Does Starbucks Take Apple Pay? (Updated 2022)
Want to know if Starbucks takes Apple Pay? Find out everything you need to know in this complete and updated guide.
When you go into Starbucks to get a drink or a snack, you’re probably in need of some caffeine. You could be so tired that you forgot to grab your wallet and debit card to pay for your coffee.
If you have Apple Pay, you may be able to get your coffee without having to return home for your card if your Starbucks accepts NFC payments through your phone’s mobile wallet.
Learn everything you need to know about whether Starbucks accepts Apple Pay and what you can do to get your coffee without a hassle in the morning.
What is Starbucks?
Starbucks is a multinational coffee shop chain with over 33,000 locations in 83 countries as of 2022. Starbucks, founded in 1971 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, sells a wide range of highly customizable coffee beverages, teas, pastries, sandwiches, and other snacks.
The company markets its products as premium and high-end, and the prices reflect this.
Does Starbucks Accept Apple Pay?
Apple Pay and other mobile wallet payments are accepted at all Starbucks locations. Apple Pay is accepted at the register inside the store, the drive-thru, and the Starbucks mobile app.
You won’t have any trouble paying for your items at Starbucks if you have your preferred payment information saved in your mobile wallet.
When you are in-store or in the drive-thru, Apple Pay stores your debit card information and wirelessly transfers it to the credit card machine.
You won’t need to transfer data wirelessly when ordering on your app because the information is already in your phone’s mobile app.
Because all mobile wallets use the same technology, Starbucks accepts payments from all of them. Outside of Apple Pay, the most popular mobile wallets are Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
Apple Pay POS System Requirements
What does a POS system need to accept Apple Pay in-store or at the drive-thru?
The POS system must support NFC (near-field communication), a technology that allows your smartphone and credit card terminal to communicate wirelessly when they are within a short distance of each other.
After your mobile wallet connects to the credit card terminal, the payment is completed in the same manner as any other credit card payment.
Most new POS systems on the market today include NFC capabilities, and Starbucks has already upgraded all of its locations to accept NFC payments.
Additional Payment Options at Starbucks
You can pay with Apple Pay at Starbucks, but it’s important to understand the other options. Starbucks accepts the following payment methods:
- PayPal
- Google Pay
- Credit card
- Debit card
- Starbucks gift card
- Cash
- Bakkt Cash
The Advantages of Using a Mobile Wallet
Why would someone choose Apple Pay over a debit card to pay for a cup of coffee? There are several reasons why someone might want to pay with their mobile wallet:
1. It is Safe
Many people believe that because mobile wallets use technology, they must make your information more vulnerable to hackers.
Using Apple Pay, on the other hand, is far more secure than using a credit or debit card.
Instead of sending your credit card information, your mobile wallet encrypts it so that hackers cannot access it in the event of a security breach.
When you use a physical card, your information is shared with Starbucks and is not encrypted, making your information more vulnerable.
Although Starbucks has secure payment methods, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
2. It’s Quick
We always seem to lose our debit cards just when we need them the most. We, on the other hand, always know where our phone is.
Rather than digging through your purse or wallet, you can use your mobile wallet and pay with Apple Pay to keep the line moving and avoid the frustrated looks from those in front of you.
3. It is Convenient
Have you ever forgotten your wallet at home or misplaced your debit card and had to wait several days for a replacement?
As long as you have an active card linked to your mobile wallet, you won’t need to go to the bank to get cash or home to retrieve your card.
While it’s not ideal to leave your debit card at home, it’s comforting to know you have a backup in case the situation arises.
4. It is More Sanitary
Apple Pay is a contactless payment method because you do not have to physically touch the credit card terminal.
People are more interested than ever before in paying safely in the aftermath of the recent pandemic.
Contactless payments, like some other health precautions that we now consider standard, will not diminish over time.
People expect the trend to continue even after the pandemic is over.
5. It’s a Step Forward
We all benefit greatly from technological advancements, and instead of rejecting new technology, we should embrace it.
When you learn how to use Apple Pay comfortably, it can help you feel more at ease with other technology that can make your life easier.
As previously stated, more and more people are using mobile wallets to pay for their purchases, and you want to stay current with consumer trends.
How to Set Up Apple Pay
You must first add a card to your Apple Pay app before you can use it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up Apple Pay:
Step 1: Launch the Apple Pay app
Locate the Apple Pay app on your iPhone.
You will not need to download the app because it is automatically installed on your phone when you receive it.
Step 2: Click the “+” Button
When you launch the app, you’ll notice a large plus sign that allows you to add a card.
Select the plus sign.
Step 3: Choose a Card Type
You will be able to choose between “debit” and “credit.”
Choose the appropriate option and press “Continue.”
*** If you have loyalty cards for stores you frequent, you can also add them to your Apple Pay app.
To add a loyalty card, scan the barcode with your phone’s camera and open the page in Safari.
You will continue to see your loyalty card after checking the box indicating that you agree to the terms. You will see the option to “add” in the upper right corner.
Step 4: Provide Payment Information
Following that, you must enter your credit card information. You can either take a picture with your smartphone or manually enter the information.
