Does Walgreens Take Apple Pay In 2023 [How To Use & Pay Less]
Are you an Apple Pay enthusiast and wondering if you can use it to pay for your purchases at Walgreens? Well, you're not alone. With the rise of contactless payment methods, it's only natural to seek out the convenience and security of using your phone to pay. So, does Walgreens take Apple Pay? The answer may surprise you.
In this blog, we'll explore the ins and outs of using Apple Pay at Walgreens, including any restrictions or limitations you should be aware of. Whether you're a seasoned Apple Pay user or new to the game, read on to discover if you can leave your wallet at home the next time you shop at Walgreens.
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What Is Walgreens?

Walgreens is one of the largest pharmacy store chains in the United States, offering a vast range of products and services to meet the health and wellness needs of its customers. Founded in 1901 in Chicago, Illinois, by Charles Walgreen, the company has grown to become a trusted name in the healthcare industry.
With over 9,000 stores in all 50 states, Walgreens prides itself on being a one-stop-shop for customers looking to purchase prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, supplements, and other health-related products.
Beyond its pharmacy offerings, Walgreens also offers a broad selection of personal care items, household essentials, snacks, and beverages.
In addition to its brick-and-mortar stores, Walgreens has also expanded its online presence, allowing customers to conveniently shop from the comfort of their homes.
The company offers a user-friendly website and mobile app, making it easy to refill prescriptions, order photos, and even receive healthcare advice from the comfort of your own home.
What Is Apple Pay?

Apple Pay is a contactless mobile payment system developed by Apple Inc. that allows users to make purchases in-store, online, and in-app with their iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac.
The service was first introduced in 2014 and has since become an increasingly popular payment method among consumers due to its convenience, security, and ease of use.
One of the standout features of Apple Pay is its emphasis on security. When a user makes a purchase with Apple Pay, their card information is not stored on their device or shared with the merchant. Instead, a unique transaction code is generated for each transaction, making it virtually impossible for hackers to steal a user's information.
In addition to its security features, Apple Pay also offers a variety of benefits to users, including the ability to earn rewards for using the service and the option to easily split payments with friends and family.
How To Use Apple Pay?

