Can't add cards to Apple Wallet

As I commented above “Most first level support people at the bank are not familiar with the entire process of adding a card. If you escalate the issue to a higher level you may get someone that can help you resolve the issue. Some members of the community have reported waiting 30+ days and the block seemed to reset and they could add the card.” You have to work with your bank to resolve the issue. You’ll have to drive home the point that’s it’s their issue.

Most bank support personnel (even branch managers) are not trained in processes their bank goes through to verify one of their cards. If you can get this escalated to higher support levels, the bank can resolve the issue, or get the payment network to clear you Apple ID, SEID or remove the attempted verification tokens.

Apple is not a bank and cannot verify a credit or debit card for Apple Pay. The bank that issued the card may be the verifier or the payment network (Visa, MasterCard etc) are the usual verifiers. However, some banks use a third party such as a merchant service provider.

Banks, Payment Networks or the verifier track the attempts to add a card. When too many attempts to add a card are detected, the device is blocked. Only the bank or verifier can remove the block. The block may expire over time.

Most first level support people at the bank are not familiar with the entire process of adding a card. If you escalate the issue to a higher level you may get someone that can help you resolve the issue. Some members of the community have reported waiting 30+ days and the block seemed to reset and they could add the card.

The block isn’t on the card specifically, but adding the cards requires data specific to the iPhone. The SEID (Secure Element ID) is one thing that can be blocked. You can see your device’s SEID at iPhone > Settings app > General > About > SEID > device specific number.

Each iPhone has a unique Secure Element and associated ID. The bank/verifier block the SEID if too many attempts are made. They can also block by specific Apple ID. If your spouse logs into your iPhone and can add the card, your Apple ID is blocked. Verifiers use various ways to block fraudulent activity. Unfortunately, attempting to add a card too many times is an activity associated with people that try to commit fraud. It’s the bank’s responsibility per federal regulations to prevent fraud.

I understand you’re not committing fraud, but it’s the bank that’s preventing you from adding your card.

What the exact error message you’re receiving when you try to add a payment method?

What did the bank that issued the card say when you called them?

Are you adding a card to you Apple Wallet app for use with Apple Pay or are you in the Settings app trying to add a payment method to you Apple ID Account?

How many times have you tried to add the card to your iPhone?