The Complete Guide: How to Add Any Digital Card to Apple Wallet in 2025

Your goal is simple: you want to add a digital card to your Apple Wallet. Whether it’s your main credit card for everyday purchases or a special virtual card for online shopping, the process should be easy. We’re here to walk you through every step, making sure your digital wallet on your iPhone becomes the helpful, convenient tool it’s designed to be. For those who need a quick answer, adding a regular bank card is simple.

Here’s the fast answer for adding a typical credit or debit card:

• Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
• Tap the plus ‘+’ button in the top-right corner.
• Follow the instructions on your screen to scan your physical card or type in the details by hand.

While this covers the basics, the world of digital cards is huge. This guide goes much deeper. We will cover the basics of how to add a card to Apple Pay/Wallet, but we won’t stop there. We’ll give you detailed information about specific situations, including the popular Capital One virtual card and the often-confusing world of gift cards. By the end, you’ll completely understand how to use the Apple Pay Wallet app to its fullest.

Adding Credit and Debit Cards

This is the most common way people use Apple Wallet, and thankfully, Apple has made the process very easy to understand. To add a card to Apple Pay/Wallet, there are two main methods you can use. Both work well, but one might be slightly easier depending on whether you have your physical card with you or are already using your bank’s phone app. We’ll walk you through both, step by step, to make sure you set it up successfully.

Adding via the Wallet App

This is the most direct way to add a card. It uses your iPhone’s camera to capture the card details, reducing typing and possible mistakes. We recommend having your physical card with you for this process.

1. Open the Wallet app. It’s a built-in app on every iPhone.
2. Tap the plus ‘+’ button located in the top-right corner of the screen.
3. On the next screen, select ‘Debit or Credit Card’. You may also see options for transit cards or adding a previous card. Tap ‘Continue’.
4. The app will turn on your camera. Position your card within the frame shown on screen. The app will automatically scan the card number, expiration date, and your name.
5. If the scan doesn’t work or you don’t have the card with you, tap ‘Enter Card Details Manually’. You will then need to type in your name and card number.
6. On the next screen, you’ll need to manually type in the expiration date and the three- or four-digit security code (CVV) from the back of your card.
7. Your bank will then need to verify the card. This process can happen automatically, or you may be asked to choose a verification method, such as getting a text message with a code, an email, or making a quick phone call.
8. Once verified, your card is added and ready to use with Apple Pay.

Pro-Tip: Make sure you have a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular) during the verification step, as Wallet needs to communicate with your bank’s servers to complete the process.

Adding from Your Bank App

Many banking apps offer a shortcut to add your card directly to Apple Wallet. This can be even faster than the manual method, since you’re already logged into your bank’s secure environment. We’ll use a general example, but the steps are very similar for most major banks like Chase, Bank of America, and others.

1. Log in to your mobile banking app.
2. Go to the account or card details section for the card you want to add.
3. Look for a button or link that says ‘Add to Apple Wallet’ or shows the Apple Pay logo. This is often found under ‘Card Management’, ‘Services’, or ‘Account Settings’.
4. Tapping this button will start the process. The app will automatically send the necessary card information to the Apple Wallet.
5. You will be redirected to the Wallet interface to confirm the details.
6. You may still need to complete a quick verification step, but often, because you’re already logged into the banking app, this step is simplified or even skipped.
7. Once you agree to the terms and conditions, the card will be added to your Wallet.

This method is particularly useful if you’ve just been approved for a new digital-only card and don’t have a physical version to scan yet. It’s a perfect example of how to add cards to Apple Wallet with maximum efficiency.

A Guide to Capital One Cards

Capital One is one of the most popular card companies, and many users are specifically looking for information on the Apple Pay Capital One setup. The good news is that adding both physical and virtual Capital One cards is fully supported and straightforward. We’ll break down both processes, answering common questions along the way.

Adding a Physical Capital One Card

If you have a physical card, such as the Capital One Platinum card, the process is the same as the basic methods we’ve already covered. You can choose to add it through the Wallet app or directly from the Capital One mobile app.

To add your Capital One Platinum card to Apple Pay via the Wallet app, simply open Wallet, tap the plus button, and scan your card. The verification is typically smooth.

Alternatively, using the Capital One app is just as easy and is our recommended method for adding Capital One to Apple Pay.

1. Sign in to your Capital One mobile app.
2. Tap on your profile picture or icon at the top, and then select ‘Account & Feature Settings’.
3. Under the ‘Card’ section, you will see an option for ‘Digital Wallets’.
4. Here, you’ll find a list of your eligible cards. Tap the ‘Add to Apple Wallet’ button next to the card you want to add.
5. The app will guide you through the final confirmation steps, and your card will be ready to use.

This process works for all eligible Capital One credit and debit cards, making the Capital One Apple Pay integration very easy.

