Here's How to Use Apple Pay — and Why You Should

Two years ago, Apple released Apple Pay, a convenient way to store your credit card information on your phone and pay for purchases without whipping out your wallet. If you're someone who hasn't jumped on the Apple Pay train yet, it's time you should.

To begin setting up Apple Pay, go to the Wallet App on your iPhone and press the "+" button. Then, you can either use your camera and let it autofill the details of your card or enter it manually. Once you do that, your bank will need to "verify" the card information you entered. After that's done, you can start using Apple Pay.

You can also set up Apple pay on your iPad and Apple Watch. On your iPad, go to Settings > Wallet and Apple Pay > Add Credit or Debit Card. You'll follow a similar set of steps as you did for the iPhone. On the Apple Watch, go to the Watch app > Wallet and Apple Pay > Add Credit or Debit Card. Follow the same steps and you're set.

Now that Apple Pay is set up, you can access it by double tapping the home button. Or, if you're near a terminal that accepts Apple Pay, just place your phone near it and put your finger on the home button; the card should appear. To use it on your Apple Watch, "double-click the side button" and hold it to the card terminal as well.

Apps like the Starbucks one support Apple Pay as well, so you can reload your rewards card with your credit card info all on your phone — and on the go. You can also use it on Safari with certain retailers that accept it. Just tap the "Buy with Apple Pay" option and then put your finger on your iPhone's home button. If you're on a Mac, make sure Bluetooth is on and that you're signed into the same iCloud account you use with your iPhone or Apple Watch. Head to checkout and then put your finger on Touch ID or double-click and ta-da! You should be able to pay with Apple Pay.

If you're having trouble, make sure you're following each of the requirements needed to support Apple Pay.

Whether you're going to a concert or on a run, Apple Pay is so useful to have. You don't need to worry about bringing anything unnecessary with you, but can rest easy knowing you have a credit card to buy anything you might need. Plus, more stores, both online and in person, are accepting it, making it one less thing to hassle with as you buy something.

Try it — you might end up loving it and never looking back.