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A growing number of retailers have begun accepting payment that moves beyond handing over cash and credit or debit cards, with the iPhone-centered Apple Pay taking center stage.


Launched in 2014, Apple Pay was designed to be a "new category of service that will transform mobile payments" by being "easy, secure, and private," the California-based Apple computer company said in a press release at the time. 


Bank accounts and cards are hosted within the app, which "supports credit and debit cards from the three major payment networks, American Express, MasterCard and Visa," as well as some of the most popular banks, "including Bank of America, Capital One Bank, Chase, Citi and Wells Fargo," it said. Many smaller banks are included as well.


More and more merchants in the United States are updating their systems to accept the Apple Pay payment option. Forgot your wallet at home while running an errand? No worries, you can simply tap your iPhone or iPad and buy what you need (as long as that retailer accepts it.)

As we approach 2024, it feels like most major retailers and restaurants accept Apple Pay. Here are some of the retailers and other business where Apple Pay is accepted, and the ones that don't. 


Gas Stations That Take Apple Pay

  • Chevron
  • ExxonMobil (must have Speedpass+ app)
  • Red Apple
  • Texaco
  • 7-Eleven

Grocery Stores That Take Apple Pay

  • Acme Markets
  • Albertson's
  • Aldi
  • Bashas'
  • BI-LO
  • BJ's
  • Costco
  • Cub Foods
  • Dan's Fresh Market
  • Davis Food & Drug
  • Dick's Fresh Market
  • Family Dollar
  • Farm Fresh Food & Pharmacy
  • FoodMaxx
  • Hannaford
  • Harvey's Supermarket
  • Hornbacher's
  • Hy-Vee
  • Jewel-Osco
  • Lin's Fresh Market
  • Meijer
  • Publix
  • Raley's
  • Safeway
  • Save Mart Supermarkets
  • Schnucks
  • Shaws
  • Shop 'n Save
  • Shoppers Food & Pharmacy
  • Sprouts
  • Star Market
  • Stater Bros
  • Target
  • Trader Joe's
  • United Supermarkets
  • Wegmans
  • Whole Foods
  • Winn-Dixie

Ride-sharing Apps That Take Apple Pay

  • Uber
  • Lyft

Pharmacies That Take Apple Pay

  • CVS
  • Duane Read
  • Rite Aid
  • Walgreens

Retailers That Take Apple Pay

  • Ace Hardware
  • Adidas
  • Apple
  • Babies R Us
  • Barnes & Noble
  • Bath & Body Works
  • Bed Bath & Beyond
  • Best Buy
  • Dick's Sporting Goods
  • Disney stores
  • Dollar Tree
  • Famous Footwear
  • Forever 21
  • GameStop
  • Gap
  • J. Crew
  • Lego
  • Lucky
  • Macy's
  • Michaels
  • Nike
  • Nordstrom
  • Office Depot
  • Old Navy
  • Pep Boys
  • Petco
  • PetSmart
  • Sephora
  • Staples
  • REI
  • Target
  • Toys R Us
  • T-Mobile
  • Ulta Beauty
  • Urban Outfitters
  • Under Armour
  • Unleashed
  • Victoria's Secret
  • Wayfair

Restaurants That Take Apple Pay

  • Baskin-Robbins
  • Chick-fil-A
  • Chili's
  • 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
  • Pizza Hut
  • Rubio's
  • Sonic
  • Starbucks
  • Subway
  • Taco Bell
  • White Castle

Where is Apple Pay Not Accepted?

As of November 2023, these are the retailers and restaurants that do not accept Apple Pay, according to Mac Reports:


  • Applebee’s
  • Arby’s
  • Black Bear Diner
  • Boston Market
  • Carl’s Jr.
  • Cheesecake Factory
  • Cook Out
  • Dick's Sporting Goods
  • Gordon Food Service
  • Hobby Lobby
  • Home Depot
  • Kmart
  • Kroger (Kroger Pay offered)
  • Lowe’
  • Red Lobster
  • Red Robin
  • Sam’s Club
  • Walmart (Walmart Pay offered)
  • Wendy’s

Circumstances might differ depending on the country or city you're in, and note that many smaller retailers, restaurants, and stores take Apple Pay. Look out for the Apple Pay logo or a contactless payments icon to find out if a store or restaurant accepts digital payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Apple Pay?

Apple Pay is a mobile payment service developed by Apple that enables users to make payments in person, in iOS apps, and online. The feature supports the iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac computers.


How does Apple Pay work?

Apple Pay connects your preferred method of payment to your iPhone. Once your credit or debit cards are added, you can use Apple Pay for purchases in stores, restaurants, gas stations and taxis. If your iPhone has Face ID, double-click the side button to use Apple Pay; if prompted, authenticate by using Face ID or enter your passcode to open Apple Wallet. If your iPhone has Touch ID, double-click the Home button to use the feature, Apple says. 


You can also connect your Apple watch to make payments when you don't have your phone handy. To use the feature on your watch, double-click the side button and hold the display near the contactless reader until you feel a gentle tap and hear a beep. 


Is Apple Pay safe?

Apple Pay is safer than using a physical credit, debit, or prepaid card, according to Apple. The feature works only when you authenticate via Face ID, Touch ID, or by entering your passcode, and is therefore more difficult to be used on fraudulent purchases. Further, your card number and identity are never shared with merchants, and your actual credit or debit card numbers are not stored on your devices or on any Apple servers, the company says. 


How do I set up Apple Pay?

To set up Apple Pay, add your credit, debit, and prepaid cards to Wallet. To do this:


1. Once the Wallet App is open, tap the + sign


2. Do one of the following: 

  • Add a new card
  • apply for an Apple Card
  • add your previous cards
  • add a card from a supported app

Note that, per Apple, "The card issuer determines whether your card is eligible for Apple Pay, and may ask you for additional information to complete the verification process." 


How much is the Apple Pay fee? Are there extra charges for using Apple Pay?

No, Apple does not charge users any fees or extra charges for using the payment option. This includes at brick-and-mortar stores, online, or in apps.


For more questions about Apple Pay, visit Apple's Questions and Answers page.