Walgreens is one of the most popular drug store chains around and you can find one in almost every part of town. I shop there often, not only to pick up medicine but also for other quick purchases. It is a very convenient store to drop into and find what you need.
One of the things that makes it so convenient is that Walgreens does take Apple Pay as a form of payment. It’s probably no surprise that such a large retailer with so many locations would accept this easy-to-use form of payment. It is a great reason to shop there.
My name is Eric and I love using new technology. I have been interested in it going all the way back to the late 1970s. Apple Pay is one of those great technologies that can really make our lives easier and I am taking a look at what stores currently take it as payment.
If you would like to learn more about using Apple Pay at Walgreens, and what Apple Pay is, keep reading and I will go into a little more depth below.
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What is Apple Pay?
If you’re not familiar with Apple Pay, you might be curious as to what it is all about. In simple terms, it is a payment method that you can use to pay for purchases at many retailers, both onsite and on the internet.
The key feature of Apple Pay is that it is a form of contactless payment. This means when you go to the checkout register at the store, there is no need to touch anything like you have to do with many credit/debit cards. You simply hold your Apple device near the card reader.
This wireless payment method works through a technology called Near-field Communications or NFC for short. Your iPhone, Apple Watch, or other Apple devices can communicate with the payment device as long as you hold them within 3 to 4 inches of it.
This can ensure that your payment is not accidentally picked up by other devices in the store. This contactless payment method is a great benefit because it can help stop the spread of germs and viruses without the need to touch the payment devices.
Apple Pay is also very secure. It requires access to your phone through a PIN, password, or biometric authentication. Safety and security are not the only wonderful features though. This payment method is very quick and easy to use making it a very convenient payment option.
Another convenience provided by this payment method is that it acts as a digital wallet. You can add up to 12 credit/debit cards to the Wallet application and when you go to pay you can select from any of them to use. You no longer need to carry a bunch of cards around with you.
Using Apple Pay can also get you cashback on purchases at many stores. Walgreens is one of the retailers that does participate in the cashback program. This can add up quickly if you use Apple Pay frequently.
How do I Use Apple Pay at Walgreens?
Using Apple Pay at Walgreens is very simple as well as being safe and secure as we have mentioned above. There is no need to carry your wallet, purse, or credit card into the store with you. All you need is your Apple device such as an iPhone or Apple Watch.
Just shop for your items as you normally would. When you go to pay for them, have your Apple device ready. From your Wallet application, select the card you would like to use for this purchase.
Once all your items have been scanned by the clerk, simply hold your phone near the payment device and you are all done. If you would like to see more details on how to use Apple Pay to make purchases you can get more information from Apple Support.
Can I Use It at the Pharmacy to Pay for My Prescriptions?
You most certainly can. Whether you are going inside to pick them up or grabbing them from the drive-thru, you can still use it just like you would for purchasing any other items in the store.
The only issue you may run into in the drive-thru is if the reader will be close enough to the window to complete the transaction. If this is a problem at your local store you may need to go inside to make the purchase.
Restrictions When Using Apple Pay at Walgreens
Apple Pay is accepted at pretty much every Walgreens location. It’s possible there could be an older store that does not have the proper NFC devices to use it but that is very rare. You can also use it to make purchases on Walgreens.com or the Walgreens mobile app.
The only restriction that I have seen is that you cannot use it to make online photo purchases.
Can I Use Walgreens Rewards Cards with Apple Pay?
Walgreens rewards do work with Apple Pay. Not only can you collect your rewards points as you normally do, but you can add your rewards card into your Wallet App and spend what you have earned through the program.
It’s easy to add your Walgreens Rewards to your Wallet app, just follow the steps below.
Step 1: Download and install the Walgreens app if you do not already have it.
Step 2: Join the Walgreens rewards program if you have not already done so.
Step 3: Open the Walgreens app and sign in to your account.
Step 4: Go to the Walgreens Cash Rewards.
Step 5: Select Add to Apple Wallet.
Your rewards account will now be linked to your Apple Wallet and Apple Pay so you will automatically earn points every time you make a purchase using Apple Pay. No need to put in your phone number or account number at the register, the application will handle it for you.
You will also be able to spend the money or credit you earn through the rewards program when using Apple Pay. When you go to pay, use Apple Pay as described above. Just select the Walgreens Balance Rewards Card and hold your phone near the payment device.
This makes earning and using your points much easier and much less of a hassle than doing it the old way. You will also continue to earn cashback through Apple Pay so you can take advantage of the programs from both Walgreens and Apple.
Final Words
Fortunately for Walgreens shoppers, Walgreens does take Apple Pay. It makes your shopping trips easy, safe and secure. You can also link and use it with the Walgreens rewards program which makes earning and spending your points a breeze.
Let me know how your experience goes. I would love to hear from you!
