What is Apple Pay and Why Malaysians Should Be Very Excited

Apple Pay is a contactless payment technology created specifically for Apple users through their devices. In efforts to accelerate the transition to a cashless world, Apple introduced a groundbreaking method of allowing their users to pay directly from their devices instead of their cards. Neat, huh?

Unfortunately, this technology is not new as Malaysia is currently the 74th country to enjoy the perks and efficiency of the Apple Pay system, almost a decade after its inception. Better late than never, maybe?

This short explainer contains all the know-how on everything Apple Pay. We promise it’s short and concise so you can use it right away!

Okay, but why is it so talked about?

Well, two very appealing reasons. One, Apple Pay makes payment a lot simpler than it already is. By just keying in your credit or prepaid card details on your Wallet app, Apple Pay allows users to easily pay directly from their iPhone - with a simple touch.

A bit similar to the Paywave system right? That’s where point number two comes in. Their 2FA authentication adds another layer of security on top of your usual Touch ID and facial recognition scan. With this, you don’t need to look behind your shoulder before tapping your card anymore.

Which banks are available for Apple Pay?

As of right now, Maybank, Standard Chartered Bank and AmBank have hopped on the Apple Pay bandwagon. It’s expected that more banks will follow suit and make it easier for you to make secure payments.

Can I use Apple Pay with an Android phone?

As predictable as it sounds, no you can’t. Apple Pay is exclusively only to Apple users with iDevices.

Where can you use Apple Pay?

Fortunately for Malaysians, the Apple Pay system has been rolled out massively. So in the next coming days, you can expect Apple Pay to be available at your favourite F&B outlets like KFC, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut and Starbucks. Retail stores such as Mydin, Uniqlo and Watsons are also on the list of merchants.

On top of that, expect Apple Pay in various other payment touchpoints such as cashless parking lots, cinemas and other facilities in the near future.

Do you still earn your credit card points, though?

Of course! Apple Pay doesn’t replace your credit cards - it just makes it simpler for you to pay using them. Eager to optimize your points? You can add different cards to your Wallet app. Pick one as a default and you can rotate between your cards to maximise its usage.

How To Use Apple Pay?

1. Tap on the Wallet app on your iDevice 2. Tap on the ‘Add’ button to add your preferred debit or credit card 3. Select your type of card 4. Tap ‘continue’ and start setting up your card 5. Choose between entering your card details manually or through a simple scan 6. Use away!