When it comes to grocery shopping in 2025, convenience is everything. With evolving technology, many consumers rely on digital wallets for quick, contactless payments. Among these, Apple Pay has become a favorite for iPhone, Apple Watch, and Mac users. But if you’re a loyal Kroger customer, you might be wondering: Does Kroger take Apple Pay? In this detailed and updated guide, we tackle this question, analyze Kroger’s current digital payment ecosystem, and explore your options when shopping at one of America’s largest grocery chains.
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The Short Answer: No, Kroger Still Doesn’t Accept Apple Pay in 2025
Despite the growing popularity of contactless payment systems, Kroger does not currently accept Apple Pay at most of its stores as of 2025. If you attempt to use Apple Pay at the checkout terminal in most Kroger locations, you’ll likely be disappointed.
But that’s not where the story ends. Kroger has taken steps to offer its own digital payment solution, which competes directly with Apple Pay and similar services.
A Look at Why Kroger Doesn’t Accept Apple Pay
To understand the absence of Apple Pay at Kroger, it’s essential to examine the company’s strategic direction. Kroger has focused on developing its own mobile payment solution called Kroger Pay, which integrates directly with the Kroger app. This system gives them more control over customer data and allows for personalized offers and promotions.
Additionally, Kroger has cited reasons such as:
- Cost control: Avoiding third-party transaction fees associated with Apple Pay.
- Customer data ownership: Maintaining full control over customer purchasing behavior.
- Brand loyalty: Encouraging usage of Kroger-branded apps and solutions.
What Is Kroger Pay?
Kroger Pay is a contactless payment method that allows customers to use their mobile phone to pay at the register. It’s available through the Kroger app and combines a customer’s preferred payment method (credit, debit, or prepaid card) with a personalized QR code.
Here’s how it works:
- Download the Kroger app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Set up your Kroger Pay account within the app.
- Link your preferred payment method.
- At checkout, open the app and display your unique QR code.
- The cashier scans the code, and the payment is processed instantly.
This system works both at self-checkout terminals and traditional lanes, offering flexibility that Apple Pay users are familiar with—just without using Apple Pay itself.
Where Does Kroger Pay Work?
As of 2025, Kroger Pay is accepted at nearly all Kroger-operated stores across the U.S., including:
- Kroger
- Fry’s
- King Soopers
- Fred Meyer
- Ralphs
- Dillons
- Smith’s
- Baker’s
Some pharmacies, fuel centers, and third-party service counters within stores may not support Kroger Pay. It’s recommended to check availability with your local store or in the Kroger app itself.
Alternatives to Apple Pay at Kroger
Although you can’t use Apple Pay, there are several other ways to pay effortlessly at Kroger stores:
- Kroger Pay
- Credit and Debit Cards: All major cards are accepted, including Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and Discover.
- EBT/SNAP: Accepted at most Kroger stores for eligible food items.
- Gift Cards: You can pay using Kroger gift cards or third-party ones like Visa gift cards.
- Cash and Checks: Yes, old-fashioned methods are still welcome.
In addition, some self-checkout machines offer the option to store your payment methods within the Kroger app for faster scanning, making it an easy substitute for Apple Pay.
What About Competitor Stores?
Interestingly, many of Kroger’s competitors do allow Apple Pay, including:
- Whole Foods Market
- Trader Joe’s
- ALDI
- Safeway
- Wegmans
This puts pressure on Kroger to potentially reconsider its stance on digital wallets in the future. The convenience and wide adoption of Apple Pay make it a must-have payment option for many modern consumers.
Customer Reactions to Kroger’s Position on Apple Pay
Customer reactions have been mixed. Some shoppers are satisfied with Kroger Pay, appreciating the digital coupons and rewards that come integrated. Others, particularly dedicated Apple Pay users, find Kroger’s solution lacking in ease, especially when they already use Apple Pay everywhere else.
Here are a few common sentiments:
- “I don’t want another app just to pay—Apple Pay is so much easier!”
- “I like that Kroger Pay saves my Plus Card and coupons.”
- “It’s frustrating that I can’t just tap my iPhone like I do at Target or Aldi.”
Kroger’s insistence on its proprietary system continues to be a talking point in customer forums, reviews, and social media channels.
Can Kroger Change Its Mind in the Future?
Never say never. Although Kroger has strongly backed its own contactless system, there have been limited trials in the past where some Kroger-owned stores quietly offered support for Apple Pay or other third-party wallets. Given the rapid adoption of digital payments and the continued demand from customers, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Kroger reevaluate its policy at some point.
Useful Tips for Kroger Shoppers
If you’re a tech-savvy shopper looking to streamline your Kroger visits, here are some tips:
- Download the Kroger app to access Kroger Pay, digital coupons, weekly ads, and rewards.
- Use online ordering for delivery or pickup—payment options may differ and sometimes offer more flexibility.
- Check store-specific features—some locations may test new technologies or accept a wider range of payments.
Combining the Kroger app with loyalty rewards is a good way to save money, even if you can’t use Apple Pay.
Final Thoughts
Although Apple Pay remains unavailable at Kroger in 2025, shoppers still have several convenient payment alternatives, including Kroger’s own contactless solution. While it may not be the seamless Apple Pay experience many users expect, Kroger Pay does provide a functional and integrated way to shop swiftly and safely.
Will Kroger eventually change course and accept Apple Pay? Only time will tell. In the meantime, being adaptable with your payment methods and understanding the tools at your disposal can make your grocery trips just as smooth.
Whether you stick with Kroger Pay or shop around for stores that accept Apple Pay, one thing remains certain—contactless payment is here to stay.