Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversHalloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run Scan×
FREEDOM251

Freedom251 › Blog › Apple Pay

Apple Pay vs Samsung Pay in India: Banks, Cards and UPI Compared

By Freedom251 Team · · 5 min read

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

In India, Samsung Pay documents both card payments and UPI-linked bank accounts. Apple Pay launched in India with eligible Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards, but its launch materials do not identify UPI support. Which one fits depends first on your phone, then on your exact card and whether you need UPI.

Apple Pay vs Samsung Pay in India: the key differences

What matters Apple Pay Samsung Pay
India availability Launched in India on September 30, 2026; eligible Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards are identified. Available in India for eligible cards and UPI-linked bank accounts, subject to the service’s current eligibility rules.
Device Supported Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch in the India launch announcement. Mac support was described as coming soon at launch. A compatible Samsung device; model and software support can vary.
UPI in India Not identified as a supported feature in Apple’s India launch materials. Samsung documents linking a bank account through UPI and making UPI payments and transfers.
Card eligibility Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards that are eligible; not every card type from a participating bank is guaranteed to work. Eligible cards listed on Samsung India’s service page; the bank being listed does not mean every card it issues is supported.
Payment contexts In stores, apps and on the web, where the merchant and payment setup support the card and wallet. NFC card payments and linked UPI payments, subject to the applicable merchant, device and service support.

Neither wallet guarantees that a particular card will enroll or that every payment will be approved. Check the exact card with its issuer and confirm that your device is supported before relying on either service.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Which banks and cards are supported in India?

Apple Pay: eligible Axis Bank credit cards

Apple announced its India launch on September 30, 2026, identifying eligible Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards. Apple’s India card eligibility page names Axis Bank and those card networks and types, while warning that a participating bank may not support all of its cards. This does not establish support for every Axis credit card, Axis debit or prepaid cards, or cards from other Indian banks. Check with Axis Bank whether your specific card can be added.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Samsung Pay: check the eligible card, not just the bank

Samsung India’s Samsung Pay page provides current issuer and card-network eligibility information for card payments. Its support information cautions that some cards from participating banks may not work. Confirm both the card type and network against the live eligibility details rather than assuming that every card from a listed bank qualifies. A UPI-linked bank account is a separate payment route, not the same thing as adding a debit or credit card.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Square Reader for contactless and chip (2nd Generation)
  • Use the, easy-to-use, and customizable POS to get started.
  • Accept contactless payments, chip cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay from anywhere, with improved connectivity, extended battery life, and enhanced security. Pay one low rate for every tap or dip.
  • No long-term commitments or contracts, no monthly fees- and with offline payments, keep taking payments for up to 24 hours.
  • Safely and securely accepts payments anywhere. Plus, get data security, 24/7 fraud prevention, and payment-dispute management at no extra cost.
  • Use the, easy-to-use, and customizable POS to get started.

How UPI differs between the two

For an India-based user who needs UPI, Samsung Pay has the documented route: link a bank account through UPI, then use the supported UPI payment or transfer options. Samsung’s India FAQ states a maximum transfer amount of ₹1 lakh. That is Samsung’s stated limit for Samsung Pay in its FAQ, not a universal UPI limit; applicable bank rules and current service terms may also matter.

Apple’s India launch materials describe card payments and do not identify Apple Pay UPI support. Do not treat Apple Pay as a UPI app or assume it can make UPI payments in India on this evidence. If UPI is essential, confirm the payment method you need is explicitly supported before choosing a wallet.

Rank #2
Square Terminal - Credit Card Machine to Accept All Payments | Mobile POS
  • With Square Terminal, you can ring up sales, accept payments, and print receipts, all with one device. Use it at the counter or ring up customers anywhere in your store.
  • Accept all major credit and debit cards and pay one low rate with no hidden fees and no long-term contracts.
  • Process chip cards in just two seconds.
  • Get your money as soon as the next business day.
  • Use it cordlessly with the built-in battery, designed to last all day.

Where you can pay, and what must be in place

In stores

Apple says in-store payments require an NFC contactless-enabled terminal, a merchant that accepts the card network on your card, and a participating issuer. Samsung likewise describes NFC-enabled card payments. A contactless symbol at the checkout alone does not guarantee that your particular card or wallet will work.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

In apps and on the web

Apple describes payments in apps and on the web as well as in stores. Availability depends on the merchant’s checkout and the supported card. Samsung’s India materials describe NFC card payments and linked UPI payments; confirm the specific online or in-app payment flow rather than assuming that in-store support carries over.

