I need help with Apple Pay

What exactly do you mean by having people locate you on Apple Pay? I assume you mean for sending/receiving money using Apple Cash. This must be done using the Messages app and both users will need to have iMessage turned on. If you can communicate with the person using Messages and the text bubble is blue, then you will be able to use Apple Cash with that person to send and receive money.

Send and receive money with Apple Cash - Apple Support

If sender or receiver is not established on Apple Pay, the account may go through additional security measures. In my experience I have no delay using email, especially if it is the email for Apple ID.

Apple Cash accounts are associated with your Apple ID and other information you provided when opening your account. If either party has not verified their identity, transfers may be delayed for security purposes.