Apple Pay
Learn more about Apple Pay, the contactless payment service that lets you donate to the RNLI at the touch of a button.
We launched Apple Pay donations in March 2017, making it easier, safer and faster for new and existing supporters to donate.
Got a question? Find the answer in our Apple Pay FAQs.
Apple Pay is a contactless payment service which allows you to make instant payments using an Apple device, as you would a contactless debit card.
It’s designed so that when you make a payment or donation, you don’t need to input your credit or debit information every time – your details are stored in Apple’s Wallet app. Find out how to set up an Apple Wallet.
Apple Pay is compatible with the following devices: iPhone 7; iPhone 7 Plus; iPhone 6s; iPhone 6s Plus; iPhone 6; iPhone 6 Plus; iPhone SE; iPad Pro; iPad (5th generation); iPad Air 2; iPad mini 4; iPad mini 3; Apple Watch; and Mac models marketed 2012 or later if you have an iPhone or Apple Watch enabled to use Apple Pay.
Apple Pay is only available on the devices listed above. Your bank card also needs to be supported by Apple Pay to work.
With more people using mobile devices, electronic payments and contactless cards, we think Apple Pay could increase our online donations and connect us with new types of supporters.
As a charity, we rely on voluntary donations to ensure our lifeboat crews and lifeguards can continue saving lives at sea, so it’s important we remain at the forefront of fundraising technology.
You can use it on the RNLI website when you make a one-off donation using an Apple device. Unlike contactless debit cards, which have a £30 cap, you can donate whatever amount you’d like.
There are plenty of other charities using Apple Pay, such as: ActionAid UK, Alzheimer's Society, Barnardo’s, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Comic Relief, Concern Worldwide (UK), DEC, Marie Curie, Oxfam, (RED), RNIB, RSPB, RSPCA, Scope, Sightsavers, The Royal British Legion, VSO, WaterAid and WWF.
Yes – instead of storing your card details, Apple Pay uses a device-specific number and unique transaction code for payments. Your card details are never shared by Apple with us.
We are not tied into a contract with Apple and we are not making any ongoing payments to them. There was an initial cost of £15,000 to develop the framework around Apple Pay.