Apple Pay is a contactless mobile payment system developed by Apple Inc. that allows users to make purchases in-store, online, and in-app with their iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac. To use Apple Pay, you'll need to first set it up on your device.
Setting up Apple Pay on an iPhone:
- Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
- Tap the "Add Credit or Debit Card" option.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to add your card information, which may include scanning your card with your device's camera or manually entering your card details.
- If you're adding a credit or debit card that's already associated with your iTunes account, you may only need to enter the card's security code.
Setting up Apple Pay on an Apple Watch:
- Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap the "My Watch" tab and select "Wallet & Apple Pay."
- Tap "Add Credit or Debit Card" and follow the on-screen instructions to add your card information.
Once your card is added to Apple Pay, you can start using it to make purchases. Here's how:
In-store:
- Look for a contactless payment terminal that accepts Apple Pay.
- Hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the terminal with your finger on the Touch ID or Face ID sensor to authorize the payment. For iPhone models without Touch ID, you'll need to double-click the side button to activate Face ID and then hold your device near the payment terminal.
- Wait for the payment to be approved and the transaction to be completed.
Online or in-app:
- When checking out, select the Apple Pay option.
- Confirm your payment using Touch ID or Face ID.
- Wait for the payment to be approved and the transaction to be completed.
Does Walgreens Take Apple Pay?
If you're an Apple Pay user, you may be wondering if Walgreens accepts this popular mobile payment method. The good news is, the answer is yes. Walgreens is one of the many retailers that accept Apple Pay, making it easy and convenient to pay for your purchases with just a tap of your iPhone or Apple Watch.
One of the benefits of using Apple Pay at Walgreens is the added security it provides. When you use Apple Pay, your card information is not shared with the merchant, and a unique transaction code is generated for each purchase, making it virtually impossible for hackers to steal your information.
In addition to being a secure payment method, Apple Pay is also convenient and easy to use, allowing you to quickly pay for your purchases without having to fumble with cash or cards. So the next time you're shopping at Walgreens, consider using Apple Pay to simplify your payment experience and enjoy the added convenience and security it provides.
How To Pay With Apple Pay At Walgreens?
Paying with Apple Pay at Walgreens is easy and secure. Here are the steps you'll need to take:
- Add your credit or debit card to Apple Wallet: If you haven't already done so, add your card information to Apple Wallet on your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or Mac.
- Look for the contactless payment symbol: When you're ready to make a purchase at Walgreens, look for the contactless payment symbol at the register.
- Hold your device near the payment terminal: Hold your device near the contactless payment terminal and wait for the payment screen to appear.
- Authenticate the payment: Use Touch ID or Face ID to authenticate the payment, depending on your device.
- Wait for the payment to be approved: Once the payment is approved, you'll receive a notification on your device confirming the transaction.
Benefits Of Paying With Apple
Using Apple Pay to make purchases at Walgreens comes with a host of benefits that can make your shopping experience more convenient and secure. Here are some of the top benefits of paying with Apple Pay at Walgreens:
- Fast and convenient: With Apple Pay, you can make payments quickly and easily without having to fumble with cash or cards. Simply hold your device near the contactless payment terminal and authenticate the payment with Touch ID or Face ID.
- Secure: Apple Pay is a secure payment method that uses encryption and tokenization to protect your card information. When you make a purchase with Apple Pay, your card information is not stored on your device or shared with the merchant.
- Contactless: Apple Pay is a contactless payment method, which means you don't have to physically touch the payment terminal or exchange cash or cards with the cashier. This can help reduce the risk of spreading germs and viruses.
- Rewards and loyalty programs: Some credit cards and loyalty programs offer rewards and cashback for using Apple Pay to make purchases. This can help you save money and earn rewards while you shop at Walgreens.
- Compatible with multiple devices: Apple Pay is compatible with a variety of Apple devices, including iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac, making it easy to use and accessible for a wide range of users.
Why You Should Consider Using Apple Pay at Walgreens?
As one of the most popular mobile payment options, Apple Pay has quickly become a preferred choice for shoppers looking for a secure, fast, and convenient way to make payments.
When it comes to using Apple Pay at Walgreens, there are several reasons why you should consider making the switch from traditional payment methods. Here are some of the top reasons why you should consider using Apple Pay at Walgreens:
- Budget tracking: Apple Pay allows you to keep track of your spending more easily, as all of your transactions are recorded in the Wallet app on your device. This can help you better manage your budget and keep track of your expenses.
- No need to carry physical cards: With Apple Pay, you don't have to worry about carrying around physical credit or debit cards, which can be lost, stolen, or damaged. This can provide added peace of mind and convenience.
- Speedy transactions: Apple Pay transactions are typically faster than traditional payment methods, as you don't have to wait for the payment terminal to process your card or sign a receipt. This can save you time and make the checkout process smoother.
- Accessibility: Apple Pay is accessible to a wide range of users, including those with disabilities who may have difficulty using traditional payment methods. With its easy-to-use interface and contactless capabilities, Apple Pay can provide greater accessibility and independence for many users.
Is Apple Pay Safe?
Apple Pay is a mobile payment system that is designed with security in mind. It uses advanced encryption and tokenization technologies to protect your payment information and prevent unauthorized access. Here are some of the safety features of Apple Pay:
- Tokenization: When you add your credit or debit card to Apple Pay, the system generates a unique token that is used to process your payment. This means that your actual card number is never shared with merchants or transmitted during the payment process, making it virtually impossible for hackers to intercept and steal your card information.
- Touch ID and Face ID: To authorize a payment with Apple Pay, you must first authenticate using either Touch ID or Face ID. These biometric authentication technologies use unique physical characteristics such as your fingerprint or facial features to ensure that only you can authorize payments with your device.
- Device-specific token: Each payment made with Apple Pay is authorized with a unique, device-specific token. This token is generated by the Secure Element, a dedicated chip in your device that stores and protects sensitive data. This adds layer of security to the payment process, as each token is only valid for the specific device that generated it.
- Two-factor authentication: Some credit and debit cards require two-factor authentication to authorize payments with Apple Pay. This means that you must first authenticate using either Touch ID or Face ID, and then enter a separate verification code to complete the payment. This further enhances the security of the payment process by requiring multiple forms of authentication.
Other Payment Options At Walgreen
Walgreens offers a variety of payment options for customers, in addition to Apple Pay. Here are some of the most common payment options available at Walgreens:
- Credit and debit cards: Walgreens accepts most major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can simply swipe or insert your card at the payment terminal and follow the on-screen instructions to complete your transaction.
- Cash: Cash is always a viable option for making payments at Walgreens. Simply hand over your cash to the cashier, who will process the transaction and provide you with change if necessary.
- Check: Walgreens also accepts personal checks as a form of payment. Simply present your check to the cashier, along with a valid ID, and wait for the check to be processed.
- Gift cards: Walgreens sells a variety of gift cards that can be used to make purchases in-store. You can also use Walgreens gift cards to pay for your purchases at the register.
- Contactless payments: In addition to Apple Pay, Walgreens accepts other forms of contactless payments, such as Samsung Pay and Google Pay. These payment methods use similar tokenization and encryption technologies to ensure secure and private transactions.
FAQs Regarding Apple Pay And Walgreens
Can You Pay With Apple Pay At Walgreens?
Yes, Walgreens accepts Apple Pay as a mobile payment option. Customers can use their iPhone or Apple Watch to make contactless payments at Walgreens stores.
Can You Use Apple Pay At The ATM At Walgreens?
Yes, some Walgreens locations have ATMs that are compatible with Apple Pay, allowing customers to withdraw cash from their bank accounts.
How To Use Apple Pay At Walgreens
To use Apple Pay at Walgreens, hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the contactless payment terminal and authenticate the payment with Touch ID or Face ID. Once the payment is approved, you will receive a notification on your device confirming the transaction.
Are There Any Fees Associated With Using Apple Pay At Walgreens?
No, there are no additional fees for using Apple Pay at Walgreens or any other retailer that accepts this payment method.
Conclusion
If you're wondering whether does Walgreens take Apple Pay as a payment method, the answer is yes! Using Apple Pay at Walgreens offers a variety of benefits, including enhanced security, convenience, and contactless capabilities.
With its compatibility with a wide range of devices and ability to streamline the payment process, Apple Pay is a great option for making purchases at Walgreens and other retailers.
Whether you're concerned about security, convenience, or rewards, Apple Pay is a payment option that is worth considering the next time you shop at Walgreens. So, next time you're in line at Walgreens, pull out your iPhone or Apple Watch and take advantage of the ease and security of using Apple Pay for your purchases.
Michael Restiano
I lead product content strategy for SaltMoney. Additionally, I’m helping our broader team of 4 evolve into a mature content strategy practice with the right documentation and processes to deliver quality work. Prior to Instacart, I was a content strategy lead at Uber Eats and Facebook. Before that, I was a content strategist at SapientNitro, helping major Fortune 500 brands create better, more useful digital content.