With the rise of contactless payments, more shoppers are relying on mobile wallets like Apple Pay to make secure and fast purchases. Whether you’re grabbing groceries or fueling up at the pump, using your iPhone or Apple Watch is incredibly convenient. If you’re a regular shopper at Kroger, you might be wondering: Does Kroger take Apple Pay?
This detailed guide breaks down Kroger’s payment policies, what digital wallets it supports, why Apple Pay isn’t accepted in most stores, and the best alternatives you can use instead.
What Is Apple Pay and Why Is It Popular?
Apple Pay is a contactless mobile payment service by Apple that lets users make purchases using their iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or Mac. It uses NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to transmit payment information securely and quickly to compatible checkout terminals.
Why people love Apple Pay:
- It’s fast and convenient
- Extra security with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode
- No need to carry physical cards or cash
- Works seamlessly across Apple devices
Apple Pay is widely accepted at grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and gas stations. However, Kroger is one of the few large grocery chains that does not universally accept Apple Pay.
So, Does Kroger Take Apple Pay?
No, most Kroger stores do not accept Apple Pay. As of 2025, Kroger has not adopted Apple Pay at the checkout counter in the majority of its locations across the U.S.
This policy includes:
- Kroger grocery stores
- Kroger gas stations
- Self-checkout registers
- Curbside pickup
Instead of Apple Pay, Kroger encourages customers to use its proprietary digital payment system: Kroger Pay.
What Is Kroger Pay?
Kroger Pay is a contactless mobile payment solution developed specifically for Kroger customers. It is available through the official Kroger app and works on both iOS and Android.
Here’s how it works:
- Download the Kroger app
- Set up your digital wallet by adding a debit or credit card
- At checkout, scan a unique QR code generated by Kroger Pay
- The transaction processes instantly, applying any coupons or loyalty discounts automatically
Unlike Apple Pay, which uses NFC technology, Kroger Pay relies on QR code scanning, making it a closed system exclusive to Kroger.
Why Doesn’t Kroger Accept Apple Pay?
Kroger hasn’t officially stated why it doesn’t support Apple Pay, but a few likely reasons include:
- Promoting Kroger Pay
By encouraging use of its own payment system, Kroger gains full control over customer experience, integrates rewards and digital coupons, and avoids transaction fees charged by third-party platforms like Apple. - Cost of Upgrading Hardware
Switching to NFC-enabled terminals across thousands of locations would be a significant investment. QR code scanners are less expensive and already integrated into Kroger’s self-checkout systems. - Customer Data and Loyalty Integration
With Kroger Pay, the company can link payments to shopper rewards, digital coupons, and app engagement — data that wouldn’t be accessible through Apple Pay.
Can You Use Apple Pay at Any Kroger Store?
There have been limited pilot programs in the past where Kroger tested Apple Pay in certain regions, such as Ohio. However, these were not expanded chain-wide.
As of now, most locations do not support Apple Pay, and even if some local franchises experiment with it, it’s not a reliable payment option chain-wide.
To be safe, check with your local Kroger store or call customer service before assuming Apple Pay is accepted.
Accepted Payment Methods at Kroger
Here are the main forms of payment that Kroger currently accepts:
In-store Purchases:
- Kroger Pay (via Kroger App)
- Debit cards
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
- Kroger gift cards
- EBT/SNAP
- Cash
- Personal checks
- WIC (at participating locations)
Online & Pickup Orders (via Kroger App or Website):
- Debit/credit cards
- Kroger gift cards
- SNAP EBT (at select pickup locations)
- Digital coupons applied at checkout
Note: Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are not accepted online or in-store at most locations.
Alternatives to Apple Pay for Kroger Shoppers
If you’re a fan of contactless and mobile payments, there are still a few alternative solutions:
- Kroger Pay
As mentioned earlier, this is Kroger’s official method. It integrates with your loyalty account and applies digital coupons at checkout. - Bank Cards with Tap-to-Pay
Even though Apple Pay isn’t accepted, many Kroger terminals accept contactless cards. Look for the “wave” icon on your debit or credit card. - Mobile Banking Apps
Some bank apps offer QR code payments, but these typically won’t work at Kroger unless linked through Kroger Pay. - Store Credit or Gift Cards
You can buy digital Kroger gift cards and store them on your phone for quick use during checkout.
Where Can You Use Apple Pay for Groceries Instead?
If Apple Pay is your preferred method and you’re looking for alternatives to Kroger, try these grocery chains that fully support NFC payments:
- Target
- Whole Foods
- Trader Joe’s
- Aldi
- Safeway
- Publix
- CVS Pharmacy
- Walgreens
These stores allow you to tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to pay instantly.
How to Set Up Kroger Pay as an Alternative
Follow these steps if you want a mobile payment method for your Kroger trips:
Download the Kroger App from the App Store or Google Play
Sign in or create a Kroger digital account
Go to “Kroger Pay” under the app’s menu
Add a valid debit or credit card
At checkout, tap “Kroger Pay” and scan the QR code
The transaction will automatically link to your digital coupons and earn fuel points.
FAQs About Kroger and Apple Pay
Does Kroger take Apple Pay at self-checkout?
No, Kroger does not accept Apple Pay at self-checkout kiosks. Use Kroger Pay or a regular card instead.
Can I use my Apple Card at Kroger?
Yes, you can use the physical Apple Card (as a Mastercard) but not through Apple Pay.
Does Kroger accept Google Pay or Samsung Pay?
No. Kroger does not support Google Pay or Samsung Pay either. Kroger Pay is the only mobile payment option.
Can I use Apple Pay for Kroger online grocery orders?
No. Online orders through the Kroger website or app do not support Apple Pay.
Will Kroger accept Apple Pay in the future?
There’s no official announcement yet. But with increasing demand for contactless payments, it’s possible Kroger may adopt Apple Pay later on.
Kroger does not currently accept Apple Pay in most of its stores, at self-checkout, or online. Instead, it promotes its own contactless solution — Kroger Pay. While it may be disappointing for Apple Pay users, Kroger Pay offers similar mobile convenience and deeper loyalty integration.