Quick Answer: Apple Pay Acceptance at Major Stores
| Business | Accepts Apple Pay? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IHOP | Yes | Most U.S. locations. |
| Wendy’s | Yes | Drive-thru & in-store. |
| Ross | No | Relies on traditional payments. |
| Dunkin’ | Yes | In-store, app, & drive-thru. |
| Albertsons | Varies | Check store signage. |
| Jack in the Box | Yes | Widely accepted. |
| Panda Express | Yes | Most locations. |
| Cook Out | No | Cash or card only. |
| CVS | Yes | All U.S. stores. |
| Dollar General | No | Debit/credit cards accepted. |
| Michaels | Yes | In-store and online. |
| Waffle House | No | Cash or card payments. |
| Popeyes | Yes | Select locations. |
| Applebee’s | Yes | Most franchises. |
| Burger King | Yes | Drive-thru and counter. |
| Old Navy | Yes | All U.S. stores. |
| Burlington | No | No Apple Pay support. |
| Fry’s Food Stores | Yes | Kroger-owned; uses Kroger Pay. |
| Publix | Yes | All locations. |
| Speedway | Yes | At pumps and in-store. |
| Winn-Dixie | Yes | Most Southeastern U.S. stores. |
| AutoZone | Yes | In-store purchases. |
| Bojangles | No | Credit/debit cards only. |
| Smith’s | Yes | Kroger subsidiary; accepts Apple Pay. |
Apple Pay is a fast and secure alternative for making purchases at stores, restaurants and gas stations. But many businesses accept it, and it’s hard to know who. In 2024, this guide tells you if IHOP, Wendy’s, Ross, Dunkin’ and 20+ more major chains accept Apple Pay, plus how to avoid hiccups.
Does IHOP Take Apple Pay?
Yes – IHOP locations generally accept Apple Pay in-person at the register or via drive-thru.
Does Wendy’s Take Apple Pay?
Yes — Pay with Apple Pay in the store, at the drive-thru or through the Wendy’s app.
Does Dunkin’ Take Apple Pay?
YES – In-store, at drive-thru or Dunkin’ app with Apple Pay
Does Jack in the Box Take Apple Pay?
Yes – Available at counter service, kiosks, drive-thrus
Does Popeyes Take Apple Pay?
Yes — Most corporate-owned locations.
Does Applebee’s Take Apple Pay?
Yes – Accepted in the majority of the franchises
Does Burger King Accept Apple Pay?
Yes – Use it over the counter or in person.
Does Bojangles Take Apple Pay?
No — Only credit/debit cards or cash.
Does Cook Out Take Apple Pay?
No – You can only pay by cash or card.
Does Waffle House Take Apple Pay?
No — Only traditional payment methods.
Retail & Grocery Stores
Does Ross Take Apple Pay?
No — Apple Pay is not accepted at Ross Stores.
Does CVS Accept Apple Pay?
Yes — All CVS locations accept Apple Pay.
Does Dollar General Accept Apple Pay?
No – Only cash or debit/credit cards.
Does Michaels Take Apple Pay?
Yes – Validitional day online in days
Does Old Navy Take Apple Pay?
Yes – Apple Pay is accepted at all U.S. Old Navy locations.
Does Burlington Take Apple Pay?
no – not yet supported.
Does Publix Accept Apple Pay?
Yes — Apple Pay is accepted at all Publix locations.
Does Albertsons Take Apple Pay?
Varies – Check individual stores.
Does Fry’s Take Apple Pay?
Yes — Kroger subsidiary; use Apple Pay through Kroger Pay
Does Winn-Dixie Take Apple Pay?
Yes — Most stores in Southeastern U.S.
Does Smith’s Accept Apple Pay?
Yes — Owned by Kroger; Apple Pay accepted.
Gas Stations & Auto Stores
Does Speedway Take Apple Pay?
Yes – Available at pumps or at the register.
Does AutoZone Take Apple Pay?
Yes – Can be used for in-store purchases.
Why Some Stores Don’t Accept Apple Pay
- Legacy Systems: Smaller chains like Cook Out or Waffle House may not even have NFC readers.
- Corporate Terms: Ross and Dollar General favor conventional payment methods.
- First Data also supports regional acceptance of independent grocery stores such as Albertsons and Winn-Dixie.
How to Use Apple Pay: 4 Tips for Successful Payments
- Pay Attention to The Contactless Symbol: The Apple Pay or NFC logo at checkout
- Ask Cashiers: Check that this is accepted before you order.
- USE STORE APPS Chains like Dunkin’ or Wendy’s allow you to register Apple Pay for rewards.
- Carry a Second Card: Acceptance at some franchises may be spotty.
The Future of Apple Pay
Businesses resistant to adopting such payment methods, like Ross and Bojangles, may switch to Apple Pay to meet customer demand as far as contactless payments are concerned. So as of now, most major retailers and restaurants accept it.
Apple Pay a Common Trek — With Notable Exceptions
Some businesses, like Ross, Dollar General and Cook Out, still don’t accept Apple Pay, while most national chains (IHOP, Wendy’s, Dunkin’, CVS, Publix, etc.) do. Always check at checkout or through the store’s website. As mobile payments become ubiquitous, we can expect in 2024 for it to be accepted in even more places!
