Web Push Provisioning – A New Standard for Adding Cards to Apple Wallet and Google Wallet Without Mobile Apps

Table of Contents:

1. Why do banks want to build their own wallets?

2. How can a card be added to Apple/Google wallet today?

3. What is web push provisioning?

4. Conclusion

In today’s digital-first world, mobile wallets like Apple Wallet and Google Wallet are becoming increasingly popular. Traditional in-app card provisioning methods are gradually losing traction as users demand faster, more seamless, and universal solutions. While Apple has historically restricted NFC access to its own wallet, the European Union will require Apple to open this interface to other wallet providers starting in 2025.

Why Do Banks Want to Build Their Own Wallets?

The answer is simple: money. Apple charges banks approximately 0.07% per transaction made via Apple Pay. Beginning in 2025, an additional €0.25 quarterly fee will apply for each active card token in the Apple system. In contrast, Google does not charge any fees for active cards or transactions, making it a more cost-effective option for financial institutions.

Low-value transactions – especially e-commerce purchases under €2 – are the least profitable for banks, as processing costs may outweigh any revenue generated.

How Can a Card Be Added to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet Today?

There are three main methods:

1. Manual entry – The user types in card details or scans the card with the phone camera.

2. Push Provisioning from a mobile app – The user taps “Add to Wallet” inside their banking app and the card is added instantly.

3. Web Push Provisioning – The newest solution, enabling users to add cards directly from a website without installing a mobile app. This not only simplifies the user journey but also reduces development costs for banks.

Both Apple and Google are currently piloting Web Push Provisioning with selected banks.aplikacji mobilnych dla dwóch systemów operacyjnych.

What Is Web Push Provisioning?

Web Push Provisioning allows users to add a payment card to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet directly from a web browser. Card data is securely tokenized and transmitted to the wallet provider. There is no need for the user to type in any information – the card is ready for use instantly.

Benefits of Web Push Provisioning

• Faster, smoother user experience – cards can be added in seconds

• No app installation required – ideal for customers who prefer using a browser

• Multi-device support – provision cards to phones, tablets, and wearables

• Lower operational costs – no need to build and maintain separate iOS and Android apps

  
  

How Can Banks Implement Web Push Provisioning?

To implement this solution, financial institutions must:

• Integrate with Google and Apple provisioning APIs (e.g., Google Push Provisioning API)

• Ensure secure data transmission using tokenization and encryption

• Apply strong user authentication (e.g., 2FA, identity verification)

Alternatively, banks can partner with third-party wallet providers offering pre-certified infrastructure and APIs.

Real-World Applications of Web Push Provisioning

• Instant card issuance – users can add virtual cards immediately after account opening

• Frictionless onboarding – cards are added to wallets during registration

• Cross-device access – users can provision cards via browser on any operating system

  
  

Conclusion

Web Push Provisioning is the future of digital card onboarding. It simplifies the process for users, reduces technical and financial overhead for banks, and enables broader adoption of Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. Financial institutions that embrace this technology can gain a competitive edge while improving the user experience across all channels.

Check more of our tutorials about payments:

https://www.sparados.com/en/post/your-own-card-design-in-sparados

https://www.sparados.com/en/post/physical-or-virtual-card-what-to-choose-in-2025