Apple Pay is now available in India, allowing users to make contactless payments using eligible Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards on their Apple devices.

The service, announced by Apple on Wednesday, is available on the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, with support for Mac expected to arrive soon.

Customers can use Apple Pay at thousands of physical and online merchants across India, as well as at locations worldwide that accept near-field communication (NFC) payments.

The launch brings Apple users a digital payment option that allows them to pay in stores, within apps and on websites without repeatedly entering card details or using PINs and one-time passwords (OTPs) at checkout.

“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.

Bailey said the service was designed to simplify everyday transactions while maintaining privacy and security.

Apple Pay makes everyday payments with a card easy, secure, and private — from simply tapping to pay in stores without an extra app, PIN, or OTP to checking out online without repeatedly entering payment information, Bailey added.

How Apple Pay protects payment information

Apple said the service uses security measures designed to protect users' financial information during transactions.

When a customer adds a card to Apple Pay, the actual card number is not stored on the device or Apple's servers and is not shared with the merchant.

Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned to the card, encrypted and securely stored in the device's Secure Element, an industry-standard certified chip designed to protect payment information.

Apple also said it does not retain transaction information that can be linked to individual users.

Transactions remain between the customer, the merchant and the bank or card issuer.

If an iPhone is lost or stolen, users can use Apple's Find My app to locate the device, lock it or suspend payments from it.

How to set up Apple Pay in India

Customers can add an eligible Axis Bank credit card to Apple Pay directly through the latest version of the Axis Bank app.

Alternatively, users can open the Wallet app on their iPhone, tap the plus sign and follow the instructions to add an eligible card.

Once the card is added to an Apple device, users can start making payments through Apple Pay.

Eligible customers will continue to receive the rewards and benefits associated with their credit cards when using the service.

Axis Bank, Mastercard and Visa welcome launch

Axis Bank said the introduction of Apple Pay would expand payment options for its credit card customers.

Amitabh Chaudhry, managing director and CEO of Axis Bank, said the launch would provide customers with greater choice and flexibility through support for both Mastercard and Visa networks.

“As India’s digital economy accelerates and consumers seek seamless and secure payment experiences, the introduction of Apple Pay for our Axis Bank-issued Mastercard credit card holders ushers in a new era of contactless commerce, giving Indian consumers greater confidence and peace of mind with every transaction,” said Gautam Aggarwal, Mastercard’s president of India and South Asia.

Suresh Sethi, Visa's group country manager for India and South Asia, said the launch marked an important milestone in the country's digital payments journey.

Apple Pay will be accepted at millions of merchant locations across India, including Apple Store outlets, the company said.

The service is available in more than 90 countries and regions and works with over 11,000 banking and payment network partners worldwide.