Move over bulky wallets — Apple Pay is making it easier than ever to skip using your plastic credit cards when you shop. With new technology popping up left and right, being able to pay for things with just a few taps of a mobile device is pretty amazing. And the list of stores that accept Apple Pay keeps growing. You can even pay for gas right from your phone these days, which is great for avoiding those pesky gas pump skimmers that like to steal your information.
If you’re wondering what stores accept Apple Pay, we did all the digging for you. Apple Pay is accepted in grocery stores, restaurants, clothing stores, and even through apps and websites. All you’ll need to do is have an iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac, or iPad. (And we can find you savings on those! See our iPhone deals, Apple Watch deals, Mac deals, and iPad deals.)
According to the Apple website, “Apple Pay is accepted at over 85% of retailers in the U.S.” When you’re shopping in a store, Apple Pay will work anywhere that has a NFC (near-field communication) payment terminal. This technology is what lets your mobile phone, smartwatch, or other smart device communicate wirelessly with the payment terminal and send over your transaction details.
If we missed any retailers that you know accept Apple Pay, be sure to let us know in the comments!
First, here’s how to set up Apple Pay.
Before you can start using Apple Pay, you’ll need to set it up. It’s super easy — I promise. And according to Apple, it’s very safe. Your credit or debit card number is never stored anywhere — and retailers will never be able to see your card number when you make a purchase with Apple Pay.
Here’s how to set it up on your iPhone:
- Open the Wallet by double-clicking the side button on your device.
- Tap the plus sign at the top right corner.
- Select which type of card you’ll add (debit or credit card).
- Follow the prompts to verify your information.
- You’re done!
Once you add your cards on your phone, you can then add them to your Apple Watch, too.
Second, here’s how to use Apple Pay in stores or online.
You’ll see a contactless payment or Apple Pay symbol at the point of payment, and then you’ll know that reader is ready to accept your Apple Pay. Here is what to do to pay with your iPhone:
- Double-click the right side button on your device.
- Your default card will appear, and your phone will prompt you to use Face ID or enter your passcode to approve use.
- Hold the top of your phone near card the reader. When the transaction is complete, you will see “Done” and a checkmark on your screen.
You can even use Apple Pay to make purchases when you’re shopping online. If you’re making an online purchase using the Safari web browser, you can select the “Buy with Apple Pay” button and check out seamlessly in just a few clicks.
Does Walmart accept Apple Pay?
Unfortunately, no. Walmart doesn’t accept Apple Pay in stores or online, but they do have a contactless payment method called Walmart Pay that you can use in store. To use Walmart Pay, you’ll need to first download the Walmart app (iOS / Android), then add a payment method to your account (this can be a credit, debit, or Walmart gift card). You’ll also select a PIN or set up Touch ID.
When you’re ready to check out at the store, you’ll open the Walmart app, tap Walmart Pay, and hold your phone over the QR code at the register. Once the transaction is complete, your receipt will get sent to your Walmart app.
TIP: Learn how to save money at Walmart with our guide to the Walmart Plus subscription program and our tips for couponing at Walmart.
Does Target accept Apple Pay?
Apple Pay is accepted in Target stores, in the Target app, and online if you’re using the Safari web browser. To use Apple Pay in a Target store, just double-tap your iPhone’s lock button to bring up your Apple Wallet, then tap your phone on the credit card reader.
It’s important to note that Apple Pay won’t let you add a Target RedCard to your Apple Wallet. If you want to pay with your Target RedCard to save 5%, you’re going to need to add your RedCard to your Target Wallet within the Target app. You’ll then use that barcode to pay at the register.
TIP: Here’s our best tips for how to coupon at Target with the Target app.
Grocery stores that accept Apple Pay:
You can use Apple Pay to check out at any of the grocery and drug stores listed below.
| Aldi | BJ’s | Costco |
| CVS | Family Dollar | Meijer |
| Publix | Rite Aid | Shop ‘n Save |
| Sprouts | Trader Joe’s | Walgreens |
| Wegmans | Whole Foods | Winn-Dixie |
Retail stores that accept Apple Pay:
If you’re looking for a quick checkout experience, these retailers know how to do it. The list below has all of the retail stores that accept Apple Pay. If you’re shopping at one of these stores online, use the Safari web browser and look for the “Buy with Apple Pay” button at checkout.
TIP: For big purchases like furniture or electronics, you’ll soon be able to spread out the payments over time with Apple Pay Later (coming in fall 2022).
Clothing stores that accept Apple Pay:
There’s nothing worse than trying on tons of clothes and then forgetting to grab your purse from the fitting room. I shop without my purse, thanks to my Apple Wallet. The clothing stores below will let you cash out in store using Apple Pay.
| Adidas | Aeropostale | American Eagle |
| Anthropologie | Banana Republic | Barneys New York |
| Big Lots | Bloomingdale’s | Champs Sports |
| Crate and Barrel | Disney Store | Express |
| Foot Locker | Footaction | Forever 21 |
| Gap | J.Crew | JCPenney |
| Kohl’s | Lego | Levi’s |
| Macy’s | Nike | Nordstrom |
| Nordstrom Rack | Old Navy | REI |
| Urban Outfitters | Under Armour | Victoria’s Secret |
Restaurants that accept Apple Pay:
Are you trying to beat the drive-thru line? Many restaurants let you pay right from your phone. If you have the app for any of the restaurants below, you’ll most likely be able to use Apple Pay in their app, too.
| Baskin-Robbins | Chick-fil-A | Chili’s |
| Dunkin’ Donuts | El Pollo Loco | Firehouse Subs |
| Fuddruckers | Jamba Juice | Jersey Mike’s Subs |
| Jimmy John’s | Johnny Rockets | KFC |
| Krispy Kreme | Little Caesars | McDonald’s |
| Moe’s | Panera | Pizza Hut |
| Rubio’s | Sonic | Starbucks |
| Subway | Taco Bell | White Castle |
Major brands that don’t accept Apple Pay:
Surprisingly, these big-name brands don’t accept Apple Pay. Some of them have their own form of payment methods they want you to use instead, like Walmart Pay.
| Dollar General | Home Depot | Kroger |
| Lowe’s | Sam’s Club | ShopRite |
| Walmart | World Market |
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