how do I add ApplePay to my child's iPhone?

I had the same question, but it looks like Apple simply don't allow it. I don't understand why - as long as the app asks parents to approve the addition of a card to an account, it should allow the child to add a DEBIT card. My son is 11 and has just opened a Nationwide current account, so in effect all offering Apple Pay does is give him a way of accessing his own money. It would actually make more sense to let him do this - while he's accessing his own funds, he's not using mine! Equally, he's getting used to managing his own money in the process.

Surely this is something Apple need to consider going forward?

This does not address the question. The document you reference discusses family sharing of purchases via app store, itunes etc ... not using Apple Pay. I believe this question is regarding allowing your child to use the family Apple Pay account at merchants that accept Apple Pay. I actually have the same question.

Not all debit cards can be added to Apple Pay. First check to see if that bank is part of the ones that participate in Apple Pay, Apple Pay participating banks in Canada and the United States - Apple Support and if they are, you may need to check with them to see if their card works with Apple Pay. They also may have special instructions for adding their card to the Apple Wallet.

thank you. It would be great if Apple added this capability to Family Share - so I can either approve or bypass need for approval and child can utilize Apple Pay at any merchant that accepts it rather than just the app store, itunes etc. I believe there are companies trying to address this market in a way that Apple Pay is already geared up to (approving purchases). Greenlight is an example of such a company.

I guess - in an emergency - I could temporarily add my card to their Apple Pay ... I just would have no approval ability. Correct?

In Family Sharing, only the Family Organizer has the authority and responsibility to pay. The credit card on the Organizer account is the one used for any purchases made by family members, even if the family members have a credit card on their account. I'm just not sure that family members that are considered children have the ability to have a credit card on their devices. That is probably a question better asked of Apple. Use the Contact Support link at the top of the page.

see this document as to the feature and limits of a child account

Family Sharing and Apple ID for your child - Apple Support

macc_mark wrote:

Surely this is something Apple need to consider going forward?

You should absolutely suggest it to them:

http://www.apple.com/feedback

Hopefully you guys add the ability to add a Apple Pay cash to child accounts below 13. Would Ed great to start teaching management of money early where they don’t have to carry cash. Too easy to lose and the family organizer can load more money as needed.

tcdesignguy wrote:

Hopefully you guys add the ability to add a Apple Pay cash to child accounts below 13. Would Ed great to start teaching management of money early where they don’t have to carry cash. Too easy to lose and the family organizer can load more money as needed.

None of us guys here have any more influence over what Apple does or doesn't do than you. Use the feedback link provided above to let Apple know what you'd like to see.

Probably because the child is under 13 and therefore not eligible to have his own Apple account.