The Device Account Number in the Secure Element is isolated from iOS, watchOS, and macOS, is never stored on Apple servers, and is never backed up to iCloud. Apple doesn't store or have access to the original card numbers of credit, debit, or prepaid cards that you add to Apple Pay.

Adding your cards to Apple Wallet is widely considered safer than carrying physical cards in 2026. Apple Pay utilizes "Tokenization," meaning your actual credit card number is never stored on the device or shared with merchants. Instead, a unique "Device Account Number" is assigned and encrypted in the Secure Element, a dedicated chip in your iPhone or Apple Watch. Even if a merchant suffers a data breach, your real card info isn't there to be stolen. Furthermore, every transaction requires biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID), meaning a thief who steals your phone cannot spend your money without your face or fingerprint. If you lose your phone, you can immediately disable Apple Pay via "Find My" on another device. In contrast, a lost physical wallet leaves all your cards exposed to immediate use and "skimming" at compromised card readers.