Yes, Kroger accepts Apple Pay at most locations

You can use Apple Pay to pay at Kroger stores, both in person and through their app. At physical checkout, hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the contactless reader after the cashier tells you the total. The payment goes through in seconds without swiping a card or entering a PIN.

Not every Kroger location has the contactless payment hardware yet, though the chain has been rolling it out steadily. If you're at a store without a contactless reader, you'll need to use a physical card or another payment method instead. The easiest way to know before you go is to call the store directly and ask if they have contactless payment terminals.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Pay works at Kroger checkout terminals that have contactless readers, which most newer locations now have.
  • You can also use Apple Pay through the Kroger app when you order groceries for pickup or delivery.
  • If a Kroger store doesn't have a contactless reader, you'll need to pay with a physical card or cash instead.
  • Calling ahead to confirm your local store accepts contactless payment takes 30 seconds and prevents a checkout surprise.

How to use Apple Pay at Kroger checkout

When you reach the register, tell the cashier you're paying with Apple Pay or just wait for them to tell you the total. On your iPhone, double-click the side button (or home button on older models) to open Wallet. Select the card you want to use if you have more than one saved. Hold the top of your phone about an inch from the contactless reader pad on the terminal — it usually has a wave symbol on it.

Your phone will vibrate and show a checkmark when the payment is complete. You don't need to sign or enter a PIN for Apple Pay transactions under most circumstances. The whole process takes about five seconds. If the terminal doesn't respond, the reader may not support contactless payment, and you'll need to use a different payment method.

Using Apple Pay through the Kroger app

The Kroger app lets you save Apple Pay as your payment method for online orders. When you order groceries for pickup or delivery, you can select Apple Pay at checkout instead of entering card details manually. This is faster than typing in your information and keeps your card number off the app's servers.

To set this up, open the Kroger app, go to your account settings, and add Apple Pay as a saved payment method. You'll authenticate once with Face ID or Touch ID, and then it's available for every order you place. If you're ordering for the first time, you can add Apple Pay during checkout itself without saving it to your account first.

What to do if your Kroger doesn't have contactless payment

Some older Kroger locations or smaller format stores may still have older checkout terminals that don't support contactless readers. If you arrive at a store without this technology, you have a few options. You can pay with a physical debit or credit card, use cash, or use a different payment app if the terminal supports it.

If you shop at the same store regularly and want contactless payment, you can ask the store manager when they plan to upgrade their terminals. Many Kroger locations are updating their hardware, so your store may get a reader within the next few months. In the meantime, using the Kroger app for pickup orders is a workaround that still lets you use Apple Pay.

Other payment methods Kroger accepts

Kroger takes most major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. They also accept digital wallets beyond Apple Pay — Google Pay and Samsung Pay both work at contactless readers. Cash and checks are still accepted at all locations.

Kroger's own branded credit card, the Kroger Rewards Mastercard, works everywhere in the store and earns you fuel points on purchases. If you have a Kroger loyalty card, you can link it to your account and earn digital coupons and personalized deals. Some locations also accept WIC and SNAP benefits if you're using those programs.

Troubleshooting Apple Pay at Kroger

If Apple Pay isn't working at checkout, first check that your phone's wireless connection is on — Apple Pay needs either Bluetooth or NFC (near-field communication) to function. Make sure your card hasn't expired and that you have enough funds available. If you recently added the card to Wallet, wait a few minutes for it to fully activate before trying again.

If the terminal itself seems broken, ask the cashier to try a different register or come back later. Sometimes terminals need to be rebooted or updated, and the issue isn't with your phone. If you're consistently having trouble at the same store, contact Kroger customer service with the store location and time of day — they can check whether that terminal needs maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Apple Pay at Kroger self-checkout?

Yes, most Kroger self-checkout stations have contactless readers and accept Apple Pay. Hold your phone near the reader after you've scanned your items and the total appears on screen. If the self-checkout doesn't have a contactless pad, you'll need to use a physical card instead.

Do I need to unlock my phone to use Apple Pay at Kroger?

No. You need to unlock your phone or authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID to open Apple Pay in Wallet, but once the payment is sent to the terminal, your phone doesn't need to stay unlocked. The transaction completes whether your screen is on or off after that point.

Will using Apple Pay at Kroger affect my rewards points?

No. Apple Pay doesn't change how Kroger tracks your purchases. If you have a Kroger loyalty card linked to your account, you'll earn rewards and fuel points the same way whether you pay with Apple Pay, a physical card, or cash. Make sure the cashier scans your loyalty card or you're logged into the app.

Is Apple Pay safe to use at Kroger?

Yes. Apple Pay doesn't send your actual card number to the register — it sends an encrypted token that works only for that single transaction. Your card details stay on your phone. Contactless payment is also faster than swiping, which reduces the time your card is exposed at the terminal.

Can I use Apple Pay for Kroger online orders?

Yes, you can use Apple Pay through the Kroger app for pickup and delivery orders. You can also use it on the Kroger website if you're on an Apple device. For in-store shopping, Apple Pay only works at the physical checkout terminals with contactless readers.