Apple Pay has quickly become one of the most popular ways to pay—whether you’re grabbing groceries, shopping for clothes, or fueling up your car. But not every store supports this convenient payment method, so it’s important to know where you can use it before you leave home. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about what stores take Apple Pay, how to spot them, and why it’s worth using.
What is Apple Pay and why does it matter?
Apple Pay is a secure, contactless payment method that lets you make purchases in stores, online, and in apps using your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or Mac. With privacy and ease of use at its core, Apple Pay is accepted by a growing number of retailers. Knowing which stores support it can save you time and hassle at checkout.
How does Apple Pay work?
Apple Pay uses NFC (Near-Field Communication) technology—a small chip in your device that securely communicates with payment terminals. Unlike traditional cards, your card and bank details are never shared with the merchant. Instead, Apple Pay dynamically encrypts each transaction by generating a one-time-use number, keeping your real card details private. This makes Apple Pay not only fast and convenient but also highly secure.
Apple Pay also requires authentication (Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode) before a payment is completed, adding another layer of protection against unauthorized use.
Apple Pay vs. Other Mobile payment systems
While Apple Pay is especially popular in the US, other contactless payment apps like Google Pay and Samsung Pay also use NFC technology to process payments. However, Apple Pay is supported by a broader range of retailers in the US, making it a top choice for iPhone users.
How to identify stores that accept Apple Pay
Wondering if a store takes Apple Pay? Here’s how to find out:
- Look for the Apple Pay or contactless payment symbol at checkout—these are usually displayed on payment terminals or at the register.
- Use Apple Maps:
- Open Maps on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Search for your desired store.
- Tap the store’s name and scroll to the “Good to Know” or “Useful to Know” section.
- If you see the Apple Pay logo, you’re good to go!
- Check the store’s website or app for Apple Pay support (especially for online shopping).
- Ask a staff member if you’re unsure.
- Look for the universal contactless symbol (four curved lines) at checkout—Apple Pay works wherever you see this symbol, even if the Apple Pay logo isn’t displayed.
Note:
Major US retailers that accept Apple Pay
Apple Pay is accepted at thousands of locations across the U.S. and beyond. Here’s a categorized, alphabetized list of notable stores that make checking out with your Apple device quick and easy.
Big Box & Department Stores
These large retailers offer a variety of products and make it easy to pay with Apple Pay at checkout, streamlining your shopping experience.
- Ace Hardware
- Apple
- Best Buy
- Costco (US and Canada; some locations)
- Family Dollar
- Office Depot
- OfficeMax
- Pep Boys
- Staples
- Target
Book Stores
Whether you’re picking up the latest bestseller or a thoughtful gift, many major book retailers now accept Apple Pay for quick, secure payments.
- Barnes & Noble
- Books-A-Million
- Half-Price Books
Cinemas
Enjoy a seamless night out—several cinema chains let you buy tickets and snacks with a simple tap of your Apple device.
- AMC
- Regal Cinemas
- Cinemark Theaters
- Showcase
- Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas
Fashion and Lifestyle Brands
From trendy apparel to accessories, fashion retailers widely support Apple Pay, so you can update your wardrobe without reaching for your wallet.
- Adidas
- Aeropostale
- American Eagle Outfitters
- Anthropologie
- Banana Republic
- Bed Bath & Beyond
- Bloomingdale’s
- Champs Sports
- Crate and Barrel
- Express
- Foot Locker
- Forever 21
- GAP
- JCPenney
- J.Crew
- Kohl’s
- Levi’s
- Macy’s
- Nike
- Nordstrom
- Old Navy
- REI
- Saks Fifth Avenue
- Sephora
- Ulta Beauty
- Under Armour
- Urban Outfitters
- Victoria’s Secret
- Wayfair
Grocery Stores & Supermarkets
Stock up on groceries and everyday essentials at national and regional supermarkets that accept Apple Pay for safe, contactless checkout.
- Acme Markets
- Albertsons
- ALDI
- Bashas’
- BI-LO
- Cub Foods
- Costco (US and Canada; some locations)
- CVS Pharmacy
- Dan’s Fresh Market
- Davis Food & Drug
- Dick’s Fresh Market
- Duane Reade
- Farm Fresh Food & Pharmacy
- FoodMaxx
- Hannaford
- Harveys Supermarket
- Hornbacher’s
- Hy-Vee
- Jewel-Osco
- Lin’s Fresh Market
- Lucky
- Meijer
- Publix
- Raley’s
- Rite Aid
- Save Mart Supermarkets
- Schnucks
- Shaws
- Shop ‘n Save
- Shoppers Food & Pharmacy
- Sprouts Farmers Market
- Star Market
- Stater Bros
- SuperValu
- Trader Joe’s
- United Supermarkets
- Vons
- Walgreens
- Wegmans
- Whole Foods Market
- Winn-Dixie
Health & Beauty
Many health and beauty chains now support Apple Pay, making it easier to purchase cosmetics, personal care items, and wellness products.
- Aesop
- Bath & Body Works
- Bed Bath & Beyond
- Diptyque
- Sephora
- Ulta Beauty
Home Improvement & Furniture Stores
Upgrade your home or workspace with purchases from home improvement and furniture stores that accept Apple Pay for added convenience.
- Ace Hardware
- Crate and Barrel
- IKEA (select locations)
Pet Stores
Whether you’re buying pet food or supplies, leading pet stores let you use Apple Pay for a faster, more convenient shopping trip.
- Petco
- PetSmart
Restaurants and Cafés
From fast food to sit-down dining, a wide range of restaurants and cafés accept Apple Pay, making meals and snacks easier to purchase.