Rank #3
Sale
Square Reader for magstripe (with Lightning connector)
  • Pay one transparent rate per swipe for Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express.
  • Works in conjunction with most downloadable Square point-of-sale apps on your device. Customers can pay, tip and sign directly on your device. Track payments in cash, gift cards and more. Also lets you send receipts via e-mail or text message, makes it easy to apply discounts, keeps a data and sales history log and more.
  • Accepts magstripe credit card payments, including those from Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express (fees apply).
  • App sends deposits to your bank account within 1 to 2 business days, or enjoy instant deposits (fees apply).

Travel and other markets

Apple and Samsung publish country or market availability information, but a listed country is not a promise that every bank, card, device model or feature works there. Check Apple’s country and issuer information and Samsung’s supported-market and device information, then verify your card with its issuer. For overseas use, also check the destination terminal’s acceptance and any fees or restrictions in your card terms.

Which devices work?

Apple Pay is for supported Apple hardware. Apple’s India launch announcement identifies iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch support, with Mac support described as coming soon at launch. Samsung Pay requires a compatible Samsung device. Exact model and software support can differ by market, so check the vendors’ current compatibility details for your device rather than relying only on its brand or age.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How the two services describe security and privacy

Apple says the actual card number is not stored on the device or Apple servers and is not shared with merchants. Its description says a unique Device Account Number is encrypted and stored in the Secure Element, and that Apple does not retain transaction information that can be tied back to the user. These are Apple’s descriptions of its design, not an independent comparison.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Samsung’s India privacy notice says the issuer or bank assigns a unique device number and payment security mechanism for card transactions, with encrypted storage in a secure area. Samsung also describes collecting technical and usage information to operate and improve the service, with UPI-related data addressed separately in its India notice. Neither description is a basis for declaring one wallet categorically safer; review the relevant privacy terms and your issuer’s protections.

Best Value
SumUp Solo Credit Card Payment Card Reader with Charging Station. Full Touch-Screen Interface with Free SIM Card and Mobile Data (SumUp Solo)
  • An intuitive interface to easily accept payments and manage your sales.
  • Strong, reliable Wi-Fi connection. Free SIM card and mobile data so you can process payments anywhere.
  • Great battery capability with an additional charging station.
  • A truly portable device. Stay in control of your business, wherever you go.
  • Support when you need it. Get in touch with our US-based support through phone, email and chat.

How to choose

  1. Start with your phone. Use Apple Pay only with supported Apple hardware and Samsung Pay only with a compatible Samsung device.
  2. Check your exact card. Confirm its issuer, network and card type with the bank and the wallet’s current eligibility information. A bank’s name alone is not enough.
  3. Decide whether you need UPI. Samsung documents UPI-linked bank accounts in India. Apple’s India launch information identifies eligible cards, not UPI.
  4. Check where and how you will pay. Confirm the destination market, merchant checkout or NFC terminal, card-network acceptance, and any issuer fees or restrictions.

Apple Pay is a practical option in India for an eligible Axis Bank Visa or Mastercard credit-card holder using supported Apple hardware. Samsung Pay is the documented choice of these two when an India user needs UPI-linked payments, provided the device and payment method are eligible. Neither conclusion guarantees enrollment or transaction approval for a specific card.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1
Square Reader for contactless and chip (2nd Generation)
Square Reader for contactless and chip (2nd Generation)
Use the, easy-to-use, and customizable POS to get started.; Use the, easy-to-use, and customizable POS to get started.
$47.20
Bestseller No. 2
Square Terminal - Credit Card Machine to Accept All Payments | Mobile POS
Square Terminal - Credit Card Machine to Accept All Payments | Mobile POS
Process chip cards in just two seconds.; Get your money as soon as the next business day.; Use it cordlessly with the built-in battery, designed to last all day.
$298.99
SaleBestseller No. 3
Square Reader for magstripe (with Lightning connector)
Square Reader for magstripe (with Lightning connector)
Pay one transparent rate per swipe for Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express.
$9.40
Bestseller No. 5
SumUp Solo Credit Card Payment Card Reader with Charging Station. Full Touch-Screen Interface with Free SIM Card and Mobile Data (SumUp Solo)
SumUp Solo Credit Card Payment Card Reader with Charging Station. Full Touch-Screen Interface with Free SIM Card and Mobile Data (SumUp Solo)
An intuitive interface to easily accept payments and manage your sales.; Great battery capability with an additional charging station.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Apple PayIndiamobile paymentsSamsung PayUPI

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.