What is Tap to Cash? Apple’s Golden iOS 18 Feature

Watch out, Venmo — Apple iOS 18 comes with a new feature called Tap to Cash, which makes sending money directly between iPhones or Apple Watches easier than ever.

Tap to Cash for Apple is a feature available on iPhones running the recent iOS 18 update and Apple Watches with watchOS 11 or later. 

You're probably familiar with Apple Cash and Apple Pay, but Tap to Cash adds a new, quicker way to transfer money to someone nearby — by tapping your phone or watch onto another Apple device.

Here, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Tap to Cash, Apple's new money drop feature, from how it works to why it’s worth using, and when it’s not.

Tap to Cash — How It Works

With Tap to Cash iPhone and Apple Watch, you don’t need to share your phone number or email to complete a transfer, and you don't need to download or sign into a separate app. Everything is handled through the Apple Wallet app on either device. 

If you haven't already, you’ll need to set up Apple Cash to get started. Once you do, open up the Wallet app, select your Apple Cash card, and then pick the Tap to Cash option. After the payment is confirmed, the final step is holding the top of your Apple device close to another iPhone or Apple Watch. 

While iOS 18 and Tap to Cash are automatically installed on the new iPhone 16 series, they are also compatible with older iPhones, starting with the iPhone Xr and later. Tap to Cash on watchOS 18 requires an Apple Watch Series 6, second-generation Apple Watch SE, or later.

Tap to Cash isn’t currently available on Mac or iPad, and its functionality doesn’t work with Android devices.

How to Use Tap to Cash on iPhone

Now, let’s walk through how to use iOS 18 Tap to Cash to send money from your iPhone:

1. Update to iOS 18: Both you and the person you’re sending money to need iPhones running iOS 18. If you haven’t updated your phone yet, go to Settings > General > Software Update to install it.
2. Turn on Bringing Devices Together: For Tap to Cash to work, you’ll need to enable the setting "Bringing Devices Together" in AirDrop. Go to Settings > General > AirDrop and turn this on. Make sure the other person has done the same on their iPhone.
3. Open the Wallet App: Next step, open the Wallet app on your iPhone and select your Apple Cash card. If you haven’t set up Apple Cash yet, follow the prompts to get started. 
4. Turn on Tap to Cash: In the Wallet app, tap “Send or Request,” then choose Tap to Cash. Enter the amount of money you want to send and add a note if you like — this is great for tracking the purpose of the payment.
5. Bring the Devices Together: After entering the amount, double-click the side button on your iPhone to confirm the payment using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. Hold your iPhone near the other person’s iPhone or Apple Watch to complete the transfer. They’ll get a notification to accept the payment.
6. Confirm the Transfer: Once they accept, you’ll get confirmation that the money has been sent. You can view the transaction in the Wallet app under “Latest Transactions.”

While this may seem like a lot of steps, once the initial setup is ready, using Tap to Cash is easy. ‍

Pro tip: You can customize your iPhone’s Control Center or Lock Screen to set a dedicated button to activate and send money with Tap to Cash. 

If your iPhone doesn’t have the Tap to Cash feature, it might be time to upgrade. Check out our running lists of the best iPhone 15 deals and iPhone 16 deals across carriers, updated the moment we detect a change. 

We also recommend trying our free and unbiased Phone Deal Finder to quickly find the iPhone deals you qualify for based on your trade-in device and other criteria.

How to Use Tap to Cash on Apple Watch

If you’re wearing an Apple Watch with watchOS 11 or later, you can use Tap to Cash directly from your watch. Here’s how:

1. Open the Wallet app on your Apple Watch.
2. Tap your Apple Cash card and choose Tap to Cash.
3. Enter the amount you want to send.
4. Double-click the side button to confirm.
5. Hold your Apple Watch near the other person’s iPhone or Apple Watch.
6. Once they accept the payment, you’ll get a confirmation on your watch.

Tap to Cash on Apple Watch may be especially helpful when you don’t have your phone handy but still want to make a quick payment. However, the Apple Watch version of Tap to Cash doesn’t allow you to add a note to the payment. 

Tap to Cash Feature Limits and Restrictions

Tap to Cash, Apple’s new alternative to Venmo, is a great  feature, but there are some limits to keep in mind. 

For starters, you can only send or receive a maximum of $2,000 over a seven-day period. The minimum amount you can send is $1, and anything over $2,000 will require a different payment method like Apple Cash via Messages.

Also, both devices must be in close proximity to one another and connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data for Tap to Cash to work. As previously mentioned, it only works with a compatible iPhone and Apple Watch, and Samsung and Google smartphones cannot use it with Apple devices. 

Why Use Tap to Cash?

You might wonder why you should use Tap to Cash iPhone when other payment apps like Venmo or PayPal exist. 

One main reason is that Tap to Cash is fully integrated into Apple’s system. If you’re already using Apple Pay or Apple Cash for purchases, adding Tap to Cash into the mix makes sense — it keeps everything in one place. Of course, its incompatibility with non-Apple devices could be an obstacle. 

Another advantage is privacy. When you send money using Tap to Cash, your phone number and email aren’t shared with the person you’re paying. This is a big advantage when sending money to someone you don’t know well, like a Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist seller, or just want to keep your personal information private.

Also, it’s as easy as using AirDrop, something that most iPhone users already know how to do—you don’t need to open a separate app or enter any extra information.

The Bottom Line

Apple’s Tap to Cash in iOS 18 is a great way to send money quickly. Whether you’re splitting the bill, paying back a friend, or picking up an item from a marketplace seller, this feature makes it easier than ever to transfer funds. All you have to do is tap, and you’re good to go.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tap to Pay on iPhone?

Tap to Pay differs from Tap to Cash, which only works between Apple devices. Tap to Pay allows businesses and merchants to make contactless payments using Apple Pay, debit and credit cards, and other digital wallets. 

How does Tap to Cash work?

To use Tap to Cash, just open the Wallet app, tap “Send or Request,” and select Tap to Cash. Enter the amount you want to send, hit “Next,” and if you’ve got enough funds in your Apple Cash, all that’s left to do is tap your iPhone against the other person’s phone. 

Where is Tap to Cash available?

Today, Tap to Cash is only available in the United States. 

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