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Does CVS Accept Apple Pay

Perhaps, you’ve probably stood at the checkout counter wondering: “Does CVS accept Apple Pay?” The short answer is yes, but there’s a lot more to it than just tapping your phone. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or someone who just wants an easier way to pay, knowing how Apple Pay fits into the CVS shopping experience can really upgrade your routine.

Apple Pay has changed the way we shop; it lets you leave your wallet at home and still make secure payments with just your iPhone or Apple Watch. This isn’t just about convenience, it’s also about security, speed, and adapting to how we live today.

More people are using digital wallets, and big retail chains like CVS are stepping up to meet those expectations. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using Apple Pay at CVS, from setting it up to the perks it brings, and even the occasional hiccup.

Yes, CVS Accepts Apple Pay

Let’s clear this up right from the start: CVS does accept Apple Pay. They started rolling it out back in 2018, but it wasn’t until a few years later that every store really embraced it. Now in 2025, you’ll find Apple Pay terminals in nearly every CVS location across the United States.

The self-checkout machines, manned registers, and even the drive-thru pharmacy lanes (in some areas) are equipped with contactless readers. So, when you see that little Wi-Fi-looking icon on the payment terminal, you’re good to go. Just hold your phone near it, authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID, and you’re done.

The move came after CVS faced pressure from customers who wanted safer, touch-free payment options, especially during the height of the pandemic. Apple Pay not only cut, but it also became one of the most preferred methods at CVS because of how seamless it feels.

It’s important to note, though, that while most CVS locations accept Apple Pay, some independently operated franchises might lag behind. If you’re unsure, just ask a cashier or look for the contactless payment symbol.

How to Use Apple Pay at CVS

Alright, so you’re in the store, basket in hand, and ready to pay. Here’s how you make Apple Pay work at CVS like a pro:

Load Your Card into Apple Wallet: Before you even walk into CVS, make sure your debit or credit card is added to your Apple Wallet. Open the Wallet app, tap the plus sign, and follow the steps.
Approach the Checkout: At CVS, you can use Apple Pay at both self-checkout and the staffed registers. Look for the contactless symbol on the reader.
Authenticate: On iPhones with Face ID, double-click the side button and glance at your phone. For Touch ID, just rest your finger on the sensor.
Tap and Go: Hold your device near the terminal. A beep or vibration lets you know the payment went through. Simple as that.

And yes, you can use your Apple Watch too! Just double-tap the side button and hold your wrist to the reader.

Now, in some rare cases, you might hit a glitch. Maybe the terminal is outdated or there’s a signal hiccup. If that happens, try a different register or restart your Wallet app. I’ve had to do that once or twice, and it always worked after a quick reset.

Also, don’t forget, CVS accepts Apple Pay not only in the main retail area but sometimes even in the drive-thru pharmacy. That’s especially convenient when you’re picking up a prescription and don’t want to handle cash or cards.

Benefits of Using Apple Pay at CVS

Let’s talk perks, because there are plenty when you use Apple Pay at CVS.

1. It’s Lightning Fast: There’s no swiping, inserting, or fumbling through your bag for a wallet. Just tap and you’re done.

2. Safety Comes First: Apple Pay doesn’t actually share your card number with the store. Instead, it creates a unique transaction code each time you use it. That means your info stays protected even if the CVS system ever gets compromised.

3. Clean and Contactless: In the post-COVID world, touching fewer surfaces matters. Apple Pay helps you avoid physical contact with the card reader or handling paper receipts.

4. CVS ExtraCare Perks Stack Up: Using Apple Pay doesn’t mean giving up your rewards. You can still scan your CVS ExtraCare card before paying to rack up points or apply coupons. Some people think digital pay means fewer discounts but not here.

5. Works with Your Apple Watch Too: For those days when your phone’s in the car or your hands are full, you can still check out with just a flick of the wrist.

In short, using Apple Pay at CVS isn’t just about tech-savviness it’s practical, safe, and honestly a bit addictive once you get used to it.

Does CVS Accept Apple Pay Online or in the App?

Now here’s where things get a bit more digital. You might be wondering if you can use Apple Pay when shopping online through the CVS website or their mobile app. The short answer? Yes, but with a catch.

