Open Shortcuts and choose Transaction
Open the Apple Shortcuts app, go to Automation, tap New Automation, then select Transaction from the list.
Apple Pay transaction automation guide
How to set up Apple Pay transaction automation on iPhone.
A clear step-by-step guide for creating an Apple Pay transaction automation in Shortcuts. It works with apps like Numbers or spreadsheets too, but this example uses WalletPal so you can automatically log spending without linking your bank account.
Step-by-step
Set up automatic Apple Pay transaction logging.
Follow the steps in order. The screenshots use WalletPal, but the Transaction automation trigger is the same if you are sending Apple Pay transactions to another compatible app.
Select the cards you want to track
Choose the Wallet cards or passes you want WalletPal to track. If you use multiple cards for everyday spending, select each one you want included.
Set the automation to Run Immediately
Choose Run Immediately so the automation can log expenses without asking for confirmation every time you pay.
Add the action that will save the transaction
Under Get Started, choose New Blank Automation, tap Add Action, then search for the app you want to use. In this example, search for WalletPal and select Add new transaction.
Map the transaction fields
Connect the transaction name, amount and card name fields to the matching values from the Shortcut input. If you are using Numbers or a spreadsheet, this is where you choose which value goes into each column.
Test the setup
If you are using WalletPal, use the in-app setup test to create a test transaction and check for the expected notification. If you are using another app, make a small test entry and confirm the name, amount and card fields land in the right place.
Troubleshooting
Apple Pay transaction automation not working?
These are the most common things to check if the automation does not run or the saved transaction looks wrong.
The Transaction option is not showing
Make sure you are creating a personal automation in the Shortcuts app and that your iPhone supports Wallet transaction automations. On iOS 26, look for Wallet instead.
The automation asks before running
Edit the automation and choose Run Immediately. This lets it run without asking each time you use Apple Pay.
The app action is not appearing
Open the app once, then return to Shortcuts and search for the app name again. If it still does not appear, check that the app supports Shortcuts actions.
The wrong amount or name is being saved
Check the mapped fields. The name, amount and card should come from the Shortcut input values, not typed text or the wrong variable.
Notifications are not appearing
Check iPhone notification settings for your chosen app. WalletPal uses notifications to confirm new transactions and warn you about budgets.
The first real transaction looks wrong
Go back to the automation and review each mapped value. Once the fields are mapped correctly, future transactions should be cleaner.
FAQ
Common questions about Apple Pay expense tracking.
Does this connect to my bank?
No. WalletPal is designed as an automatic expense tracker app for iOS that does not require bank linking.
Will it track every card?
It tracks the cards or passes you select in the Apple Pay transaction automation. You can update the automation if you add more cards later.
Can I still add expenses manually?
Yes. Manual entry is available for cash, bank transfers, online payments or anything else that does not come through the automation.
What happens after a transaction is logged?
WalletPal adds the transaction to your spending, categories, budgets and notifications automatically.
Automatic expense tracker app for iPhone
Ready to make expense tracking less manual?
Download WalletPal, set up Apple Pay transaction automation, and start tracking Apple Pay spending with less admin. If you're looking for the new notification trigger instead, read our separate Shortcut automation guide.