Using Capital One Virtual Cards

This is where we show real expertise. A common question we see is, “can you add Capital One virtual card to Apple Pay?” The answer is definitely yes, and it’s a powerful feature for secure online shopping. Capital One’s virtual card service, powered by Eno, creates unique card numbers for you to use with online stores. Adding this virtual card to Apple Pay allows you to use it for secure in-person and online transactions.

Here’s the secret of how to use Capital One virtual card with Apple Pay. The key is to treat the virtual card number exactly like a physical card number during the manual entry process.

1. Generate a virtual card number. You can do this through the Capital One mobile app or by using the Eno browser extension on your computer. When you generate the number, make sure to save or copy the full card number, expiration date, and CVV.
2. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
3. Tap the plus ‘+’ button in the top-right corner.
4. Select ‘Debit or Credit Card’ and then tap ‘Enter Card Details Manually’.
5. Carefully type in the virtual card number, expiration date, and security code that you generated via Eno.
6. Proceed with the verification steps as prompted by Capital One.
7. Once verified, the virtual card will appear in your Wallet, often with the same design as your physical card but functioning with the unique virtual number.

Now, when you use Apple Pay, you can select this card, and the transaction will be processed through the secure, single-merchant-locked virtual number, improving your security. This is the complete answer to how do I add a virtual card to my wallet when it’s from Capital One.

Adding Gift and Virtual Cards

This section tackles one of the most confusing aspects of the Apple Wallet. While the system is built for payment cards, many users want to know, “can you add a gift card to Apple Wallet?” or “how to add a virtual card to Apple Pay?” The answers vary greatly depending on the type of card. We will provide the most complete breakdown available, clarifying what works and what doesn’t.

Understanding Wallet-Compatible Gift Cards

The first step is to understand the important difference between two types of gift cards:

• Open-Loop Gift Cards: These are branded with a payment network like Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. A virtual Visa gift card is a perfect example. They can be used anywhere that network is accepted.
• Closed-Loop Gift Cards: These are for a specific store or brand, like a Starbucks, Target, or Amazon gift card. They can only be used at that specific merchant.

Generally, open-loop gift cards can be added to Apple Wallet as payment cards, while closed-loop gift cards are added as passes. This distinction is the root of most confusion.

Adding Virtual Visa Gift Cards

Let’s focus on the common question: how to add a virtual Visa gift card to Apple Wallet. Since these function like a debit card, you can add them using the manual entry method.

1. Check the Card’s Requirements. This is a crucial first step. Many virtual gift cards must be registered online before they can be used. This usually involves visiting the issuer’s website (the URL is provided with the gift card) and associating your name and a billing address (often just your ZIP code) with the card. If you skip this, the card will likely fail verification with Apple Pay.
2. Once registered, open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
3. Tap the plus ‘+’ button and select ‘Debit or Credit Card’.
4. Choose ‘Enter Card Details Manually’.
5. Enter the virtual Visa card number, expiration date, and CVV. Use the name and ZIP code you used during registration.
6. Follow the prompts to complete the addition.

So, can I add a virtual Visa to Apple Wallet? Yes, provided you register it first. This same process generally applies to how to add a virtual Visa card to Apple Wallet and other open-loop network gift cards. The virtual Visa gift card Apple Pay experience is then just like using a debit card.

Adding Store and E-Gift Cards

This is where the process changes completely. You cannot add a store-specific e-gift card using the ‘add credit card’ function. So, can you add e-gift cards to Apple Wallet? Yes, but through a different method.

Merchants who support Apple Wallet for their gift cards provide an ‘Add to Apple Wallet’ button. You will typically find this in:

• The email that delivered your e-gift card.
• The merchant’s mobile app, often in a ‘Gift Cards’ or ‘Payment’ section.
• The merchant’s website after you log in to your account.

When you tap this button, your iPhone will display a preview of the pass. You simply tap ‘Add’ in the top-right corner, and it will be stored in your Wallet. To use it, you open the Wallet, select the card, and present the barcode or QR code to the cashier. This is the correct method for how to add a digital gift card to Apple Wallet and how to add an e-gift card to Apple Wallet.

Mastering Virtual Card Additions

We’ve covered Capital One and Visa gift cards, but what about other virtual cards, like those from privacy-focused services? The question “can you add virtual cards to Apple Pay” has a positive answer: Yes, if the virtual card is issued by a bank or service that supports the Apple Pay network.

The general guide for how to add a virtual card to Apple Wallet is consistent:

1. Generate the virtual card from your provider (e.g., a bank app, Privacy.com, etc.).
2. Copy the full card details: number, expiration, and CVV.
3. Use the ‘Enter Card Details Manually’ option within the Apple Wallet app.
4. Enter the details precisely as they were generated.

This process unifies the method to add a virtual card to Apple Pay, whether it’s a temporary number from your bank or a burner card from a third-party service.

To provide ultimate clarity, here is a summary of what cards can be added and how.

This table directly addresses questions like “what gift cards can be added to Apple Wallet” and “can I add a virtual gift card to Apple Wallet” in a clear, easy-to-read format.

