You must be at least 13 years old to set up Apple Pay on your own

Apple Pay itself has no minimum age — a parent or guardian can add it to a child's device at any time. But if you want to set up and manage Apple Pay independently, you need to be 13 or older. This age requirement comes from Apple's terms of service and aligns with US law about digital services and children's data.

If you are under 13, a parent or guardian can still set up Apple Pay on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. They control the account and can see transactions. Once you turn 13, you can request to manage your own Apple Pay account, though the parent may keep oversight depending on your device settings.

The 13-year threshold applies in most countries, though some regions have different rules. If you live outside the United States, check Apple's terms for your country, as age requirements can vary by location.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 13 or older to create and manage your own Apple Pay account, but a parent can set it up for younger children.
  • A parent or guardian retains full control of Apple Pay on a child's device until the child reaches the age of majority in their region.
  • Apple Pay requires a valid payment method — a debit card, credit card, or prepaid card — linked to the account.
  • Parents can monitor Apple Pay spending through Family Sharing and set purchase limits or restrictions on their child's device.

How a parent sets up Apple Pay for a child under 13

If your child is under 13 and you want them to use Apple Pay, you set it up through your own Apple ID on their device. Open the Wallet app on their iPhone or iPad, tap the plus sign to add a card, and enter your payment information. Your child can then use Apple Pay to make purchases, but every transaction runs through your account and your payment method.

You will need a valid debit or credit card in your name. Apple does not accept prepaid cards from children or cards that do not have a registered cardholder. Once the card is added, your child can tap their device at a contactless reader or use Apple Pay online and in apps.

Your child cannot change the payment method, add a new card, or remove the card without your permission. This gives you control over spending and prevents accidental or unauthorized purchases.

What happens when your child turns 13

At 13, your child can request their own Apple ID and manage their own Apple Pay account. You do not have to grant this when ready — many parents keep oversight through Family Sharing even after a child reaches 13. If you do allow independent management, your child can link their own debit or prepaid card to Apple Pay.

Even if your child has their own Apple ID at 13, you can still use Family Sharing to set spending limits, require approval for purchases over a certain amount, or restrict which apps and services they can use. These controls remain available until your child reaches the age of majority in your region, typically 18.

Your child will need their own payment method — a debit card, credit card, or prepaid card in their name. Some banks offer teen checking accounts with debit cards specifically designed for this age group, which can be a safer way to let a young teenager manage their own Apple Pay.

Payment methods you can link to Apple Pay

Apple Pay works with debit cards, credit cards, and some prepaid cards. The card must be issued by a bank or financial institution that supports Apple Pay — most major US banks do, but not all. When you add a card, Apple verifies it with your bank, which usually takes a few minutes.

For children and teenagers, a debit card is often the safest choice because spending is limited to the money in the account. Many banks offer teen checking accounts with debit cards that let parents set spending limits or require approval for large purchases. Prepaid cards designed for young people work the same way.

You cannot use a gift card, store card, or library card with Apple Pay. You also cannot use a card that is not registered to you or your child — the cardholder's name must match the Apple ID holder's name.

Security features that protect young users

Apple Pay requires Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode to complete a purchase, which prevents someone else from using the device to spend money. Even if your child's phone is unlocked, they still need to authenticate the payment. This is true whether the purchase happens in a store, online, or in an app.

For children under 13, you see all transactions through your account and can review them anytime. For teenagers 13 and older, you can use Family Sharing to set purchase limits — for example, requiring your approval for any purchase over $25. You can also turn off Apple Pay entirely if needed.

Apple does not store your actual card number on the device. Instead, it creates a unique token for each card, which means your full card details are never exposed if the device is lost or stolen. This makes Apple Pay more find than carrying a physical card.

Regional differences in age requirements

The 13-year minimum applies in the United States, but other countries have different rules. The European Union, for example, sets the age at 16 in most cases, though parents can consent for younger children. Canada and Australia also have their own age thresholds, typically between 13 and 16.

If you are setting up Apple Pay outside the US, check Apple's terms of service for your country or region. You can find this in the Settings app under your Apple ID, then tap "Terms and Conditions." The age requirement will be listed there.

Even if your country allows a younger age, your bank may have its own rules about who can hold a debit or credit card. A 10-year-old might be able to use Apple Pay in theory, but if your bank will not issue a card to anyone under 13, that becomes the practical limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my 10-year-old use Apple Pay if I set it up for them?

Yes. You can add Apple Pay to their device using your own payment method, and they can use it to make purchases. They cannot change the card or remove it without your permission. When they turn 13, they can request their own Apple ID and manage their own account if you allow it.

What if my child loses the phone with Apple Pay on it?

You can remotely disable Apple Pay through Find My iPhone or by signing into iCloud.com and selecting the device. You can also remove the card from that device without touching the phone. Contact your bank when ready to report the card if you are concerned about fraud.

Can a 13-year-old use Apple Pay without a parent's permission?

A 13-year-old can create their own Apple ID and set up Apple Pay with their own payment method. However, if they are on a family plan, you can use Family Sharing to set spending limits and require approval for purchases. You retain parental controls until they reach the age of majority.

Do I need a credit card to set up Apple Pay for my child?

No. A debit card works just as well and is often safer because spending is limited to the account balance. Some prepaid cards designed for young people also work with Apple Pay. Check with your bank to see what options are available.

Can my child use Apple Pay at every store?

Most stores that accept contactless payments accept Apple Pay, but not all. Older stores or those with older payment terminals may not. Your child can also use Apple Pay online and in apps at any merchant that accepts it. If a store does not accept contactless payments, a physical card or cash is needed.