Does Kroger take Apple Pay in 2023?
As of 2023, it’s good news that Kroger take Apple Pay, making shopping quicker and easier. This change comes after a slow start since 2018, helping Kroger catch up with the popular trend of paying with your phone.
Even though Kroger made its own app, Kroger Pay, they’ve now opened up to other payment methods and take Apple Pay in 2023. This happened after their other store, Ralphs, started using Apple Pay, allowing shoppers to pay easily with their phones.
What Is Kroger?
Kroger, founded in 1883, is a large food retailer in the US with over 2,700 stores across 35 states. It operates various stores like supermarkets and warehouses under different names like Ralphs, Fred Meyer, and others. With over 465,000 employees, it’s also a major employer.
Kroger offers a wide range of groceries and non-food items and emphasizes providing a convenient and affordable shopping experience through services like online ordering and loyalty programs. Besides its retail footprint, Kroger supports local communities and charities.
Does Kroger Take Apple Pay?
Yes, Kroger take Apple Pay as of 2023 in Kentucky and Ohio.
Kroger started accepting Apple Pay in 2023, making it easier for customers to pay for their groceries using their iPhone or Apple Watch at many of its locations across the United States.
Note: Many Kroger stores don’t accept Apple Pay. Only Kroger-owned Ralphs stores are accepting Apple Pay.
How to use Apple Pay at Kroger
To utilize Apple Pay at Kroger, adhere to these steps:
- Verify if your Kroger store accepts Apple Pay by spotting the Apple Pay logo at checkout.
- Activate your iPhone or Apple Watch.
- Position your iPhone or Apple Watch close to the contactless payment terminal.
- Upon prompt, authenticate the payment using your fingerprint or Face ID.
- Await the processing of the payment.
- Once processed, a checkmark will appear on your device’s screen, and the terminal will emit a beep.
What Payment Methods Does Kroger Accept?
Kroger offers several payment options even though Apple Pay isn’t one of them. Currently, customers can pay using:
- Kroger Pay: Kroger’s own payment app.
- Cash: Accepted at all stores.
- Kroger gift cards/certificates: Prepaid payment options.
- Debit cards: Direct bank account payments.
- Major credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express accepted.
- SNAP/welfare programs: Support for eligible individuals.
- Selected business/payroll checks: Alternative payment options.
Note: Also, Kroger doesn’t accept foreign currencies, personal checks, or money orders.
Why Doesn’t Kroger Take Apple Pay?
The exact reason why some Kroger stores don’t accept Apple Pay is unclear, as Kroger hasn’t provided specific details. It might be due to Kroger’s own digital payment system, Kroger Pay, which is similar to Apple Pay but requires the Kroger app.
Kroger might prefer customers to use its own payment option. However, with Kroger-owned Ralphs accepting Apple Pay, there might be a change in this stance in the future.
What are the names of the stores that Kroger owns?
Kroger operates a diverse range of stores under various banners including:
- Supermarkets: Such as Kroger, Ralphs, Dillons, Smith’s, King Soopers, and many others.
- Multi-department stores: Like Fred Meyer which offers a wider range of products.
- Price-impact warehouse stores: Food 4 Less and Foods Co, focusing on cost-effective shopping.
Additionally, Kroger has specialty stores like Kroger Jewelry, Kroger Health, and Kroger Fuel Centers for specific needs.
Apple Pay vs Kroger Pay
| Feature | Apple Pay | Kroger Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance | Millions of retailers worldwide, including Kroger | Kroger stores in the United States and select Kroger Family of Companies stores |
| Devices Supported | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac | Android and iOS smartphones |
| Payment Methods | Credit and debit cards, Apple Cash | Credit and debit cards, Kroger Shopper’s Card |
| Rewards | Apple Pay Cashback, rewards programs from participating banks and merchants | Kroger Fuel Points, Kroger Rewards points |
Final Take
In conclusion, some Kroger stores don’t take Apple Pay, but Ralphs stores do. So, whether Kroger takes Apple Pay depends on the specific store. Luckily, there are many other ways to pay at Kroger.
FAQ’s
What is Kroger Pay?
Kroger Pay is Kroger’s mobile payment service, which lets you pay for groceries via the Kroger app. Like Apple Pay, it offers a quick, secure, and contactless payment method.
How Does Kroger Pay Work?
To use Kroger Pay, download the Kroger app, add your card, and then pay for groceries by scanning your Shopper’s Card and confirming with a PIN or biometric check.