- Au Bon Pain
- Baskin-Robbins
- Burger King
- Chick-fil-A
- Chili’s
- Chipotle
- Domino’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 Bread
- Pizza Hut
- Rubio’s
- Sonic
- Starbucks
- Subway
- Taco Bell
- Wendy’s
- White Castle
Sporting Goods
Get your gear and apparel quickly—major sporting goods stores now accept Apple Pay for a swift, secure checkout.
- Champs Sports
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- REI
Toy Stores & Gaming Stores
Toy and gaming retailers make it easy to buy gifts or the latest releases with Apple Pay, ensuring a smooth shopping experience.
- Best Buy
- Disney Stores
- GameStop
- Lego
- Toys R Us (inside select Macy’s)
Gas Stations
Fill up your tank and grab snacks at participating gas stations that support Apple Pay for quick, contactless transactions.
- 7-Eleven
- Chevron
- Circle K
- Costco (select locations)
- ExxonMobil (via Speedpass+ app)
- Red Apple
- Texaco
Websites & Apps
Many popular websites and mobile apps let you check out with Apple Pay, making online shopping faster and more secure.
- Airbnb
- Apple Store
- Chick-fil-A
- Chipotle
- DoorDash
- Etsy
- Expedia
- Fandango
- Grubhub
- Instacart
- Lyft
- MLB
- NFL
- OpenTable
- Panera Bread
- Postmates
- Seamless
- Starbucks
- Ticketmaster
- Uber
- United Airlines
- ZARA
E-Commerce Platforms
If you run an online store, major e-commerce platforms support Apple Pay integration, offering your customers a seamless payment option.
- BigCommerce
- GoDaddy
- Salesforce
- Shopify
- WooCommerce
Loyalty and Reward Programs
Earn and redeem rewards even faster—several loyalty programs and digital passes now support Apple Pay for effortless points collection.
- Coca-Cola’s Vending Pass
- Dave & Buster’s Power Card
- Jimmy John’s Freaky Fast Rewards
- Kohl’s Rewards
- Panera Bread’s MyPanera
- Walgreens’ Balance Rewards
Charities
Support your favorite causes with ease, as many well-known charities now accept donations through Apple Pay.
- (RED)
- American Cancer Society
- American Red Cross
- Doctors Without Borders
- Feeding America
- UNICEF
- World Wildlife Fund
Notable stores that do not accept Apple Pay
While Apple Pay is widely accepted, there are some major exceptions. As of 2026, the following stores do not take Apple Pay:
- Walmart (offers Walmart Pay app as an alternative)
- Sam’s Club (offers Sam’s Club Scan & Go app)
- Home Depot (U.S. locations; available in Canada)
- Kroger (offers Kroger Pay app)
- Lowe’s
- Kmart
- Hobby Lobby
- Red Lobster
- Applebee’s
- Arby’s
- Boston Market
- Carl’s Jr
- Cheesecake Factory
- Gordon Food Service
Some of these retailers offer their own mobile payment solutions, so you can still use your phone to check out, just not with Apple Pay.
Regional Differences:
Some chains may only accept Apple Pay in certain countries or at select locations. For example, Costco and Home Depot accept Apple Pay in Canada but not all U.S. locations. Always check locally or use Apple Maps to confirm.
How to use Apple Pay at stores
Paying with Apple Pay is simple and secure. Here’s how:
In-Store:
- Double-click the side button on your iPhone or Apple Watch.
- Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
- Hold your device near the contactless reader until you see “Done” and a checkmark.
Online or In-App:
- Choose Apple Pay at checkout.
- Confirm your payment with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
Apple Pay works with most recent iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac models.
Tip:
Benefits and Perks of Using Apple Pay
Security: Your card details are never shared with merchants. Apple Pay uses dynamic, one-time-use codes for each transaction, making it extremely difficult for thieves to steal your information.
Privacy: Apple doesn’t track your purchases, and your actual card numbers are not stored on your device or Apple’s servers. Each transaction is kept private between you, the merchant, and your bank.
Convenience: Leave your wallet at home—just tap and go with your iPhone or Apple Watch. Apple Pay works for in-store, online, and in-app purchases, as well as public transit in many cities.
Speed: Payments are processed instantly, whether you’re at the checkout, boarding a train, or sending money to a friend.
Protection: Your device must be unlocked and authenticated (with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode) before payments can be made. Cards cannot be copied or skimmed like traditional plastic cards, adding an extra layer of safety.
Versatility: Apple Pay supports thousands of banks and credit unions and works seamlessly with a wide range of retailers, apps, and services.
Exclusive Perks:
- Apple Card Integration: Earn daily cashback rewards on purchases made with Apple Card through Apple Pay, with no fees and enhanced privacy.
- Apple Cash: Instantly send and receive money with friends and family through Messages, or use your Apple Cash balance for purchases.
- Loyalty and Rewards: Add loyalty cards and digital passes to the Wallet app and automatically earn or redeem points at checkout—no need to carry extra cards.
- Transit Access: In many major cities, use Apple Pay to pay for subway, bus, or train fares with a simple tap.
- Peer-to-Peer Payments: Easily split bills and pay friends directly from your device, making group outings and reimbursements hassle-free.
That’s all for now!
Apple Pay makes shopping easier, faster, and more secure—whether you’re in-store or online. With thousands of retailers now accepting Apple Pay, you can leave your wallet at home and pay with just a tap. Bookmark this guide for future reference, and check back for updates as more stores join the list.
Have questions or know a store that should be added? Drop a comment below!