Switching Your Primary Payment Method in Apple Wallet Across All Devices

Apple Inc. has been a pioneer in integrating cutting-edge technology into our daily lives through devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs, along with secure payment platforms such as Apple Wallet and Apple Pay. Since its inception in 2014, Apple Wallet has been enhancing consumer convenience and security.  

With its introduction in 2013, Apple Pay quickly found widespread adoption among users, financial institutions, and merchants, accounting for an impressive 92 percent of all mobile wallet debit transactions. In terms of transaction value, Apple was second only to giants with a whopping $6 trillion in 2022. Nonetheless, this year Apple Pay has climbed to the top spot of mobile payment services in the US, with estimated user numbers soaring from 38 million to 101.2 million by the end of 2023.

Apple Wallet is noted for its ease of use and heightened security, allowing users to store various payment cards on their Apple devices. When you have several cards stored, you might want to change your go-to card for a number of reasons: card renewal, loss, or simply a preference change. So how does one go about updating their default card in Apple Wallet?

Whether you prefer an iPhone, an Apple Watch, an iPad, or a Mac, let us walk you through the simple steps to modify your go-to payment card in Apple Wallet. 

Guide to Modifying the Go-To Payment Card in Apple Wallet

Updating Your Go-To Card on an iPhone

If your iPhone is your preferred device for Apple Wallet transactions, here’s what you need to do to update your primary card.

1. Launch the Apple Wallet app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll through your cards and select the one you wish to make primary.
3. Tap and hold the chosen card until it enlarges.
4. By dragging it to the top, set it as your go-to card.

Switching Your Primary Card on an Apple Watch

For Apple Pay users who favor their Apple Watch, here’s how to change the default card.

1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
2. Go to the My Watch tab and select it.
3. Choose Wallet & Apple Pay from the menu. 
4. In Transaction Defaults, tap on Default Card and pick your new primary card.

Altering Your Primary Card on an iPad and Mac

Should you be using an iPad or Mac for your Apple Pay transactions, changing the default card is also an easy task. Here is what to do:

For iPad:

1. Open Settings on your iPad.
2. Tap on Wallet & Apple Pay and then go to Transaction Defaults → Default Card, choosing your preferred one.

For Mac:

1. On your Mac, open System Preferences and select Wallet & Apple Pay.
2. With Touch ID equipped Macs, simply pick your preferred card from the list provided.

Updating your primary card in Apple Wallet is straightforward and can be accomplished across your various Apple devices. By adhering to the instructions laid out in this guide, you can manage your payment options with ease, keeping your transactions smooth and secure.