Apple Pay transfer limits [2025]

Apple Pay is a convenient way to handle everyday transactions. It allows you to pay at checkout counters and online using your Apple devices, and you can send money to others using Apple Cash.

However, certain Apple Pay limits apply to different transactions and transfers. Here's everything you need to know about these limits.

You'll also learn about Wise, a simple way to send money to 160 countries with low fees. You can easily use it together with Apple Pay when you need to send a large transfer abroad.

What is Apply Pay?

Apple Pay is a digital wallet that stores your card details on your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro.¹

You can use it to pay in stores without your physical cards, make purchases in apps, or send money to friends and family.

You may have also heard of Apple Cash. It's an Apple Pay feature, similar to a digital card in your Apple Wallet, that lets you send or request money from other Apple users through text messages or by holding your devices near each other.

Is there a limit on Apple Pay transfers?

Apple doesn't set spending limits for regular Apple Pay purchases, such as when you're using it to purchase something from a store. How much you can spend in these situations depends on your bank's limits and sometimes store policies.

But for Apple Cash and sending money to others, Apple has specific limits in place.

Typically, you can’t send or receive more than 10,000 USD.²

Let’s take a closer look at these Apple Pay and Apple Cash limits.

Apple Pay transfer limits overview

Here are the limits you can expect when using Apple Cash and person-to-person payments.²

These Apple Pay limits are in place for security reasons, and should be high enough for most everyday transactions, such as paying for groceries or splitting travel expenses with a group of friends.

These kinds of purchases typically don’t go over 10,000 USD.

💡 Keep in mind that the amounts you can transfer with Apple Pay also depend on your debit or prepaid card's available balance and the limits set by your bank or card issuer.

Can I transfer money internationally with Apple Pay?

You can't send or receive money internationally with Apple Pay or Apple Cash. These services only work in the US.

If you need to send money to a friend or a family member abroad, you'll need an alternative like Wise, which you can often use together with Apple Pay.

You can still use Apple Pay to make purchases in many countries around the world, such as Japan and Costa Rica, just as you would with a regular card.³

When traveling, look for Apple Pay symbols and marks at store checkout terminals or online. However, this option will likely come with steep foreign transaction fees.

Send high amount, low cost international transfers with Wise

A smart option if you’re sending money overseas: meet Wise.

Over 50% of Wise payments arrive instantly* — and all Wise transfers are deposited directly into your recipient's bank account for convenience.

No ongoing fees, no hidden charges and no hassle — just fast, transparent international transfers that can beat the banks.

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*Transaction speed claimed depends on funds availability, approval by Wise’s proprietary verification system and systems availability of our partners’ banking system, and may not be available for all transactions.

How can you check your Apple Pay transfer limits?

Apple Pay limits depend on your card issuer. For regular Apple Pay purchases, you'll likely need to check with your bank to find out your specific limits.

If you try to send an amount that goes over your limit for Apple Cash transfers, the transaction simply won't go through. You can typically send up to 10,000 USD in a single transaction and over a 7-day period.²

Can you increase your Apple Pay limits?

The Apple Cash limits are standard for all users, so it's typically not possible to increase them.

If you're running into limits with regular Apple Pay purchases (not Apple Cash transfers), those limits are set by your bank or card issuer. In that case, you can contact your bank directly to discuss increasing your card's spending limit.

What are Apple Pay’s transfer fees and charges?

Apple doesn't charge extra fees when you use Apple Pay for regular purchases. However, any regular fees from your bank or card issuer still apply.

When you use Apple Pay internationally, such as when traveling abroad, you might have to pay foreign transaction fees. These fees are charged by your card issuer or bank, not Apple. These same fees would apply if you used your physical card abroad.

The only time Apple charges Apple Pay fees is when you use Instant Transfer to move money from Apple Cash to your bank account. In this case, you'll have to pay a 1.5% fee (minimum of 0.25 USD and a maximum of 15 USD per transfer).²

Apple Pay transfer limits FAQs

Is Apple Pay safe for large transactions?

Yes, Apple Pay is safe for all transactions, including large ones. Apple has a security system for each purchase that uses a device-specific number and a unique transaction code. Your card details aren't saved on your phone or Apple's computers. When you buy something, the merchant never even sees your card number at all.¹

What is the difference between Apple Pay and Apple Cash?

Apple Cash is a virtual card in your Apple Wallet that you can use to send, receive, and store money. You can send Apple Cash to friends and family through Messages or by holding your iPhone near theirs (Tap to Cash). You can also spend your Apple Cash balance in stores, in apps, or online using Apple Pay.

Apple Pay is the broader payment system, and it includes Apple Cash.

What are the disadvantages of Apple Pay?

Apple Pay can be very convenient, but it's important to know that Apple Cash transfers only work within the US, and using Apple Pay abroad will likely trigger foreign transaction fees from your card issuer.

There are also caps on how much you can transfer. Plus, not all stores accept contactless payments yet (though many in the US do).

Apple Pay is mostly used as a fast and convenient way to make everyday purchases and send money to friends and family within the US. You can also use Apple Pay when traveling, but it'll likely come with high foreign transaction fees.

If you need to send money internationally, you'll need to integrate Apple Pay with an alternative like Wise. It makes it easy to pay and get paid globally in different currencies.

Send money through
Apple Pay with Wise

Sources

1. Apple Pay.
2. Apple - Apple Cash and person-to-person payment limits
3. Apple - Countries and regions that support Apple Pay