Does Kroger Take Apple Pay?
Kroger is an American chain of supermarkets and retail stores with more than 2,700 locations across 30 states. This makes Kroger one of the largest chains of supermarkets in the country. But for shoppers looking to pay using their phone, Kroger might not be the right choice.
Does Kroger accept Apple Pay? Kroger does not currently accept Apple Pay at any of its locations. However, this could change in the near future, particularly as its subsidiary, Ralphs, is starting to accept Apple Pay as a valid method of payment.
What Is Apple Pay?
Apple Pay is a type of contactless payment system that Apple users can use to pay for goods and services in-person without the hassle of carrying cash or credit cards. Users who have an Apple device can upload their credit card information to their Apple devices using the Apple Wallet feature.
When users want to pay for something with a card assigned to their Apple Pay account, they can hold their phone near a payment terminal instead of inserting a credit card or using cash. Apple Pay allows users to pay using more secure methods, as cashiers are unable to view credit card numbers or personal customer information when Apple Pay is used to complete a transaction.
Many customers prefer using Apple Pay over cash because of the convenience of paying for multiple goods and services using a single digital wallet rather than a rotating selection of cards. They also value the security of knowing that a stranger cannot access their funds if the phone is lost. Apple Pay requires the user to input biometric or password data to use the cards on file.
Why Doesn’t Kroger Take Apple Pay?
It is currently unclear why Kroger does not accept Apple Pay, since the company has not made a specific statement detailing this decision. However, it may be related to Kroger’s proprietary digital payment system, Kroger Pay.
Kroger Pay is an NFC-based payment technology that allows users to pay with their phone after installing the Kroger app. NFC-based payment methods enable users to pay for their orders using a contactless wallet, similar to Apple Pay.
It’s possible that Kroger does not currently accept Apple Pay because it wants to encourage customers to use its mobile payment option instead. However, this may change, as Kroger-owned grocery chain, Ralphs, recently introduced Apple Pay to its list of acceptable payment methods.
What Payment Methods Does Kroger Accept?
While customers cannot use Apple Pay at Kroger, they have various payment options beyond cash. Kroger currently accepts the following payment methods.
- Kroger Pay
- Cash
- Kroger gift cards and gift certificates
- Debit cards
- Major credit cards — including Visa, Mastercard and American Express
- SNAP benefits and other state welfare programs to make food more affordable
- Select types of business and payroll checks
In addition to Apple Pay, Kroger does not accept foreign currencies, personal checks or money orders.
Final Take
In a world where more and more stores are choosing to accept digital payment methods, some customers may be frustrated with Kroger’s decision not to accept Apple Pay for purchases. Customers who are Apple Pay enthusiasts may want to consider downloading the Kroger Pay app and inputting their credit card information to take advantage of mobile payment benefits similar to those offered by the Apple Pay system.
Customers may also consider shopping at alternative grocery outlets like Publix, which does accept Apple Pay.
FAQ
- Can you use your phone to pay at Kroger?
- Yes, but the only phone-based payment method currently accepted at Kroger is Kroger Pay, accessible through the Kroger app. Kroger Pay is similar to Apple Pay, providing customers with an easy and accessible way to pay at the register using a mobile device. However, unlike Apple Pay, users can only use Kroger Pay at Kroger stores.
- Does Walmart or Kroger take Apple Pay?
- No, neither Walmart nor Kroger currently accepts Apple Pay.
- What stores accept Apple Pay?
- Apple Pay is accepted at dozens of partner chains and stores, including McDonald's, Dunkin' Donuts, Costco, Whole Foods, CVS, Target, Publix, Taco Bell and 7-11.
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Information is accurate as of Dec. 2, 2022.
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- Digital Transactions. 2022. "Ralphs Now Accepts Apple Pay and other Digital Transactions News briefs from 11/9/22."
