Kroger is the oldest grocery store chain in the U.S. and has made it very far. The company was founded way back in 1883 when there was no such thing as a smartphone. Cut to today, many people don’t even worry about having a wallet or cash as they can use their phones for contactless payments. Especially, iPhone users prefer Apple Pay as it is the fastest possible option that allows quick payments through NFC technology.
Apple Pay is supported by most of the major retailers. But what about the oldest grocery chain in the U.S.? In short, does Kroger take Apple pay? Here’s what we found out!
Does Kroger Take Apple Pay?
Unfortunately, Kroger doesn’t take Apple Pay at any of its retail stores. Back in 2020, Kroger tried to incorporate the NFC technology and gave a test run to Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and other mobile payment options. But for some unknown reasons, that wasn’t a success. However, over time, Kroger has succeeded in developing its own mobile payment service, Kroger Pay.
Kroger Pay is also a valid reason for not enabling other digital wallets. Kroger Pay is very much similar to Apple Pay except it’s only exclusive at Kroger stores and needs the Kroger membership card for faster and easier checkouts. On Kroger’s part, it is a wise option to promote its own digital wallet instead of Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Which Payment Methods Are Supported At Kroger?
Just like other grocery stores, Kroger uses all types of debit/credit cards powered by Americal Express, Visa, Discover, and Mastercard. Along with this, you may also use traditional payment options like cash and personal checks. Another convenient way for all Kroger members is to pay using Kroger Pay on their smartphones. All you need to do is scan the QR code at the checkout point and the amount will be paid from your linked debit/credit card. It’s that simple.
How To Pay At Kroger Using Your iPhone?
First of all, you need to have an account on Kroger’s official website first. The next steps are fairly simple.
Download the Kroger app on your iPhone (or Android) and log in using the same username and password of the Kroger website. Link your debit/credit card and you are ready to head to your nearest Kroger store. However, there is a small possibility that your local Kroger store may not accept Kroger Pay if it’s located in a remote area.
When you’ve bagged everything you want at a Kroger store, head to the checkout point. Open your Kroger Pay and a QR code will be generated on your mobile screen. All you need to do is ask the cashier to scan the code and the payment will be done automatically. Additionally, Kroger Pay will also combine your selected payment card in the app with your available loyalty rewards which helps you save some money.
Where Can You Use Koger Pay?
You can use Kroger Pay at any “Kroger family of company store locations” in the U.S. that have contactless POS terminals. You can use it at cashier checkout lanes, self-checkout, as well as some of the in-store pharmacy and liquor locations. All checkout lanes for alcohol don’t support Kroger Pay so you should bring your card or cash just in case you need it.
However, you cannot use Kroger Pay at Kroger furl centers, pharmacy drive-through lanes, and some independent sellers within Kroger stores. For pick-up options, you’ll have to contact your preferred Kroger pick-up station and confirm whether you can use Kroger Pay.
So far if this is helpful, you’d surely like to know whether Dollar General takes Apple Pay.
Other Contactless Payment Options At Kroger
If you don’t want to use Kroger Pay then there is no need to worry. There are other options too that facilitate contactless payments.
Scan, Bag, Go: This is one of the fastest ways of purchasing at Kroger. All you need to do is scan the groceries using your mobile device and pay through the Kroger app.
SNAP/EBT: You can simply purchase groceries online on the Kroger mobile app or Kroger.com. The good thing is you can choose to pick these items from the store free of cost. When groceries arrive at the pick-up point, you can easily pay with your SNAP/EBT card by selecting the “EBT option” during checkout.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, Kroger doesn’t take apple pay. The company did actually try to implement NFC payment options in 2020. The company was running trials on Apple Pay, Google Pay, FitBit Pay, Samsung Pay, and many other digital payment options. Sadly, that didn’t work as planned and the reasons are also not clear to this date.
Kroger has also developed their own digital payment method called Kroger Pay. All you have to do is generate a QR code on your phone and scan it (either yourself at the self-checkout point or ask the cashier). You may also want to know whether Lowes takes Apple Pay.
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