Adding Passes, Tickets, and More

A truly powerful digital wallet on your iPhone goes beyond payments. The Apple Wallet is designed to be a central hub for all sorts of digital passes, helping you declutter your pockets and emails. The process to add these items is different from payment cards, as there is no manual ‘add’ button for them inside the Wallet itself.

Instead, you add these items by interacting with a link, file, or button provided by the merchant or service provider. This is an ecosystem-driven approach where businesses integrate the ‘Add to Apple Wallet’ functionality into their own platforms.

Common methods include:

• Tapping an ‘Add to Apple Wallet’ link in an email, message, or on a website after a purchase.
• Scanning a QR code or barcode with your iPhone’s camera.
• Using the merchant’s dedicated app (e.g., an airline or ticketing app) which will have a button to send your pass to the Wallet.

Here are examples of the wide array of items you can store, transforming your Wallet into a life organizer:

• Boarding Passes: After checking in for a flight on an airline’s app or website, you’ll almost always see an option to add your boarding pass.
• Event Tickets: Tickets for concerts, movies, and sporting events from providers like Ticketmaster often include a Wallet pass for easy entry.
• Loyalty and Rewards Cards: Many coffee shops, pharmacies, and retailers allow you to add your loyalty card to Wallet, so you can quickly scan it to earn points without carrying the physical card.
• Transit Cards: In supported cities and regions, you can add transit cards to pay for subways and buses with a simple tap of your iPhone.
• Digital Car Keys: For supported vehicle models, you can even add your car key to the Wallet, allowing you to unlock and start your car with your iPhone.
• Hotel Room Keys: A growing number of hotel chains are enabling digital room keys that can be added to your Wallet.

By embracing these features, you move closer to a truly digital and streamlined daily experience.

Pro Tips for Wallet Management

Adding cards is just the beginning. To truly master your digital wallet, you need to know how to manage its contents efficiently. Using your Apple Wallet should be faster and more convenient than using a physical wallet. These pro tips, born from first-hand experience, will empower you to use Apple Pay and the Wallet app with confidence and skill.

Set Your Default Payment Card

For maximum speed at checkout, you should set your most frequently used card as the default. Any time you use Apple Pay without pre-selecting a card, this is the one that will be charged.

1. Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Wallet & Apple Pay’.
2. Scroll down to ‘Transaction Defaults’.
3. Tap on ‘Default Card’ and select your preferred card from the list.

Select a Different Card Quickly

What if you want to use a card other than your default? It’s simple. When you’re at a payment terminal, double-click the side button (on iPhones with Face ID) or place your finger on the Home button (on iPhones with Touch ID) to bring up Apple Pay. Your default card will appear, but you can simply tap on it, and all your other cards will be displayed. Tap the one you want to use, then authenticate to pay.

Remove or Suspend a Card

If you lose a physical card or simply want to declutter your digital wallet, you can easily remove or temporarily suspend a card.

1. Open the Wallet app.
2. Tap on the card you wish to manage.
3. Tap the ‘…’ (more) button in the top-right corner.
4. Scroll to the very bottom of the card details screen. You will see the ‘Remove Card’ option in red. Tapping this will permanently delete it from your device. In some cases, you may also see an option to ‘Suspend Card’.

View Card Info and Transactions

The Wallet app is also a handy place to check recent transactions and card details. Tap on any card in your Wallet and select the ‘Transactions’ tab to see a history of your Apple Pay purchases with that card. Under the ‘Info’ tab, you can view the last four digits of your physical card number and the unique Device Account Number used for Apple Pay transactions, which protects your real card number.

Use Virtual Cards Online

One of the most powerful tips is understanding how to use a virtual Visa card on your iPhone for online shopping at sites that don’t directly support Apple Pay checkout. When you add a virtual card to your Wallet, you can access its full details for manual entry.

1. Open ‘Settings’ > ‘Wallet & Apple Pay’.
2. Tap on the virtual card you added.
3. You will see an ‘Information’ section that displays the ‘Device Account Number’. For some cards, you can also tap to reveal the full virtual card number and CVV.
4. You can then copy and paste these details into the checkout form on any website, giving you the security of a virtual card number even without an Apple Pay button.

Conclusion: Your Digital Wallet

We’ve taken you on a complete journey, starting with the simple goal to add a digital card to your Apple Wallet and expanding into a comprehensive masterclass. We’ve detailed how to add a card to Apple Pay/Wallet, whether it’s a standard credit card or a specific Capital One virtual card. We demystified the process for various gift cards and showed you how to expand your wallet with tickets and passes.

The Apple Wallet is more than just a payment app; it’s a secure and powerful extension of your physical life, simplified into a digital format. By following this guide, you are now equipped with the knowledge to not only add any compatible card but to manage and use your digital wallet like an expert. You can now shop with enhanced security, travel with greater convenience, and move through your day with one less thing to carry. Your wallet is officially digitized and empowered.