When you shop via the CVS mobile app, Apple Pay is accepted as a payment option, but only in certain parts of the checkout process. For example, if you’re choosing curbside pickup or home delivery, you’ll often see the Apple Pay icon pop up during checkout. Tap it, authenticate, and you’re set.

However, when it comes to CVS.com on a desktop browser, Apple Pay support is spotty. Since Apple Pay is mostly optimized for mobile Safari browsers and apps, you won’t always see it as an option if you’re ordering from a laptop or non-Apple device.

What’s cool, though, is that CVS has done a good job integrating Apple Pay into its mobile platform. If you’re using the CVS Pharmacy app, it’s pretty seamless. Just shop as usual, head to checkout, and select Apple Pay as your payment method. No card typing, no fumbling with your billing address. It pulls everything straight from your Wallet.

So, in a nutshell:

CVS app = Apple Pay friendly
Mobile Safari browser = Mostly works
Desktop browser = Hit or miss

If you do a lot of CVS shopping on your phone, Apple Pay makes mobile checkout ridiculously easy. It’s fast, secure, and kinda fun.

Can I Pay with My Phone at CVS?

Absolutely. You can totally pay with your phone at CVS, and not just using Apple Pay. There are other options in the mix too, like Google Pay and Samsung Pay. Most CVS locations are equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication) readers, which makes mobile payments possible regardless of your phone’s brand.

So if you’re an Android user, don’t worry you’re not left out. Google Pay and Samsung Pay work much the same way:

Open the wallet or payment app.
Hold your device near the terminal.
Authenticate using your fingerprint, face, or PIN.

And, you’re out the door.

CVS has really leaned into mobile payments over the last few years. They understand that people want quick, hands-free, and secure payment options. That’s why their newer self-checkout kiosks are designed to support contactless payments from all major providers.

Whether you’re team iPhone or Android, yes, you can definitely pay with your phone at CVS. Just make sure your payment method is set up properly before you hit the store. And if for any reason the terminal doesn’t respond, a quick restart of your Wallet app or trying another register usually does the trick.

Does CVS Do Wallet Pay?

You might’ve heard the phrase “Wallet Pay” thrown around and wondered what does it actually mean, and does CVS support it? Wallet Pay is basically an umbrella term for any payment system that lives inside your smartphone or smartwatch. Think Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and other digital wallet systems.

CVS does support Wallet Pay in nearly all its stores across the country. Whether you’re using your iPhone, Pixel, or Galaxy, chances are you’ll be able to tap your device at the register and pay without ever reaching for a physical card.

Here’s the cool part, CVS was once reluctant to accept mobile payments. Back in the early days, they stuck with their own system called CVS Pay. But as digital wallets became mainstream, they finally gave in (thank goodness) and started supporting Apple Pay and other Wallet Pay systems.

Here’s how it typically works:

You load your card into your phone’s Wallet app.
You unlock your phone, authenticate, and hold it near the reader.
The NFC tech transfers the payment info securely.
You get a confirmation, and the payment goes through.

Some locations even let you pay through Wallet Pay in the drive-thru pharmacy window, which is a huge win for convenience.

To sum it up: Yes, CVS does Wallet Pay, and they do it well. Whether it’s your smartphone or smartwatch, you’ll be able to breeze through checkout like a champ.

Does Walgreens or CVS Take Apple Pay?

This is a popular comparison, Walgreens vs. CVS, and let me tell you, both retail giants have embraced Apple Pay, but with slightly different vibes.

CVS took a bit longer to jump on the bandwagon. They initially resisted third-party digital wallets because they wanted customers to use their system (CVS Pay). Eventually, due to customer demand and changing tech trends, they added full support for Apple Pay at the register, self-checkout, and in the app.

Walgreens, on the other hand, was quicker to adapt. Not only did they adopt Apple Pay early on, but they also took it a step further. They integrated Balance Rewards, their loyalty program, into Apple Wallet. You can earn rewards and pay all in one tap. That’s something CVS hasn’t quite done yet.

