Mobile payment methods have transformed how we pay for things, and event tickets are no exception. Apple Pay and Google Pay offer a faster, more secure way to complete ticket purchases online. They can also store your tickets in your phone's digital wallet, giving you quick access at the venue. Here is how to make the most of them.
Buying tickets with Apple Pay
Apple Pay allows you to pay at checkout using the cards stored in your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch. When a ticketing platform supports Apple Pay, you will see the Apple Pay button at checkout. The process is simple:
- Select your tickets and proceed to checkout
- Choose Apple Pay as your payment method
- Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode
- The payment is processed immediately using the card you have set as your default (or you can choose a different card from your wallet)
The main advantage of Apple Pay at checkout is speed. You do not need to enter card numbers, billing addresses, or security codes. For events where tickets sell out in minutes, those saved seconds can matter.
Security benefits
Apple Pay uses tokenisation, which means your actual card number is never shared with the retailer. Instead, a unique device-specific token is used for each transaction. This reduces the risk of your card details being compromised if the retailer suffers a data breach. Apple Pay also requires biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID), adding an extra layer of security beyond a standard card payment.
Buying tickets with Google Pay
Google Pay works similarly on Android devices and through the Chrome browser. When a ticketing platform supports Google Pay, you will see the Google Pay button at checkout:
- Select your tickets and proceed to checkout
- Choose Google Pay as your payment method
- Select the card you want to use from your Google Pay account
- Authenticate if prompted (fingerprint, PIN, or pattern)
Like Apple Pay, Google Pay uses tokenisation to protect your card details. Your actual card number is not transmitted to the retailer, and the transaction is processed through Google's secure infrastructure.
Which ticketing platforms accept mobile payments?
Support for Apple Pay and Google Pay has grown significantly across UK ticketing platforms. Many of the major platforms now accept one or both at checkout, including through their mobile apps and websites. However, availability can depend on the specific event, the seller, and whether you are buying through the website or the app.
The best way to check is to add tickets to your basket and see which payment options appear at checkout. If a platform does not list Apple Pay or Google Pay directly, you can often still use them through your browser's autofill, as both Safari and Chrome support their respective wallet systems for online payments.
Storing tickets in your digital wallet
Beyond payment, Apple Wallet and Google Wallet can store your event tickets themselves. This means you can access your ticket directly from your phone's wallet app without opening the ticketing platform's own app or searching through emails.
Adding tickets to Apple Wallet
Many ticketing platforms include an "Add to Apple Wallet" button in your order confirmation email or in the app after purchase. Tapping this adds a digital pass containing your ticket barcode, event details, date, time, and venue. The pass can display relevant information on your lock screen as the event approaches, based on time and location.
Adding tickets to Google Wallet
The process is similar for Google Wallet. Look for a "Save to Google Wallet" button in your confirmation email or the platform's app. The ticket is stored as a pass and can surface relevant details through notifications as the event date approaches.
Advantages of wallet-stored tickets
- Offline access -- once a ticket is saved to your wallet, it is stored locally on your device. You can access it even without an internet connection, which is useful at venues where mobile signal or Wi-Fi is poor
- Quick access -- no need to open an app, log in, or search your inbox. Your ticket is accessible from the lock screen or the wallet app in seconds
- Automatic reminders -- both Apple Wallet and Google Wallet can send notifications based on the event date and your location, reminding you about the event and surfacing the ticket when you arrive at the venue
- Battery efficiency -- displaying a barcode from your wallet uses less battery than loading a full app, which matters if your phone is running low by the time you reach the door
Practical tips
- Take a screenshot as backup -- technology can fail at the worst moment. Screenshot your ticket barcode and keep it in your photo library as a fallback
- Charge your phone -- make sure your phone has enough battery to display your ticket at the door. A portable battery pack is a worthwhile investment for regular event-goers
- Check compatibility -- not all ticketing platforms support wallet integration. If the "Add to Wallet" option is not available, you will need to access your ticket through the platform's app or your confirmation email
- Update your apps -- keep your ticketing apps and phone software up to date to ensure wallet integration works correctly
Consumer protections with mobile payments
The same consumer protections apply whether you pay by Apple Pay, Google Pay, or by entering your card details manually. If you pay using a credit card through either service, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 still applies for purchases over £100, making the card provider jointly liable if something goes wrong. Chargeback rights also remain available for debit card payments made through mobile wallets.
For more on payment options for tickets, see our guide to using Klarna and Clearpay. For general advice on safe ticket purchases, read our complete guide to buying tickets online safely. And to understand all the costs involved, check our breakdown of booking fees and surcharges.
