With retail and grocery checkout technology evolving rapidly, a question that shoppers ask every day is: Does Kroger take Apple Pay in 2025? The short answer is yes—but with important caveats.
Apple Pay has become a mainstream way to make fast, contactless payments in stores, especially in the post-pandemic world where safety, speed, and digital convenience matter more than ever. Consumers now expect major retailers, especially grocery chains like Kroger, to support digital wallets. Until recently, however, Kroger resisted implementing Apple Pay at most of its locations.
That’s changing in 2025. More Kroger stores than ever before are accepting Apple Pay at checkout. However, the rollout is not universal, meaning you should still confirm availability at your specific location before depending on it.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about whether Kroger takes Apple Pay, how to use it, alternative payment options, and how to shop smarter at Kroger using digital tools and financial tips.
Does Kroger Take Apple Pay in 2025?
The big question: Does Kroger take Apple Pay in 2025? The answer is now yes—at many but not all Kroger stores across the United States.
In previous years, Kroger chose not to support Apple Pay, opting instead to promote its own mobile payment solution, Kroger Pay. This decision was driven in part by Kroger’s interest in keeping users inside its app ecosystem, where they could link loyalty accounts, access digital coupons, and benefit from targeted marketing.
However, as Apple Pay usage skyrocketed, and more customers voiced frustration about the lack of support, Kroger began gradually introducing Apple Pay compatibility in various regions. As of 2025, the company has enabled Apple Pay in numerous high-traffic urban and suburban stores, especially in newer or recently renovated locations.
Still, Apple Pay is not accepted at all Kroger locations yet. That means the answer to “does Kroger take Apple Pay?” remains yes, but with limitations. If you’re planning to shop at Kroger and want to use Apple Pay, your best bet is to:
- Call the store ahead of time
- Check Apple Maps and look for the Apple Pay symbol in store info
- Ask a cashier or store manager on-site
The rollout is expanding, and more locations are expected to accept Apple Pay by the end of 2025.
How to Use Apple Pay at Kroger
If you’re shopping at a Kroger store that accepts Apple Pay, using it is quick and convenient—as long as you know what to expect. Here’s how to pay with Apple Pay at Kroger:
Using Apple Pay on iPhone:
- Double-click the side button on your iPhone
- Authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID
- Hold your phone near the contactless reader until you see the checkmark and feel a vibration
Using Apple Pay on Apple Watch:
- Double-click the side button on your Apple Watch
- Hold the watch face near the reader until you hear a beep and feel a tap
- Your payment is confirmed instantly
Kroger checkout counters that support Apple Pay will have a contactless payment icon on the payment terminal. Be sure to ask a cashier if you’re unsure, especially at self-checkout stations.
Remember, Apple Pay only works at Kroger stores where it is enabled. If you’re unsure and rely on Apple Pay, bring a physical card as a backup.
Apple Pay vs. Kroger Pay: Key Differences You Should Know
When it comes to contactless grocery shopping, Kroger now offers two main options: Apple Pay and Kroger Pay. Both have benefits, but they are designed for different use cases. If you’re wondering whether to use Apple Pay or Kroger Pay, here’s what to consider.
Apple Pay Advantages:
- Uses secure tokenization and biometric authentication for safety
- Works on iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac
- Fast, seamless tap-to-pay checkout
- Can be used at millions of other stores and online retailers
- Works with most major debit and credit cards
- Privacy-focused; Apple does not store or share transaction data
Kroger Pay Advantages:
- Designed specifically for Kroger stores
- Integrates directly with your Kroger account and loyalty ID
- Applies digital coupons and rewards automatically
- Uses QR-code scanning instead of NFC
- Requires the Kroger app and linked payment method
The decision comes down to convenience and rewards. If you want the fastest, most secure payment method, Apple Pay is the winner—if your Kroger store supports it. If you’re focused on earning Kroger Rewards and using digital coupons, then Kroger Pay may still be the better option for now.
What Other Payment Methods Does Kroger Accept?
