For years, I have said that the Apple Wallet app is one of Apple’s most underrated services. Most people think of Apple Pay when they hear about Apple Wallet, but it is so much more. It stores everything from my credit cards and transit cards, has replaced my keys, helps me send money, and has honestly replaced the need to carry both a physical wallet and keys. Most of these features have been quietly added over the years, and most people just are not aware of them. Here are five Apple Wallet features I use all the time that most people don’t know about.

Be sure to check out our video below, which goes hands-on with all of the features we mention and shows you how to use them.

Apple Cash and iMessage payment

Most people are not aware that you can get a digital Apple Cash card for free in the wallet app as long as you have an Apple ID. It is essentially a debit card that you can load with cash from your bank and use via Apple Pay just like any other credit or debit card. But this also enables peer-to-peer payment via iMessage. And for me, in most cases, this has replaced the need to use apps like Venmo, Cash App, and even Zelle.

The Apple Cash card is FDIC-insured, so you have peace of mind if something does happen. The only thing this cannot do natively is withdraw cash at an ATM. But everything else allows it to work exactly like another digital debit card. You can request money from friends, send it directly in a conversation, or use it at any contactless payment terminal. The integration with iMessage makes it seamless—no need to open a separate app or remember usernames. Just type an amount, authenticate with Face ID, and the payment is sent instantly.

Apple Cash also supports automatic top-ups from a linked bank account, so you never run out of funds. Over time, I have noticed that my use of third-party payment apps has dropped dramatically since I started relying on Apple Cash. It is secure, fast, and works everywhere Apple Pay is accepted.

Tap to Cash

Another feature that the Apple Cash card unlocks is the new Tap to Cash. Tap to Cash lets you pay someone directly on their iPhone with your iPhone. No other hardware or payment terminal needed. It’s absolutely magical. Here is how to do it:

• Open Wallet App
• Tap on the Apple Cash card
• Tap on Send or Request
• Tap on Tap to Cash
• Select the Amount
• Double-tap your lock button
• Then tap your phone to the recipient’s phone
• Now the recipient has the money on their Apple Cash card

This completely removes the middleman and lets you take payment with no fees. This is a game-changing feature in my opinion. Also, the animation when it happens makes it that much cooler. For small transactions like splitting a lunch bill or paying a friend for a coffee, Tap to Cash is incredibly convenient. It leverages the same NFC technology used for Apple Pay but in a person-to-person context. The process is quick, and both parties get a confirmation on their screens. Since it uses Apple Cash, the money is available immediately for the recipient to spend or transfer to their bank.

One thing to note: both users need an iPhone with iOS 18 or later. The feature has been rolled out gradually, but as of now, it works reliably on compatible devices. It is especially useful at events like farmers markets or garage sales where you might not have cash or a payment terminal handy.

Express Transit Cards

This feature has been out for a few years, but there are a ton of people who are just unaware of it. Most modern metro public transport stations allow you to Tap to Pay via Apple Pay in order to get on the subway or bus. Most people pull their phone out, double-tap the lock button, select their card of choice, tap the terminal, then go through. That is way too much friction and causes traffic jams for people in a rush. The Express transit card lets you select a dedicated card that is always used at these terminals. It reduces the number of steps to pay to zero. You literally just tap your phone on the terminal, and you go through as long as you have a selected Express Transit card in your Wallet settings. You just:

• Open Settings
• Tap Wallet & Apple Pay
• Scroll down to Express Transit Card
• Select the card you want to use

So now, every time you tap to pay at a subway terminal, your designated card will be used without needing to use Face ID. The feature works with compatible transit systems around the world, including in major cities like New York, London, Tokyo, and San Francisco. It even works when your iPhone’s battery is low—Express Transit cards rely on the device’s power reserve, so you can still get through the gate even if your phone dies.

The convenience cannot be overstated. During rush hour, every second counts. Not having to authenticate saves time and eliminates frustration. I set my default transit card to a prepaid transit card that auto-reloads, so I never have to worry about balance. The system works seamlessly and has become an essential part of my daily commute.

Physical credit card info in Apple Wallet

This was a huge update for me personally in the Apple Wallet. Prior to this feature, when you added your cards to the Apple Wallet, the physical credit card information was nowhere to be found, and Apple only showed the encrypted virtual card number used for transactions. So if you needed the actual credit number, you would need to go get the physical card. This is no longer the case! Now you can save your actual credit card information in case you need to use it later! Here’s how:

• Open Apple Wallet
• Select a saved card
• Tap the three dots in the top right
• View or add physical card details securely behind Face ID

This was a major reason I could leave credit cards at home. If Apple Pay does not work, I can open my wallet app and find my card number to make a manual transaction without the physical card. Absolute win! The information is stored securely on the Secure Element, and you can only access it after biometric or passcode authentication. This eliminates the need to carry the physical card for emergency situations like online purchases where the card number is required, or when a merchant’s terminal doesn’t support contactless payments.

Additionally, you can now view the expiration date, CVV, and even a digital representation of the card’s design. Some banks also allow you to see recent transactions and manage card settings directly from Wallet. This feature completes the digital wallet experience, making it truly possible to leave all plastic at home.

Digital car and home keys

Apple Wallet has also become my digital keychain. Between my car key and home key, there are days when I leave the house with nothing but my iPhone. I have a smart lock that works with Apple HomeKit, so all I have to do is tap my iPhone to the doorknob, and it unlocks. I no longer need to carry keys. The same goes for my car. I do not need a key fob to get into my car or use basic controls like locking and unlocking. Also, the proximity features for auto-locking and unlocking both the house and car keys have been outstanding and extremely reliable. Again, it’s so good that I no longer bring keys with me when I leave the house!

Digital car keys are supported by an increasing number of car manufacturers, including BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, and more. You can share keys with family members via iMessage, and you can set restrictions—for example, limiting the car’s speed or preventing access to the trunk. If you lose your iPhone, you can remotely disable the key through iCloud.

For home keys, you need a compatible smart lock from brands like Yale, Schlage, or August. The technology uses NFC, so you simply tap your iPhone to the lock’s reader. You can also share home keys with guests and set time-limited access for cleaners or dog walkers. The convenience of walking up to my door, tapping my phone, and entering without fumbling for keys is something I never want to give up.

As Apple continues to expand the Wallet ecosystem, we are likely to see support for hotel room keys, office badges, and even government IDs in the future. The Apple Wallet is no longer just a place to store your credit cards. It’s becoming a digital wallet for payments, access, identity, and overall daily convenience. I tell people that the best tech products and services are the ones that just work, are reliable, and you almost forget that you are using them. And I have not even talked about the Apple Card, the high-yield savings account, live activities, boarding passes, and everything else it can do!

Also, if you are into the credit game as much as I am, I recommend giving Cardpointers a try! It has helped me immensely in organizing and maximizing my credit points and usage. Do you use your Apple Wallet? Has it replaced your physical wallet? Let’s discuss below.

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Source: 9to5Mac News