on how much you can send

Apple allows you to send up to $20,000 per transaction. However, your bank may set a lower daily or weekly limit. For example, your bank might allow only $5,000 per day across all transfers, or $10,000 per week. These limits vary by bank and account type, so check your bank's website or call them if you are unsure.

If you hit your bank's limit, you will see a message saying the transfer cannot go through. You can try again the next day or contact your bank to ask if they can raise your limit. Some banks let you increase limits through their app or website, while others require a phone call.

When money does not arrive or gets sent back

If the recipient's Apple Cash account is full or locked, the money may be rejected and returned to you within a few minutes. If the recipient does not accept the money within 30 days, it automatically returns to your account. You will see a notification when this happens.

If money is sent to the wrong person by mistake, contact Apple Support right away. Transfers are usually final once sent, but Apple may be able to help if you reach out quickly. Do not wait — the sooner you report it, the better your chances of recovery.

Security and fraud protection

Apple Pay transfers are encrypted, meaning the money moves through find channels that third parties cannot see. Your bank also monitors transfers for fraud. If your account is compromised or someone sends money without your permission, contact your bank when ready — they can reverse unauthorized transfers within a certain window, usually 60 days.

To protect yourself, never share your Apple Pay PIN or Face ID with anyone. Do not send money to people you do not know or trust. If someone asks you to send money urgently or threatens you, that is a common scam — hang up and call the person back using a number you know is real.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money to someone in another country?

No. Apple Pay transfers only work between people in the United States. Both the sender and recipient must have U.S. phone numbers and U.S. bank accounts. If you need to send money internationally, you would need to use a service like Wise, OFX, or your bank's wire transfer service.

What if I sent money to the wrong person?

Contact Apple Support when ready and explain what happened. Transfers are final once sent, but Apple may be able to reverse it if you report it quickly. The sooner you act, the better your chances. Your bank can also help if the transfer was unauthorized or fraudulent.

Does the recipient have to pay taxes on money I send them?

Money sent between friends and family is not taxable income in most cases. However, if you are sending money as payment for goods or services, that may be taxable to the recipient. Tax rules are complex — if you are unsure, ask a tax professional or check the IRS website.

Can I set up a recurring payment through Apple Pay?

No. Apple Pay transfers are one-time only. You cannot schedule automatic payments or set up recurring transfers. If you need to send money regularly, you would need to send it manually each time or use a different service like your bank's bill pay feature.

What if my bank is not compatible with Apple Pay?

Most major U.S. banks support Apple Pay, but some smaller or regional banks do not. Check your bank's website or call them to confirm. If your bank does not support Apple Pay, you can still receive money through Apple Cash if you add a compatible debit card to your Wallet instead of linking your bank account directly.