If you’re a frequent Starbucks customer and an Apple Pay user, you may wonder: Does Starbucks take Apple Pay?
With the rise of digital payments, it’s not surprising that more and more people are using their smartphones to pay for goods and services.
Apple Pay is a popular mobile payment system that allows users to make contactless payments using their iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch.
However, not all stores accept Apple Pay as a payment method.
I wrote this article to discuss whether Starbucks accepts Apple Pay. I’ll also provide valuable information for maximizing your mobile payment experience at this famous coffee shop.
Let’s start.
Does Starbucks Take Apple Pay?
Does Starbucks accept Apple Pay? Yes. Starbucks accepts Apple Pay.
You can use Apple Pay at Starbucks in-store, through the Starbucks app, or at the drive-thru at Starbucks.
Ensure you have a compatible phone or watch to make the drink store accept your payment.
How To Pay Starbucks With iPhone and Apple Watch
You can use your iPhone or Apple Watch to pay at Starbucks using Apple Pay. You must install Apple Pay on your iOS device and connect it to your chosen payment method.
Here’s how to pay for your Starbucks beverages using Apple Pay.
- Open Wallet on your iPhone or iWatch. Here, you will see every card you have added to Apple Pay.
- Choose the card you want to use as an accepted payment method.
- Unlock the device with your password or Touch ID (or Face ID on newer iPhones) to validate the transaction.
- When your entire purchase amount appears, raise the top of your phone or watch to the card reader. The card reader can read your phone’s display up to a few inches away without touching it.
- Bring the chosen card into the range of the scanner after selecting it on your Apple Watch to have it processed. You’ll hear a beep when the card reader detects your iPhone or Watch.
The beep indicates the end of your transaction. You’ve just learned how to use Apple Pay to pay at Starbucks.
How To Pay With Apple Pay Within the Starbucks App
These two apps are directly connected, which benefits coffee addicts who don’t want to pay with cash.
Customers who use the iOS version of the app can add money using Apple Pay, which speeds up and simplifies transactions.
With the location-based functionality of the app, you can learn the nearest store’s location. If you order and pay in advance, you won’t have to wait in line, then pick up your drink.
You can track Stars acquired through purchases by looking for them in the Starbucks Rewards program. The app will instantly apply the most savings and discounts for you.
How To Set up Apple Pay
The Apple Pay app is much easier to use than other mobile payment options, which may require installing an app or going through a lengthy process to deposit money into the system.
Ensure you set up your Apple Pay account if you can’t wait to visit Starbucks and enjoy your favorite coffee. Although it’s simple to set up, having it ready before shopping is a good idea.
Follow these steps to ensure you set up your Apple Pay account at Starbucks.
Create an Apple Pay Account
You must activate Apple Pay before using it to pay for coffee. You only need to touch the Apple Pay icon on your iPhone to begin the procedure. There should be a window asking for information.
You must provide your name, address, and even your birthday. Apple may use this data to confirm your identification before authorizing transactions.
You can add your chosen payment methods once you enter your information into the system.
Include a Payment Method in Your Account
You must link a payment method to the app to use your Apple Pay account to make purchases. The software will deduct the appropriate amount from the chosen payment method when you transact.
With Apple Pay, you may submit various payment options, such as credit or debit cards.
You can do away with cards and connect your bank account. The app would take payments directly from your bank account.
Choose one as your primary payment method once you’ve entered your payment method. You always have the option to reverse your choice.
How To Add Starbucks Gift Card to Apple Wallet
You must connect to the internet to use Apple Pay to pay at Starbucks. You can complete transactions offline if you add a Starbucks gift card to your Apple Pay wallet.
The card is redeemable at any Starbucks location. Here’s how to add Starbucks card to Apple Wallet.
- Tap the Cards icon at the bottom of the Starbucks mobile app once it is open.
- You’ll see a window listing all the cards linked to your Starbucks account.
- You can link a card to Apple Pay by tapping the Details icon next to the card.
- Tap the Add button in the upper right corner after selecting the Add to Apple Wallet option.
- By opening the Apple Pay app wallet, check if you have successfully added your Starbucks gift card.
The remaining steps are the same, including scanning the barcode to make payments at Starbucks.
How To Add Money to a Starbucks Card Using Apple Pay
When the balance on your Starbucks card gets low, you can pay using Apple Pay. The Apple Pay wallet app will immediately withdraw the specified amount from your saved cards.
You can also reload your Starbucks card while choosing Apple Pay as your payment method.
Moreover, you can earn loyalty points by adding money to your Starbucks card. For every dollar spent, Starbucks gives two credit points that you can use to buy food later on.
Here’s how to charge your Starbucks card using the Apple Pay Wallet.
- Tap on your profile icon after opening the Starbucks mobile app.
- Choose the card you want to recharge under the Starbucks card & payment option.
- The Auto-reload option is available for your convenience.
- You can proceed once you choose Apple Pay as your payment option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Starbucks Accept Apple Pay?
Does Starbucks have Apple Pay? Yes.
Every Starbucks store accepts Apple Pay. You can pay with Apple Pay on the Starbucks app, in stores, and even for orders you place through a drive-thru window.
Does Starbucks Accept Apple Pay in Drive-Thru?
Does Starbucks do Apple Pay at the drive-thru?
Yes, the Starbucks drive-thru accepts Apple Pay. Using Apple Pay in-store is similar to using it in the Starbucks drive-thru.
The salesman may lean forward to close the card reader to your iPhone or Apple Watch.
Does Starbucks Accept Android Pay?
Using the Android version of the Starbucks app, customers may reload their Starbucks Cards using Google Pay.
Customers can also use Google Pay to pay for drinks at selected Starbucks stores without using the Starbucks app.
Does Starbucks Accept Other Forms of Payment?
Along with its signature coffee, the company provides various other payment options.
Although you might be used to paying with the traditional method, many other options exist.
There are additional ways to pay at Starbucks, including:
- Starbucks Cards
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- PayPal
- Bakkt Cash
- Credit and debit cards
- Cash
The Bottom Line
Starbucks takes Apple Pay as a payment method in their stores.
Customers can easily make their purchases with a tap of their iPhone or Apple Watch on the contactless reader at the register.
It is a convenient and secure way to pay for your coffee or other items at Starbucks, and it eliminates the need to carry cash or credit cards.
Aside from Starbucks, did you know McDonald’s takes Apple Pay too? You can also use Apple Pay at retail stores like Target.
