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Starbucks feels pretty up to date, so I’m still a little surprised when a big chain does not take Apple Pay.
I don’t carry cash often, and I’m the kind of person who forgets a wallet at home more than I’d like to admit.
I’m covering how Apple Pay works at Starbucks, why I keep using it there, and what the payment flow actually feels like at the counter.
Key takeaways
Can you use Apple Pay at Starbucks?
Yes! Starbucks does take Apple Pay.
You can use Apple Pay at participating Starbucks locations in the US via any recently updated iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch.
You can use Apple Pay to pay for your order and get and reload a Starbucks gift card for no additional fees.
Thanks to the single-touch payment system, you can breeze through any Starbucks drive-thru, Starbucks mobile app transaction, and any local Starbucks outlets across the country to get your favorite Starbucks espresso drinks.
Just make sure that your Apple device runs iOS version 11 or later and has a POS that supports Near Field Communication (NFC) to enable contactless payments.
5 Benefits of using Apple Pay at Starbucks
Starbucks accepts Apple Pay, and part of the appeal is that it removes a few small checkout annoyances.
That is the part that keeps me using it.
1. It's extremely fast
In-store, Apple Pay cuts out the usual wallet shuffle. I tap, watch the payment confirm, and move on before the line feels awkward.
It also saves me from fishing for cash or entering a PIN. In practice, the whole thing usually takes just a couple of seconds.
2. Convenience is key!
A quick one-handed checkout can make a busy Starbucks line feel a lot less clumsy.
After linking Apple Pay to my Starbucks account, it’s easy to keep track of spending and earn Starbucks Stars with basically zero effort.
Topping up a Starbucks card also takes only a moment.
3. It keeps information secure
Card payments usually involve more card information moving through the system than a contactless tap.
Apple also uses security features designed to keep card details from being exposed directly.
For me, that makes Apple Pay feel more controlled than handing over a card, but I’d still treat it as a convenience feature rather than some magic shield.
4. Contactless is the best way to go
I’m the kind of person who reaches for hand sanitizer after using an ATM.
That is part of why I like contactless payments. I just prefer not to handle the reader when I do not have to.
The one-touch system is both hygienic and simple.
5. Works every time
Starbucks card or debit card at home.
With a synced Apple device, I know I can still pay when I’m out and do not have my physical wallet with me.
That has saved me from turning around for a card or making a separate bank stop more than once.
How to set up Apple Pay on your phone
Setting up Apple Pay on an iPhone or Apple Watch is usually quick because it is built into recent Apple devices.
Setting up Apple Pay
The watch setup follows the same basic idea, just on the Watch app instead of the phone.
Downloading the Starbucks app
I also like that linked payments can still earn Starbucks Rewards Stars, which makes the app a little more useful each time I pay.
Having these two apps linked and ready to go can ensure that I reap all the benefits with each dollar spent for no extra fee.
Tips for using Apple Pay at Starbucks
Using Apple Pay in Starbucks store and drive thru
Once I hand over my order, the barista rings it up and brings the card reader over. At that point the payment itself is usually just a tap.
Using Apple Pay in the Starbucks app
When the reader appears, I usually just wait for the confirmation and then put my phone away. It is a small detail, but it keeps the handoff moving.
Using Apple Pay at Starbucks with your Apple Watch
Alternatives to pay for your daily Starbucks drink
If Apple Pay is not the right fit, there are a few other Starbucks payment options worth knowing about.
Google Pay
Similar to Apple Pay, Google Pay can be used in any Starbucks location across the US.
PayPal
I didn’t know this was a thing until recently, but I’ve used my PayPal account to make online or in-app Starbucks purchases. I can even pay ahead on a gift card or load money onto a Starbucks card.
Gift Cards
A Starbucks gift card with extra cash can be used to make a purchase in-store or online provided it has the funds.
You can add the Starbucks Card to the Starbucks app or hand it to the cashier when you pay or reload it.
Samsung Pay
Samsung Pay is another excellent alternative to Apple Pay. It cannot be used on Apple devices like the Apple Watch.
GrabPay
GrabPay, like Bakkt Cash, is another option that can be used at Starbucks locations and other retailers that are not Starbucks.
FAQs
Will I still earn Starbucks Rewards Stars if I use Apple Pay?
If your Apple Pay is linked to your Starbucks account, you can still earn Starbucks Rewards Stars. Starbucks has also said customers can earn 2 Stars for every dollar spent, although the exact rate can change with the current rewards terms.
Is Apple Pay the same as Apple Wallet?
No, Apple Pay is not the same as Apple Wallet. Apple Pay is the payment method, while Apple Wallet is the app that stores cards, tickets, and other payment details.
How do you troubleshoot Apple Pay problems?
You can troubleshoot Apple Pay problems by contacting Apple Pay support online or by phone for help.
What are the disadvantages of using Apple Pay?
The main disadvantages of using Apple Pay are:
Does Apple Pay work in all countries?
Apple Pay works in most countries. If traveling abroad, make sure to check the official list on the Apple website.
Conclusion - Try contactless payments today!
So, does Starbucks take Apple Pay? Yes, in US stores and online.
I do not use Apple Pay for everything, but at Starbucks the line moves fast enough that the quick tap feels especially natural.
It cuts out a bit of hassle at checkout, and for me that is the main appeal.
If you already use an iPhone or Apple Watch, setting it up before your next coffee run makes the first tap feel more natural.
