LIFT accepts Apple Pay, Google Pay and crypto

South African airline Lift expands its payment options to include Apple Pay, Google Pay and crypto across its digital platforms.

Lift says it is the first South African airline to do so, across its website on mobile and desktop, while cryptocurrency payments will be facilitated through payment platform Ozow.

Rival FlySafair introduced Apple Pay and Google Pay on its mobile app earlier this year.

Cilliers Jordaan, Chief Commercial Officer at LIFT says: “Our research showed that South Africans are quickly adapting to various payment methods for their purchases, favouring speed and security when making payments, while embracing digital wallets.”

“The strong adoption of our Lift Wallet demonstrated early on, that our customers value convenience, flexibility and control when booking their travel. Expanding our payment ecosystem was a natural next step for us.”

It says the reason for this is that digital wallet adoption has accelerated globally and locally, driven by consumer demand for faster and more secure payment transactions.

The airline cites research from Visa and Discovery Bank’s SpendTrend25 report which states that nearly half (45%) of surveyed South Africans now use virtual cards highlighting the growing appeal of secure digital payment solutions.

It also says cryptocurrency adoption in South Africa continues to grow rapidly, with the Financial Stability Report reporting that crypto users reached nearly 7.8 million in South Africa by July 2025.

According to the airline, its customers now pay for flights using debit and credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, cryptocurrency via Ozow, payment plans through RCS and PayU, Mobicred financing, or with 1Voucher.

“This is just another way we continue to elevate the travel experience for our customers. First, we offered our LIFT Wallet, flexible bookings and easy flight changes, now we’re making the payment process that much easier. Whether our travellers prefer cards, digital wallets, cryptocurrency or other payment solutions, we’re committed to giving them the flexibility to choose how they want to pay for their flights,” concludes Jordaan.