Here’s a quick head-to-head:

Feature	CVS	Walgreens
Apple Pay In-Store	Supported at most locations	Supported chain-wide
Apple Pay Online	App only, not on web	App and some browsers
Loyalty Integration	Manual scan required	Auto-link with Apple Wallet
Drive-Thru Support	Available at some locations	Available

Both stores do a solid job with Apple Pay. But if you’re into streamlined loyalty perks, Walgreens might have a slight edge. That said, CVS has made huge improvements, and Apple Pay is a breeze at most of their checkout lines now.

What Stores Can I Use Apple Pay For?

Let’s zoom out a bit because once you get the hang of using Apple Pay at CVS, you’ll probably start using it everywhere. And honestly? It’s accepted at way more places than you might think.

Here’s a list of popular stores that accept Apple Pay:

Retail Chains: Target, Macy’s, Best Buy, Nike
Pharmacies: CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid
Grocery Stores: Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Publix, Aldi
Fast Food: McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, Subway, Taco Bell
Gas Stations: Chevron, ExxonMobil, 7-Eleven
Apps & Websites: Uber, Instacart, Airbnb, Apple Store

But be warned, not every place is on board yet. Some budget chains or local stores might not support Apple Pay, especially if they’re running older payment terminals. If you’re unsure, just ask or look for the contactless symbol at checkout.

In a world that’s shifting away from cash and even physical cards, Apple Pay is becoming a must-have payment tool. And now that CVS is on that list, life just got a little easier.

How Secure Is Apple Pay for CVS Shoppers?

When it comes to money, security is everything. So if you’re wondering whether it’s safe to use Apple Pay at CVS, the answer is a big, confident yes. In fact, I’d argue that it’s even safer than using a physical card.

Here’s why: Apple Pay doesn’t actually store or share your real card number. When you make a payment, it uses something called tokenization basically, your device creates a one-time-use code that’s specific to that transaction. Even if someone tried to intercept it, it would be completely useless to them. That’s a pretty big deal.

Also, every time you use Apple Pay, you have to authenticate the transaction either with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. So even if your phone gets stolen, nobody can make a purchase without your permission.

Here’s a quick breakdown of why Apple Pay is secure at CVS:

No physical card exposure: You’re not handing over your card to a cashier or inserting it into a machine.
Dynamic security codes: Each payment is unique, so nothing can be reused.
Biometric protection: Face ID or Touch ID required.
Remote disabling: Lost your phone? Lock it down from anywhere.

And let’s not forget: CVS’s updated payment terminals are PCI-compliant and built to handle secure, encrypted transactions. When you combine Apple’s software security with CVS’s hardware infrastructure, you’ve got a rock-solid setup.

If you’ve been on the fence about using digital wallets for fear of fraud or breaches, trust me, Apple Pay is one of the most secure options out there. Especially when used at a major retailer like CVS.

Are There Any Fees for Using Apple Pay at CVS?

You’re probably wondering: “Do I get charged extra for using Apple Pay at CVS?” Great question and the answer is nope, not a single cent.

Apple doesn’t charge you for using Apple Pay. CVS doesn’t add a fee either. The transaction works the same way as if you were swiping your physical debit or credit card. Your bank or card issuer may have its own policies, but Apple Pay itself is free to use.

In fact, here’s a handy breakdown to clear things up:

Payment Method	Extra Fees at CVS
Apple Pay (Debit/Credit)	No
Physical Card	No
Cash	No
CVS Pay or Gift Cards	No

What’s even better? If your card offers cashback, points, or other perks, you still earn them when using Apple Pay. You can use a rewards credit card through Apple Pay all the time at CVS, and you’ll never miss out on the points.

Apple doesn’t make money off consumers through fees at least not in this context. They earn a small fee from the card issuer, not from you or CVS.

So go ahead, use Apple Pay at CVS without worrying about extra costs. It’s the same price, but faster, cleaner, and safer. Win-win-win.

Apple Pay and CVS ExtraCare Rewards Program

Now here’s where it gets interesting. You’re probably already using the CVS ExtraCare Rewards program, right?

The good news? You can still use ExtraCare when you pay with Apple Pay. But and this is important you have to scan your rewards card before you pay.

Here’s how to do it:

Open the CVS app or your physical ExtraCare card.
Scan it at the register or self-checkout.
Once your rewards are applied, complete the payment using Apple Pay.

