Apple doesn’t charge you transaction fees when you use Apple Pay. They absolutely charge your bank.
Systems using your NFC chip like clipper don’t work through Apple Pay. My understanding is organisations building apps using the iPhone nfc chip like that have to pay apple millions for the privilege. On android the equivalent api is free and open.
They do use Apple Pay and say so on their own web site. Apple Pay is a payment network, just like the credit and debit card companies. They all charge fees, typically 0.2% for cards, and 0.15% for Apple Pay. But somehow the card systems are fine, but Apple Pay is extortionate? OK.
Systems using your NFC chip like clipper don’t work through Apple Pay. My understanding is organisations building apps using the iPhone nfc chip like that have to pay apple millions for the privilege. On android the equivalent api is free and open.