My side button is not working however I need to use my Apple Pay. I was just wondering if there was anyway I can still use Apple Pay besides clicking the side button twice.

What if I were handicapped and couldn’t use the side button because of physical restraints can you use Apple Pay on your phone using Face ID? Would that be considered the same as physical?

In that case people can turn on payments with AssistiveTouch as well as with Switch Control. Problem is that for turning on that features on you have to confirm it with Double Click to Side Button. They may ask someone to do that just one time and then they will be able to use Apple Pay. But this case needs functional Side Button, so you can configure payments with AssistiveTouch/Switch Control.

The Side Button is the physical authorization of payment, so it’s protect you from accidental charge(payments). As it not possible to push the button of the phone without being burned, so it will also protect you from pickpockets.

That’s why it is not possible to imitate “Double Click to Pay” with AssistiveTouch or with any other way.