The credit card number, expiration date, security code, and credit card holder’s name are all required. If any of these details are incorrect, you will be unable to add the card.
When taking a photograph, try to get a clear shot. If you are manually entering the information, double-check the payment information before submitting it.
Step 5: Check with Your Financial Institution
After you add your card, you may be asked by your financial institution to confirm that you want to add your card to your mobile wallet.
If your bank or credit card company requests verification, such as logging into their app or providing a PIN, you must comply.
Your card will be ready to use once it has been verified.
Step 6: Insert More Cards
If you have additional cards you want to add to your wallet, you may as well add them all at once. You can store up to eight cards.
The first card you enter will automatically default as your primary payment method.
You can change your primary card by going to the app’s default card option and selecting from the stored cards.
Step 7: Buy Something
Visit a local Starbucks to test out your mobile wallet before relying on it in an emergency. Bring cash or your physical card just in case you didn’t get it right the first time.
Step 8: Add to Apple Watch
If you have an Apple Watch, don’t forget to add your card to the mobile wallet on your Apple Watch as well.
It will not upload to the mobile wallet on your Apple Watch automatically.
How to Use Apple Pay in a Store/Drive-Thru
It’s probably simpler than you thought to pay with Apple Pay in three simple steps.
Step 1: Launch the Apple Pay app
When you’re waiting in line, unlock your phone and launch the app to expedite the process.
Your phone must be turned on and have enough battery life.
Step 2: Confirm that You Have the Correct Card
Check that you have the correct card selected if you have multiple cards in your mobile wallet.
To use a different card, simply select the appropriate card from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Keep the Phone Close to the Reader
When you’re ready, place your phone near the credit card terminal and check to see if the two devices establish a connection by seeing a message indicating that your payment was successful.
If you’re using the drive-thru, you may need to hand over your phone to the cashier or request that they bring the credit card reader closer to you.
For this reason, the credit card terminals extend outside the window, so the cashiers will be familiar with the process.
Starbucks App
Starbucks has an app for both Apple and Android devices that allows you to easily place pickup and delivery orders.
Because the app stores information about all of your orders, you never miss out on rewards when you use it.
Starbucks Rewards allows you to earn free drinks, receive special offers, and receive a free treat on your birthday.
The more qualifying products you purchase, the more points you earn. After each milestone, you will receive the following gifts:
- 25 points: free customization of your drink
- 50 points: free hot coffee, hot tea, or bakery item
- 150 points: free handcrafted drink or breakfast item
- 200 points: free salad, sandwich, or protein box
- 400 points: free merchandise, such as a cup or bag of coffee for home
When you aren’t near your local Starbucks, the app can help you find one nearby, and you can buy gift cards.
Apple Pay Versus Google Pay Versus Samsung Pay
When it comes to mobile wallets, Apple Pay isn’t your only option. Google Pay and Samsung Pay are two of Apple Pay’s main competitors.
There are other options available, but many of them have a small user base at this time.
They all function essentially the same way, with minor differences that may make one more suitable for you than the others.
Remember that all Apple Pay terminals can also accept other mobile wallets. Apple Pay is the sole mobile wallet available for Apple devices.
If you own an Apple device, you must use Apple Pay. If you have an Android phone, you have the option of using Google Pay or Samsung Pay.
If you frequently travel to remote locations, Apply Pay is accepted in more countries (41) than Google Pay (29) and Samsung Pay (24), which may influence your decision.
Gift cards are not stored by Apple Pay, but they are by Google Pay and Samsung Pay. Apple Pay, like Google Pay and Samsung Pay, does not accept PayPal.
Apple Pay and PayPal regard each other as competitors and do not typically go out of their way to be compatible.
You can, however, pay for your Starbucks using PayPal (just not with Apple Pay).
Samsung Pay has a unique feature that allows it to work with machines that accept magnetic strips, allowing it to work with POS systems that have not been updated to accept NFC payments.
How to Troubleshoot Apple Pay Issues
Even the most convenient technologies can cause us problems from time to time. If you can’t seem to pay for your Starbucks using Apple Pay, there are two possibilities.
The first issue is that you can’t get a signal between your phone and the credit card terminal.
If this happens to you, restart your phone and make sure it is close enough to the credit card terminal.
If that doesn’t work, have someone else try to see if it’s a case of user error.
If the problem persists, it could be a problem with your phone or the credit card terminal.
A denied transaction is the second issue you may encounter. First, make sure you’re using the correct card.
Keep in mind that if the physical card is canceled or expires, it will no longer function.
If your card is still declined after you have verified it, contact your bank to ensure that you have properly connected your card to your mobile wallet and that they do not require any additional verification from you.
Final Thought
Cash will always reign supreme. However, many of us dislike carrying cash.
Furthermore, who wants to wait for the cashier to count the change? Once you’ve added your card to the app, you can pay for your coffee at Starbucks with Apple Pay or any other mobile wallet with confidence.
It’s secure, quick, and convenient. Soon, you’ll be using Apple Pay almost everywhere you go, and your Starbucks coffee will be there to help you get there.
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CSN Team.