How to Add Your Based Card to Apple Pay

To add your Based card to Apple Pay, open the Based app, go to Cards, select the card and tap Add to Apple Wallet. It takes a few minutes, and afterwards you can pay with your iPhone or Apple Watch without the physical card. The full steps, and fixes if something goes wrong, are below.
What you will need
- An active Based card that is eligible for Apple Pay
- An iPhone or Apple Watch that supports Apple Pay and has the latest software installed
- iCloud signed in on your device with Face ID or Touch ID enabled and a passcode set
- The Based app installed
- Apple Pay available in your country or region
How to add your Based card to Apple Pay on iPhone
- Open the Based app and sign in.
- Go to the Cards section and select the Based card you want to add.
- Tap Add to Apple Wallet or Add to Apple Pay.
- Follow the instructions. You may need to verify your identity by SMS.
- When the Done check mark appears in the Wallet app or the Based app, your card is ready.
- To pay, double click the side button, authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID, then hold your device near the reader.
How to add your Based card to Apple Pay on Apple Watch
- On your iPhone, open the Watch app.
- Scroll to Wallet and Apple Pay, then tap Add Card.
- Select the Based card you already added to your iPhone.
- Follow the instructions. You may need to enter your card CVV.
- When the card shows a check mark in the Wallet app on your watch, it's ready.
Need money on the card first? See how to top up from Solana, Polygon or Arbitrum.
If you cannot add your card
- Check that your Based card is active, not blocked, expired or frozen
- Make sure your device supports Apple Pay and is updated
- Confirm Apple Pay is available in your region
- Close and reopen the Based app
- If you still see an error, contact Based support through the Based app
Frequently asked questions
Can I add a virtual Based card or a physical Based card?
Yes. As long as your Based card is active and eligible for Apple Pay in your region, you can add it.
Can I use Apple Pay with Based on all my Apple devices?
Yes. If your device supports Apple Pay, you can use your Based card on iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad and Mac.
Does adding my card to Apple Pay change my card benefits?
No. Your card benefits stay the same, including cashback on eligible spend for your tier. Apple Pay changes how you pay, not what you get. The crypto debit card comparison covers the tiers.
What is the fastest fix for an error when adding my card?
Remove the Based card from Wallet and add it again, and make sure your device software is up to date. If the error keeps coming back, contact Based support in the app.
Card signups reopen in November 2026
Signups for the Based Visa card are paused for now. See what each card tier includes before they reopen.