I live about a block from a Safeway grocery store, so I shop there quite often. It’s a great store for groceries and numerous other items I may need to quickly pick up. For me, it is very convenient but what makes it even more convenient is that Safeway does accept Apple Pay.
The fact that they take Apple Pay is an extra incentive for me to shop there. It makes my shopping trips and payments for my groceries quick, easy, secure, and safe since the contactless payment keeps me from needing to touch the payment device at the store.
My name is Eric and I enjoy exploring new technology. Apple Pay is a great technology that helps to make our lives safer and easier so I am currently investigating which retailers currently accept it. Hopefully, I can provide information that will help others in using it as well.
Thankfully Safeway does take Apple Pay and if you would like to find out more information about it and how it works, keep reading and we will discuss this in more detail.
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Using Apple Pay at Safeway
Using Apple Pay at your local Safeway is a breeze. Pretty much all Safeway stores in the US and Canada accept it, although there could be a few older ones that have not upgraded their payment systems with NFC compatible devices.
This is very rare but you can check with your local store to make sure. If your store does use Apple pay, all you need to do is shop like normal. When it’s time to check out, wait for your total, then when it’s time to pay, open your phone and select the card you want the charges to go to.
Hold your phone near the payment device and the payment will be made. You are then good to go. Most Safeways participate in the Apple Pay cashback program, so this is yet another benefit that you will receive by using it.
Check with Apple Support if you would like more detailed information on how to pay using Apple Pay.
Restrictions with Safeway
The only restrictions with using Apple Pay at Safeway are that it is not available to use when making purchases online with Safeway or with the Safeway application. For these purchases, you must use your credit/debit cards directly.
This may be available in the future but at this time you can only make in-store purchases.
What About Safeway Gas Stations?
Safeway gas stations do accept Apple Pay as long as the gas station is equipped with the proper NFC readers that are needed to make the payment. Just look for one of the symbols below that indicate it is available.
So if you want to use it to get your gas, you are in luck since most all stations have been upgraded with the proper equipment.
What is Apple Pay?
Even if you have not used Apple Pay, you may have heard of it. If not, no worries, I will give an overview of it here. It’s rather simple to set up and use, so if you have an Apple device it is available to you and you can begin using it whenever you want and wherever it is accepted.
Apple Pay is a mobile payment method that is quick and easy to use. It is also very safe and secure, letting you make payments without the need to ever touch any payment devices like you need to do with most credit cards.
This contactless payment method is done by holding your Apple devices such as an iPhone or Apple Watch near the payment device which is equipped with NFC technology. NFC stands for Near-field Communications.
This is a wireless communication method that allows your device to talk to the payment device wirelessly as long as they are within 3 to 4 inches of each other. This allows secure transmission of the data and ensures there is no accidental transmission to other devices.
This payment method is also secure because you must log in to your device with a PIN, password, or biometric authentication first. Once in, you are then able to select the credit/debit card you wish to be used for the transaction and then you can authorize the payment.
Apple Pay acts as a digital wallet, allowing you to link some or all of your credit/debit cards to the account and then select the one you want to use for payment during each transaction. No longer is there a need to carry your physical credit cards around with you.
The payment method is super fast and as you can see very safe and secure. You can also take advantage of other benefits that Apple Pay offers such as cash back on purchases at certain stores and certain items.
This can add up in the long run and it really is worth it because you can also still receive any cashback benefits that you would already receive from your credit/debit cards.
How Do I Set Up Apple Pay?
Setting up Apple Pay on your device is easy. All you need to do is add a credit or debit card to the Wallet App on your device. You can add up to 12 cards on newer devices and up to 8 on some of the older ones.
Just follow the steps below to add a card to the Wallet app.
Step 1: Open the Wallet Application.
Step 2: Tap the Add + button to add a new card.
Step 3: Select Debit or Credit card and then select Continue.
Step 4: Follow the instructions on the screen to add the required information.
Step 5: Verify your information and you should be done.
It may ask you to download an app to verify your credit card information. Once the card is verified with Apple Pay, you are ready to start making purchases.
If you have paired your device with an Apple Watch, you will also be asked if you would like to add the cards to your watch. This is a great option because now all you will need to make payments will be your Apple Watch. No need to carry cards or even your phone with you.
Final Words
Fortunately, Safeway grocery stores do take Apple Pay. This is great news for all of us who shop there. It is also available at Safeway gas stations which gives us all the ability to purchase our gasoline using this wonderful payment method.
Have you been able to use Apple Pay at this store? Or have you had issues using it there? Let me know. As always, I would love to hear from you.
