How to send money through the Messages app on an iPhone or iPad

• You can send money in the Messages app on an iPhone or iPad by using Apple Pay.
• If you don't have Apple Pay, you'll need to set it up before you can send money through iMessage.
• You can only send money to other iMessage users, and they'll need to have Apple Pay to receive the money.
• You can't send money over iMessage using a credit card.

With Apple Pay, iPhone and iPad users can send money to friends and family using the Messages app in just only a few steps.

You don't have to have an active Apple Card to send money through iMessage, either. As long as you have Apple Pay set up on your device, you can send any other iMessage user using your debit card.

How to send money in the Messages app on an iPhone or iPad

1. Launch the Messages app from your iPhone or iPad and open an existing conversation, or start a new one. Note that you can't send money in group chats.

2. Once you've opened a conversation with the person you want to send money to, tap the Applications icon next to the text box.

3. In the Applications toolbar, select the Apple Pay icon — it's black, with a small white Apple logo and the word "Pay."

4. Using the window that appears, enter how much money you want to send, and then tap "Pay."

If you haven't set up Apple Cash or Apple Pay you'll be prompted to do so. Follow the steps to set up Apple Pay here.

5. Once you've entered a valid money amount and pressed "Pay," it'll be put into the text box like a regular text message. Send it, and you'll be asked to confirm the payment. By default, it'll use either Apple Cash or your default debit card to pay it — to change to another payment method, tap the arrow on the right, and select another from the list. A blue check mark will appear next to the card you've chosen.

6. After you've selected your Apple Cash card or debit card, confirm the transaction by double tapping the lock button of your device twice. Then use Face ID, Touch ID, or enter your passcode to finish.

7. The money will be sent to the recipient's Apple Pay account, and will remain there until they accept it or seven days pass. After seven days without the payment being accepted, the payment will expire, and you'll have to send it again.

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• How to remove a credit card from your iPhone, and disconnect it from Apple Pay or your Apple ID

• You can't use Apple Pay on your Amazon account, but you can use your Apple Card — here's how

• Apple Pay does work on an iPad — here's how to set up and use it for in-app purchases and quick online checkouts