Even though Kroger takes Apple Pay at many stores, it’s not the only way to pay. Whether you prefer traditional or digital methods, Kroger supports a wide range of payment types:
- Debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
- Cash and personal checks (ID may be required)
- EBT and SNAP benefits
- Kroger gift cards
- Kroger Pay (via the Kroger mobile app)
- Select mobile wallets like Google Pay and Samsung Pay (location-specific)
- Buy Now, Pay Later apps like Affirm, Klarna, or Zip at self-checkout
- Prepaid cards and instant cash advance cards (e.g., Gerald)
Does Kroger take Apple Pay at the gas station or fuel center? In most cases, no—Kroger fuel stations typically do not support Apple Pay yet. Bring a physical card or use Kroger Pay at the pump if supported.
To avoid surprises, always carry a backup payment method when shopping at Kroger, especially if you rely on mobile wallets.
Why Apple Pay at Kroger Is a Big Deal
The fact that Kroger now takes Apple Pay in 2025 is a significant shift in the grocery and retail payment industry. The acceptance of Apple Pay reflects broader consumer expectations and the importance of offering flexible, digital-first payment solutions.
Key reasons why Apple Pay support matters at Kroger:
- Shoppers want secure, fast, and touch-free payments
- Apple Pay users tend to be higher-spending, tech-savvy customers
- Digital wallets reduce checkout time and increase customer satisfaction
- Competing retailers like Walmart and Target already support Apple Pay or similar digital options
- Contactless payments are becoming the norm in post-pandemic commerce
As digital payments become more mainstream, retailers like Kroger must adapt or risk losing loyal customers to competitors with more convenient checkout experiences.
Expert Tips for Smarter Grocery Shopping at Kroger
Now that Kroger takes Apple Pay at many locations, you can use mobile payment tools to streamline your grocery trips. But if you want to save more and spend smarter, consider the following expert tips:
- Use credit cards with high cashback rewards on groceries when linked to Apple Pay
- Combine Kroger Pay with digital coupons and weekly ads to lower your bill
- Track your spending with Apple Wallet or third-party apps like Mint or Rocket Money
- Plan your trips using the Kroger app to take advantage of real-time deals
- Use budgeting tools and grocery-specific BNPL apps like Gerald or Float if cash flow is tight
- Scan your receipt with rebate apps like Ibotta or Fetch after checkout
Digital payments don’t just make checkout easier—they can actually help you manage your money better, especially when paired with the right tools.
Final Thoughts
To sum it all up: Does Kroger take Apple Pay in 2025? Yes—many locations now do, and more are adding support throughout the year.
While the rollout isn’t complete, this is a major win for shoppers who prefer quick, secure mobile payments. Whether you’re a loyal Kroger customer or just dropping in for weekly groceries, being able to use Apple Pay simplifies the experience.
But don’t forget to keep a backup card on hand—Apple Pay isn’t yet available at every Kroger store or fuel station. And if you’re looking to maximize your rewards and savings, use Kroger Pay or the Kroger app in combination with coupons and loyalty deals.
Digital payments are no longer the future—they’re the present. And Kroger is catching up fast.
FAQs
Q1. Does Kroger take Apple Pay at all locations in 2025?
No. While Apple Pay is accepted at many Kroger stores in 2025, it is not yet supported chain-wide. Always verify with your local store.
Q2. Can I use Apple Pay at Kroger self-checkout kiosks?
Yes—if the store has enabled Apple Pay, self-checkout terminals will typically accept it. Look for the contactless symbol.
Q3. Does Kroger take Apple Pay at the gas pump?
Most Kroger fuel stations do not accept Apple Pay as of 2025. Use Kroger Pay or a physical card instead.
Q4. Is it safe to use Apple Pay at Kroger?
Yes. Apple Pay uses encryption, tokenization, and biometric authentication, making it one of the safest ways to pay in-store.
Q5. Can I use Apple Pay with Kroger digital coupons or rewards?
No. Apple Pay does not integrate directly with Kroger’s rewards program. Use Kroger Pay for automatic reward application.
Q6. What should I do if Apple Pay doesn’t work at Kroger?
Try another payment method such as a physical debit or credit card. Ask a cashier if Apple Pay is supported at that location.
Q7. Does Kroger take Apple Pay for online grocery delivery or pickup?
No. As of 2025, Kroger.com and the Kroger app do not support Apple Pay for online orders. You’ll need to use a traditional card.
Q8. Will more Kroger stores accept Apple Pay in the future?
Yes. Kroger is gradually rolling out Apple Pay across more stores in 2025 and beyond in response to customer demand.