That way, you still get your discounts, rewards points, and any coupons attached to your account. It’s like combining the best of both worlds tech convenience and shopper savings.

Now here’s the part where CVS could improve. Unlike Walgreens, which lets you link your rewards account directly inside Apple Wallet, CVS doesn’t do that (yet). You’ll have to do that quick scan step every time.

Still, Apple Pay doesn’t interfere with ExtraCare at all. It’s just a matter of getting your account registered at checkout first. Once you do that, all your points and digital coupons apply like normal.

You can also add digital manufacturer coupons through the CVS app ahead of time. So when you pay with Apple Pay, those discounts come off automatically. Super easy.

Common Issues and Fixes When Using Apple Pay at CVS

Even though Apple Pay works great most of the time, let’s be honest, tech isn’t perfect. Here are some common issues and how to fix them fast.

Issue 1: Terminal Doesn’t Respond

Fix: Try moving your phone closer or changing the angle. If that doesn’t work, switch to a different self-checkout or register.

Issue 2: Apple Pay Not Showing the Right Card

Fix: Double-tap your phone’s side button and swipe between your cards to select the right one before scanning.

Issue 3: Wallet App Freezes

Fix: Restart the app or reboot your phone. Happens sometimes after software updates.

Issue 4: Face ID or Touch ID Not Working

Fix: Manually enter your passcode. This usually works as a backup.

Issue 5: ExtraCare Not Registering

Fix: Make sure you scan it before paying. You can also type in your phone number if you forgot your card.

Here’s something that helps: always check for the contactless symbol on the payment terminal. If you don’t see it, the machine might be too old or not set up for NFC payments.

And if you’re ever stuck, just ask a CVS employee. Most of them are super helpful and used to handling Apple Pay questions by now.

The Future of Digital Payments at CVS

So where’s all this headed? If you ask me, the future of digital payments at CVS and everywhere else is fully contactless, super fast, and integrated with everything.

CVS is already making moves in that direction. They’ve upgraded thousands of terminals, streamlined their mobile app, and expanded drive-thru pharmacy support for digital wallets. And as digital payment use grows across the U.S., you can bet they’ll keep improving.

What we’d love to see next:

Linking ExtraCare directly to Apple Wallet, so we can skip the scan.
Voice-assisted checkout or facial recognition kiosks for ultra-speedy payments.
AI-driven personalized offers, sent through Apple Pay after purchase.

One thing’s for sure: digital wallets like Apple Pay are not just a trend, they’re the new normal. If CVS wants to stay competitive, especially against giants like Amazon and Walgreens, it’ll need to keep embracing this tech.

And based on what I’ve seen, they’re doing just that.

FAQs

Can I pay with my phone at CVS?

Yes, you can! CVS accepts payments via Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and other digital wallet systems. Just make sure your phone has NFC enabled.

Does CVS do wallet pay?

Yes, CVS supports wallet pay systems like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. These are accepted at most registers, self-checkout kiosks, and drive-thru locations.

Does Walgreens or CVS take Apple Pay?

Both do! Walgreens has a slight edge in rewards integration, but CVS fully supports Apple Pay at most locations and through the CVS app.

What stores can I use Apple Pay for?

Apple Pay is accepted at many national chains, including CVS, Walgreens, Target, Whole Foods, McDonald’s, and more. Look for the contactless payment symbol.

Can I use Apple Pay with my CVS card or coupons?

Yes! Just scan your CVS ExtraCare card before paying. All your coupons and rewards will still apply, even when you use Apple Pay.

Conclusion

Does CVS accept Apple Pay? Absolutely. And not just in-store, but also in the app, at the drive-thru, and at self-checkouts. It’s secure, convenient, and it integrates smoothly with the way we shop now.

If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re honestly missing out. Apple Pay has made life easier, quicker, and safer, especially when shopping at places like CVS. And the best part? No extra fees, no compromise on rewards, and zero hassle.

Whether you’re using your phone, your watch, or even your iPad in a pinch, Apple Pay works like a charm at CVS. So go ahead, give it a try on your next CVS run. You might just love it as much as I do.