Contactless payments are the new normal, whether with debit card, phone or smartwatch. When George and Apple Pay join forces, they're super easy too. Read on to find out how to activate Apple Pay for your debit cards with George.
How To Use Apple Pay With Your Debit Card
Last Article Update 21.08.2026
First things first: Apple Pay is a payment method provided by Apple Inc. It digitises chip and PIN transactions for your debit or credit card anywhere you can make contactless payments via NFC (a.k.a. Near Field Communication). You can also use it to pay online or in the Apple Store.
Whenever you want to pay with Apple Pay, two-factor authentication comes into play. That just means confirming it's really you. This works with Touch ID, Face ID, or your passcode.
What you need to use Apple Pay
Here's what you need to use Apple Pay with your debit card:
- A compatible Apple device (iPhone or iPad that supports either Touch ID or Face ID; Apple Watch) with the latest software update (iOS)
- An Apple account - you need to be signed in on the device you want to use
- The latest version of the George app and Apple Wallet on your device
You also need to be at least 14 years old.
Step 1: Choose your card
First, choose the debit card you want to activate for Apple Pay. There are a few ways you can do this.
In cards menu
1. Tap the card icon (💳) on the top right in your Overview.
2. Go to "Add to Apple Wallet".
3. The list shows all the cards you can activate. Choose the debit card you want.
From your account
1. Tap on your current account and go to Cards.
2. Choose the debit card you want.
3. Tap on "Activate Apple Pay".
In Overview
1. Tap the three dots (...) next to the account tied to your card.
2. Choose "Apple Pay".
Step 2: Activate your card for Apple Pay
Activation starts right after you choose a card.
1. A new screen pops up. Tap "Let's go".
2. Next, you will be redirected to a signing screen. Sign as usual.
3. Apple Pay is now activated for this card. You can now add it to Apple Wallet any time you want.
Step 3: Add your card to Apple Wallet
Follow the instructions in Step 1 to get to your card and then:
1. Tap "Add to Apple Wallet" in the window that pops up.
2. Tap "Next".
3. You will now see the Terms and Conditions of your bank. Please read them carefully and tap "Agree".
4. Now it's time to verify your card. Go to "Next".
5. You should get a text with your verification code. Enter this code. On iPhone, this might even happen automatically.
6. That's it! Your card should now be available in your Apple Wallet.
Apple asks if you want to set this card as your default card. This makes sense if you have many cards and use one more often.
Alternative method: Activate using the Wallet app
If you prefer, you can also activate your debit card in the Wallet App instead of with George. Here's how:
1. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
2. Click on the "+" on the top right of your screen.
3. You can either re-add cards you already had in your Wallet, or add a new card. To add a new card, tap "Debit or Credit Card".
4. Search for "Erste Bank / Sparkasse" by entering "Erste". "Erste Bank / Sparkasse" should appear on your screen.
5. Choose debit card.
6. Tap "Continue".
7. Enter your card details manually or scan your card number with your phone.
8. Enter the expiry date and security code of your card.
9. You will now see the Terms and Conditions of your bank. Please read them carefully and tap "Agree".
10. Your card will now be added to your Wallet.
11. As a last step, Apple will ask if you want to set this card as your default card. This makes sense if you have multiple cards and use one more often.
12. You will be redirected to your Wallet. Your card should appear at the top of your screen.
13. George now also shows you that Apple Pay is activated for this card. To see this, go to your card as described above.
14. Scroll until you see Apple Pay. This field should now be greyed out and show up as "Activated".
How to pay in store with Apple Pay
1. Open the Wallet app.
2. Authorise with the same method you use to unlock your screen (Face ID, Touch ID, Passcode). This works similarly to entering your card PIN.
You can also use the following shortcuts for iPhone.
4. Place your device near a card reader that supports contactless payments.
Oh, and something worth noting: With Apple Pay, you technically have a virtual version of your debit card. This virtual card has its own card number. Good to keep in mind if you're trying to track transactions, or making a claim.
How to remove your card from Apple Wallet
1. Open the Wallet app on your Apple device.
2. Tap on the card you want to remove.
3. Tap on the three dots (...) on the top right.
4. Tap on "Card Details".
5. Scroll down until you see "Remove Card".
6. Your Apple device will ask you whether you will remove this card, including its transaction history.
7. To remove the card, tap "Remove".