Facing error "Could not add card" while adding card to Apple Pay or Wallet

For the first time I thought it might be useful to add a debit or credit card to Apple Pay.


I have tried various Master and Visa cards (all activated), I have tried various banks, I have tried adding via the bank's app or via iPhone settings and Wallet.


No luck. Every time "Could not add card" Apple says nothing to do with us, banks are perplexed.


It's not the end of the world, I've managed without Apple Pay but I don't like it when things don't work.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Wallet/Apple Pay will not accept cards

iPhone 11, iOS 18

Posted on Jun 13, 2025 3:28 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 14, 2025 4:29 AM

The answer lies with the Payment Network Operator (Visa, Mastercard, American Express etc.). When you use the banks app, the process bypasses Apple’s security requirements mandated by the bank.


The information you submit is first sent directly from your iPhone to the PNO for verification and approval. If they approve, it’s sent to the issuing bank for approval. If they approvea a dynamic payment token is sent to your iPhone for use instead of the card information.


In my experience the PNO has found a fraud issue on one of your accounts. The bank needs to work with the PNO to remove the fraud alert. If you contact the PNO, they say everything is fine. They have no way of verifying your identity and the ownership of the device by the account owner.


There is a chance it’s a hardware issue, but the error message would be different. Please have Apple perform diagnostics on your iPhone. It can be done in person at an Apple Retail Store or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider. You can also contact Apple Support and request remote diagnostics.


If you’re in the US please call  1-800-MY-APPLE or outside the US, consult the support articles below.


Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support


Another remote possibility is the use of a VPN. Are you using a VPN?


If the hardware passes, you’re back to working with your bank.

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 14, 2025 4:29 AM in response to PGConnolly73

The answer lies with the Payment Network Operator (Visa, Mastercard, American Express etc.). When you use the banks app, the process bypasses Apple’s security requirements mandated by the bank.


The information you submit is first sent directly from your iPhone to the PNO for verification and approval. If they approve, it’s sent to the issuing bank for approval. If they approvea a dynamic payment token is sent to your iPhone for use instead of the card information.


In my experience the PNO has found a fraud issue on one of your accounts. The bank needs to work with the PNO to remove the fraud alert. If you contact the PNO, they say everything is fine. They have no way of verifying your identity and the ownership of the device by the account owner.


There is a chance it’s a hardware issue, but the error message would be different. Please have Apple perform diagnostics on your iPhone. It can be done in person at an Apple Retail Store or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider. You can also contact Apple Support and request remote diagnostics.


If you’re in the US please call  1-800-MY-APPLE or outside the US, consult the support articles below.


Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support


Another remote possibility is the use of a VPN. Are you using a VPN?


If the hardware passes, you’re back to working with your bank.

Jun 14, 2025 7:57 AM in response to PGConnolly73

The PNO’s share information as well as banks. It’s in both the banks and PNOs best interest to share information. Your iPhone records every attempt to add a card and that information is visible to the banks and PNOs. Many failed attempts (5 or more) and most banks and PNO’s suspect fraud.


Trying to or adding a card to a different device and/or one associated with a different Apple ID is very suspicious to banks and PNOs too.

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Facing error "Could not add card" while adding card to Apple Pay or Wallet

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