Apple Pay on watch for a child

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Level 1

4 points

Apple Pay on watch for a child

os there any way to have my child’s debit on her Apple Watch. She can’t have it set other than through family share and so far it won’t allow me to have her pay with her debit nor will it let me use Apple Cash outside of the US (I’m in canada). The whole point of her having this watch was to not drag around a phone and a wallet so she can play freely and so far getting cellular connected is complicated (hasn’t worked yet unless I change our provider) and she can’t pay with it. It’s basically been an overpriced and disappointed learning experience. Help

iPhone 4s, iOS 9

Posted on Jul 21, 2023 10:02 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Jeff Donald

Level 8

44,166 points

Jul 21, 2023 10:52 AM in response to tleecdl

This information may also prove helpful and provides additional explanation.

>> Apple Pay features:

Apple Cash Family is available to users under the age of 18, allowing them to make purchases and send and receive money in Messages with Apple Pay (United States only).
Apple Pay using a credit or debit card in the Wallet app is not available with Family Setup.

The following features and apps are not available: Medications, respiratory rate, irregular heart rhythm notifications, ECG, AFib History, Cycle Tracking, Sleep, Wrist Temperature, Blood Oxygen, Walking Steadiness, Audiobooks, Remote, News, and Shortcuts. <<

Set up Apple Watch for a family member - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Jeff Donald

Level 8

44,166 points

Jul 21, 2023 10:19 AM in response to tleecdl

Apple Cash transfers are only for within the US. Credit/debit instruments are limited by Federal Banking regulations I believe the minimum age is 13. Also, some banks may enforce their own restrictions.

The carrier issue we can’t really address in the Apple Pay forum. I’ve had an Apple Watch since Series 1 and it’s basically worked flawlessly. I’m sorry for you and your daughters experience, but in many cases a little research may help with making purchasing decisions before assuming everything will work flawlessly. It can be perplexing when it a minor and even more so when things need to go between two countries.

Did a US bank issue the debit card or a Canadian bank?

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Answer 3

Jeff Donald

Level 8

44,166 points

Jul 22, 2023 1:36 PM in response to tleecdl

Typically speaking, 11 year olds are not permitted to have a financial instrument, such as a debit or credit card. Most states don’t start letting children have debit card until 13. Credit cards are subject to different regulations and restriction based on bank rules, state laws and federal regulations. Canada throws a whole other gray area.

I’m happy to answer questions, but not sure a resolution is possible.

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Answer 4

tleecdl Author

Level 1

4 points

Jul 21, 2023 1:54 PM in response to Jeff Donald

It’s canada based, I quite a bit of research unfortunately but the sites were I’m assuming US sites so they didn’t include “only eligible in US” and virgin plus had me going back and forth under the assumption they could connect until one of their agents weeks later told me the other agents were incorrect :( I really wish there was a way to have a child be up to date without having a phone. I’m thinking of seeing if I can change from child account to regular maybe?

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