I can't add my cards to Apple Pay on my iPhone 16 Pro Max

Apple is not a bank and does not verify or authorize cards for addition to Apple Wallet. This is controlled by two entities, the issuing bank and the Payment Network Operator (Visa, Mastercard etc.). Either the entity can block your card(s) from being added to Apple Wallet.

Apple’s role is to transfer encrypted data from your iPhone to the PNO, and if approved, to the bank. If both entities approve, Apple servers receive a dynamic token that represents your card and adds the token to the Secure Element in your device.

Your bank or PNO are blocking your card for only what I can assume are location or verification issues.

Do you use a VPN or ever had VPN software or profile installed on the device?

Yes, banks and PNO may be aware of VPN usage and feel the risk is too high to verify the card(s). I’m not a fraud department at all bank. They use their own algorithms to determine fraud risk.

Turn off the VPN, delete the software and delete the profile. Then reset your network settings.

Reset your network settings

If you're using iOS or iPadOS 15 or later, tap Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [Device] > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

If you're using iOS or iPadOS 14 or earlier, tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

This also resets Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings that you've used before.

If your iPhone or iPad won't connect to a Wi-Fi network - Apple Support

Two separate devices means two separate fraud possibilities. The resolution is having the bank contact the PNO and checking status of the card. Some banks will do it and others won’t. Sometimes best to get into fraud department, IT department (they understand how Apple Pay works) or senior members of support team.

You’re welcome and happy holidays.

Last possibility is wait 30+ days, carry the iPhone with you, and use it for email and texts etc. Do not make any attempts to add cards to the device. Sometimes the block will fall off/reset and you can try to add the card again. Make sure VPN etc is off the device and network settings reset before you try. It may work.

If the PNO detected the VPN, the fraud alert may be active for the device. It’s worth trying switching Apple ID’s. But fraud alerts are applied per device, not user.

If I understand correctly, you’re trying to add two cards to your iPhone 16 Pro Max? Is that correct?

What country are you in? What country are the banks in that issued the cards? What region is set for iPhone 16 PM?