Unable to add cards to Apple Pay on my iPhone 16

That’s not the way Apple Pay, Google Pay and other electronic wallets work. You’re thinking the issue is the account/card and there if I add it to another device it must be software etc. But electronic wallets don’t work that way and you just proved it.

Electronic wallets are device specific. Your device includes a Secure Element where all your account information is stored. Each SE has its own SEID (Secure Element ID) and you can see yours in your iPhones Settings app.

There are two maybe three entries involved in verifying and authenticating the account, account holder and the device. Your bank has authority and will almost use Two Factor Authentication to approve. You bank may choose to use a third party verification service, many small and medium size banks do. Lastly the Payment Network Operator or PNO. These are the networks, Visa, MasterCard, American Express etc.

Notice that Apple is not part of authenticating and verifying the account and you. Apple does provide limited information about the device, but nothing that can be linked to you personally. Apple basically provides information about your Apple Account, iTunes account, App Store account, and basic activity such as if email is used, and texting. Location information might also be given if Location Services is enabled. Why?

Banks want this information to determine if the device is used fraudulently and like a normal device would be used. Fraudsters don’t have just one device. They may have dozens or even more and most (all?) have little to limited activity. Who has a device, doesn’t use it but wants credit cards on it? Not you or me.

Your device is blocked by the bank or verification service they use, or the PNO.

Apple and the parties involved disclose all this in the terms and conditions you agree to.

Im happy to answer more questions and try to help you resolve this. I’m including further reading materials if you want to do a deep dive into all this.

Apple Pay component security - Apple Support

Apple Pay Wallet Terms and Conditions

Paying with cards using Apple Pay - Apple Support

Set up Apple Pay in Wallet on iPhone - Apple Support

Card provisioning security overview - Apple Support

They are blocking the device (your iPhone) and information associated with the device. That information includes usage, Apple Account information, iTunes account information, App Store account information, location information.

It’s your device that is blocked, not the account. Your account/card can be added to other devices. Other devices aren’t blocked.

Do you want to try to diagnose the device and device related information? Nothing personal will be asked or need to be disclosed.

Who is the payment network for the other cards?

Interesting about the business card.

Let’s do some questions. Nothing personal.

How old is the iPhone?

Did you buy directly from Apple?

Did you setup as new device or transfer old device info?

Did you create new Apple Account/Apple ID?

Approximately how old is Apple Account?

Do you have App Store account setup? Is it active and have you purchased anything lately?

Do you have iTunes account setup? Is it active and have you purchased anything lately?

Do you subscribe to any Apple Services? Are they installed and active on the device?

Do you have any payment methods associated with your Apple Account?

Are Location Services enabled on the device and do you carry it with you daily?

Do you send and receive emails and texts on the device?

Enough for now. Simple yes and no works great for most questions.