Does Kroger Take Apple Pay? (2024 Alternatives Included)

If you use Apple Pay, you might want to know which stores accept it as a payment method.

Does Kroger Take Apple Pay?

Short answer: No, Kroger does not accept Apple Pay in its stores or online. Update: So, it seems that after years of customers complaining and asking for more payment options, Kroger has finally decided to accept Apple Pay at some stores. It’s not clear if they have started accepting Apple Pay at every store nationwide or if it is just a limited trial in certain cities. If you prefer to pay with Apple Pay at Kroger, be sure to ask the cashier if it’s accepted at your local store.

Kroger has its own digital wallet app called Kroger Pay. Kroger Pay provides a safe and contact-free way to pay from your phone and use coupons with one scan.

For more information about Kroger Pay, why Kroger doesn’t take Apple Pay, and which stores accept Apple Pay, be sure to read the rest of the post.

Why Doesn’t Kroger Take Apple Pay?

For those with an iOS device, like an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, Apple Pay is a convenient payment method. So, why doesn’t Kroger accept it?

A few years ago, Kroger tested Apple Pay but decided to discontinue its use. One customer on Reddit shared that they received this response when asking Kroger about Apple Pay:

• “We have beta tested Apple Pay in a few stores that have payment terminals supporting contactless technology. Due to little interest from customers, we have discontinued the test and currently do not plan to implement this in any of our stores. We greatly appreciate your thoughts on this service. I will share your feedback with our Regional Office.“

The main reason the retailer doesn’t accept Apple Pay is likely because Kroger wants customers to use its Kroger Pay app, rather than a third-party app like Apple Pay.

Kroger probably wants to promote its own digital wallet, Kroger Pay, over those from other companies like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, which it likely views as competitors.

To encourage its customers to use its own mobile payment wallet, Kroger does not accept Apple Pay.

It’s similar to Walmart. Walmart doesn’t accept Apple Pay either. Instead, it uses its own app, Walmart Pay.

What Forms of Payment Does Kroger Accept?

So, if Kroger doesn’t accept Apple Pay, what payment methods does it accept?

Here are the payment methods you can use at Kroger:

• All major credit cards, such as American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
• Cash
• Personal checks
• EBT
• WIC
• Kroger Pay

Can I Pay with My Phone at Kroger?

While shopping at Kroger, you can use your phone to pay using the Kroger Pay app.

Kroger Pay generates a one-time use quick response code, or “QR Code,” that securely transmits payment and loyalty information from your mobile phone at checkout.

Aside from allowing you to pay for your purchases at Kroger directly from your phone, Kroger Pay also lets you earn rewards. The Kroger Pay wallet is linked to your Kroger Co. Family of Stores Rewards, so you can automatically accrue loyalty points when making an eligible purchase using Kroger Pay.

Kroger Pay can be used in-store at the checkout or self-checkout lanes.

How to Use Kroger Pay

Here’s how you can use Kroger Pay:

Set It Up

To set up Kroger Pay, you’ll need a digital account with one of the Kroger Family of Companies and the Kroger Co. Family of Stores App on a Kroger Pay-compatible mobile device.

You can download the Kroger app here:

• iOS
• Android

Once you’ve downloaded the app, if Kroger Pay is available in your location, you can access it in several ways:

• Voice (Siri for iOS devices and Google Assistant for Android)
• App Shortcut Menu
• Kroger Pay “Quicklink” on the top left of the app Home Screen
• Kroger Pay button in Store Mode
• Kroger Pay button in your Wallet
• App More Menu

Then, tap “Kroger Pay” and log into your existing account. After that, follow the prompts to set everything up, such as creating a four-digit PIN and selecting your preferred store.

Any payment cards you have saved to your digital wallet are available to use within Kroger Pay. You can set a default payment method and change your payment method at any time. You can load additional eligible payment cards into Kroger Pay via the app or by logging into your account online.

Use the QR Code at Checkout

Once you have set up Kroger Pay on your mobile device, you can leave your wallet at home and use your phone to pay.

Here’s how:

1. Go to any in-store checkout lane in a participating store.
2. Access Kroger Pay through one of the methods mentioned above, like the Kroger Pay button in your Wallet.
3. Enter your four-digit PIN or scan your biometrics.
4. At the checkout, scan the QR Code displayed on your device on the item scanner, or present it to the cashier.
5. Scan your items as usual.
6. Before payment is finalized, you can review your order and any coupons loaded to your Shopper’s Card. At self-checkout, press “Mobile” on the final display screen to complete your transaction.

According to Kroger, while you can scan your QR code at any point in the transaction, the best experience with Kroger Pay is to scan your code at the start of the transaction, just as you would with your Shopper’s Card. This ensures you earn loyalty points.

Can You Use Kroger Pay at the Pharmacy?

Kroger Pay can be used at the in-store pharmacy checkout. However, it’s not accepted in the pharmacy drive-thru lanes.

Can You Use Kroger Pay at the Pump?

No, Kroger Pay is not accepted at Kroger Fuel Centers. So, you won’t be able to use your phone to pay at the gas station.

However, you can still pay for gas with Apple Pay, as there are many gas stations that accept Apple Pay.

What Stores Allow Apple Pay?

Sure, you could use Kroger Pay as an alternative to Apple Pay, but it’s not for everyone.

A lot of people just find it more convenient to use Apple Pay.

If you’re one of those people, you may want to shop at another store, since Kroger doesn’t accept Apple Pay as a payment method.

You’ll be glad to know that in the U.S., more than 85% of retailers and stores accept Apple Pay.

Here are some stores that accept Apple Pay:

• Acme Markets
• Albertsons
• Best Buy
• Costco
• DoorDash
• Food Maxx
• Instacart
• Meijer
• Publix
• Safeway
• Save Mart
• Schnucks
• Shop ‘n Save
• Target
• Trader Joe’s
• Walgreens
• White Castle
• Whole Foods Market
• Winn-Dixie

You can use Apple Pay in stores that display the contactless payment symbol or the Apple Pay symbol.

Another option is to search for “Apple Pay” in Maps. This will allow you to see grocery stores near you that accept Apple Pay.

Here’s how:

1. Open Maps on your iPhone.
2. Type “grocery store nearby” or “supermarket nearby” into the search bar.
3. A list of grocery stores will appear. Select the store you want.
4. Tap “Useful to Know.” This will provide details on whether Apple Pay is accepted at that particular store.

Closing Thoughts

Unfortunately, Kroger does not accept Apple Pay. However, you can still use your phone to pay by using the store’s own digital wallet, Kroger Pay.

With Kroger Pay, you can use your iPhone to pay for purchases at Kroger, functioning similarly to Apple Pay.

If the Kroger Pay app isn’t for you, consider shopping at one of the stores above that does accept Apple Pay.

Hopefully, this post has answered your question, “Does Kroger take Apple Pay?”