Apple Pay declined at specific locations on replacement iPhone

Question

Level 1

10 points

Apple Pay declined at specific locations on replacement iPhone

A similar issue was posted recently without a conclusion. Used Apple Pay for ages without any issues, then got a replacement phone. Now there are a couple locations where an Apple Pay purchase is consistently declined whereas there were no issues in the same locations and with the same card via Apple Pay in the past; regular card works fine; alternate Apple Pay card works fine. Is this something with my phone??

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Apple Pay issues

iPhone 11, iOS 18

Posted on Oct 11, 2025 2:56 PM

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Answer 1

Jeff Donald

Level 8

42,882 points

Oct 12, 2025 5:49 AM in response to Calscott76

You’re welcome!

This is either a merchant issue or an issue with the merchant’s credit card processor.

The merchant can single out a specific bank not to accept via Apple Pay. The merchant’s processor may also be restricting specific Apple Pay transactions. The fact the cards work at all other locations confirms your iPhone and the banks are not the issue. The sudden change you be due to policy related changes or even technical limitations of the merchants POS terminal.

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Answer 2

Calscott76 Author

Level 1

10 points

Oct 11, 2025 5:13 PM in response to Jeff Donald

I have two cards. My main card is the one I’m having issues with; the alternate card works fine everywhere without exceptions. I’ve tried removing the trouble card and adding again, no change. Also, because of fraudulent charges I’ve recently had to get a new bank card-still same problem (I had been thinking it was the card 🤷‍♀️

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Answer 3

Calscott76 Author

Level 1

10 points

Oct 12, 2025 5:35 PM in response to Jeff Donald

Interesting, thanks for being an excellent sounding board with this. Of note, the two cards in my Apple Pay are different banks. I’m officially letting this go, and I feel good about it lol! Super appreciate you Jeff, thanks so very much for being so helpful.

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