Yes, Walgreens accepts Apple Pay at most locations

You can use Apple Pay to pay for purchases at Walgreens checkout counters and self-checkout kiosks. The chain began rolling out Apple Pay support in 2014 and now accepts it at the vast majority of its stores across the United States. You'll tap or hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the contactless payment terminal at checkout — the same motion you'd use for any contactless card.

Not every Walgreens terminal accepts contactless payments yet. Older stores or those with older equipment may still require a physical card or cash. If you're unsure whether a specific location has the technology, you can call ahead or ask the cashier before you reach the register.

Key Takeaways

  • Walgreens accepts Apple Pay at checkout and self-checkout terminals in most U.S. locations, though some older stores may not have the equipment yet.
  • You pay by holding your iPhone or Apple Watch near the contactless reader — no card or cash needed.
  • Your actual card information never reaches Walgreens; Apple Pay sends an encrypted token instead.
  • You can also use Apple Pay through the Walgreens app to pay online or in-store for pickup orders.

How to use Apple Pay at a Walgreens register

At the physical checkout, wait until the cashier tells you the total or the register is ready for payment. Then hold your iPhone or Apple Watch within a few inches of the contactless payment terminal — it's usually a small square or rectangular pad on the front of the register. You'll see a checkmark or hear a beep when the payment goes through. The whole process takes a few seconds.

If you're using an iPhone, you don't need to unlock it or open an app. Just hold it near the reader. If you're using an Apple Watch, raise your wrist toward the terminal. Some terminals may ask you to authenticate the payment by using Face ID, Touch ID, or your watch passcode — follow the prompt on the screen.

Using Apple Pay through the Walgreens app

You can also pay with Apple Pay when you order through the Walgreens mobile app for in-store pickup or delivery. When you reach the payment step during checkout, select Apple Pay as your method. Your iPhone or iPad will show your available cards, and you confirm the purchase using Face ID or Touch ID.

This route is useful if you want to order ahead and avoid the register line, or if you're ordering items for delivery to your home. The app also lets you track your order and see when it's ready for pickup.

What happens to your card information

When you use Apple Pay at Walgreens, your actual credit or debit card number never reaches the store. Instead, Apple Pay creates an encrypted code called a token that represents your payment. Walgreens receives only that token, not your card details. This means the store cannot store or misuse your card information even if its systems were compromised.

Your card issuer — your bank or credit card company — processes the transaction on their end. Walgreens sees only that a payment was received, not which card you used or any of your personal financial details.

Checking if your Walgreens location has contactless payment

Most Walgreens stores built or renovated in the last five years have contactless terminals. Older locations in rural areas or small towns may still have older equipment that doesn't support Apple Pay. The easiest way to know is to call the store directly and ask if they accept contactless payments or Apple Pay.

You can also look at the register itself when you visit — contactless terminals usually display a contactless symbol (four curved lines radiating outward) on the front. If you don't see that symbol and the cashier says the terminal doesn't support it, you can pay with a physical card, cash, or ask if they have a self-checkout kiosk that might have newer equipment.

Using Apple Pay for Walgreens online orders

When you order from Walgreens online for home delivery, you can select Apple Pay at checkout on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. This works the same way as in-app ordering — you confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode, and the payment is processed securely.

If you're ordering from a computer that isn't an Apple device, you won't see Apple Pay as an option. In that case, you can use a physical credit or debit card instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Apple Pay at Walgreens self-checkout?

Yes, most Walgreens self-checkout kiosks accept Apple Pay. Look for the contactless symbol on the payment terminal and hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near it the same way you would at a staffed register. If the kiosk doesn't have contactless capability, you can use a physical card or cash instead.

What if the Walgreens register doesn't recognize my Apple Pay?

The terminal may not support contactless payments, or there may be a technical issue. Ask the cashier to try again or use a physical card. If you're at a self-checkout, try a different kiosk. You can also call the store later to report the problem so they know their equipment needs attention.

Do I need the Walgreens app to use Apple Pay in-store?

No. You can use Apple Pay at the register without the app. The app is only needed if you want to order ahead for pickup or delivery and pay with Apple Pay through the app itself.

Is Apple Pay safer than using a physical card at Walgreens?

Apple Pay is generally considered as secure as or more secure than a physical card because your actual card number is never shared with the store. Your card details stay encrypted on your device. A physical card can be lost or stolen, whereas Apple Pay requires your device and biometric authentication to complete a payment.