In-N-Out Burger does not currently accept Apple Pay at any of its locations. The popular fast food chain only accepts physical credit/debit cards and cash for payment at this time.
Overview of In-N-Out’s Payment Options
In-N-Out Burger has a very streamlined payment process focused on speed and efficiency. When you place your order at the counter or drive-thru, you can pay using:
- Cash – In-N-Out accepts paper bills and coins as payment. This remains a popular payment method for many customers.
- Physical credit & debit cards – In-N-Out accepts all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. However, they do not accept mobile payment methods.
- Gift cards – In-N-Out sells gift cards that can be used for payment at any location. The cards do not currently have mobile or digital wallet integration.
So in summary, while In-N-Out provides traditional payment options, their systems do not support mobile tap-to-pay services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay at this time.
The Benefits of Accepting Contactless Payments
Implementing contactless payments like Apple Pay comes with a number of potential benefits, including:
- Speed – Tap-to-pay services allow customers to checkout faster, with transactions taking just seconds. This matches In-N-Out’s focus on speedy service.
- Convenience – With mobile payments, customers don’t need to dig out their physical cards and can pay with the device already in hand.
- Security – Contactless payments utilize tokenization technology to provide enhanced security and less points of failure than cards.
- Consumer demand – Mobile payments grow more popular every year, and providing flexible options caters to consumer preferences.
On the merchant side, accepting contactless payments also leads to benefits like lower fraud liability, less points of failure, and an easier transaction process. As a leader in the fast food industry, In-N-Out may find value in being an early adopter of more innovative payment methods like Apple Pay.
Will In-N-Out Ever Accept Apple Pay?
Currently, In-N-Out has not announced any plans to accept Apple Pay or other contactless payments in the future. And as a private company, they are not as pressured as publicly traded chains to roll out new technology to appease shareholders. However, industry experts speculate that In-N-Out may eventually adopt mobile order-ahead and contactless payment options for the following reasons:
- To provide flexibility and cater to consumer preferences as mobile tap-to-pay grows more popular
- To future-proof their service model and set themselves up for long-term success
- To speed up their already quick service and eliminate even more friction in the ordering process
- To reduce costs and inefficiencies with a mobile order-ahead model
Competitor fast food chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s have already implemented mobile ordering and tap-to-pay in their app experiences. So in the coming years, In-N-Out may test and rollout Apple Pay integration at select locations before making it universally available.
Tips for Paying at In-N-Out Without Apple Pay
Until Apple Pay support is added, In-N-Out customers will need to pay using physical credit/debit cards, gift cards, or cash. Here are some tips for fast and seamless payments:
- Have your method of payment ready before ordering – Digging around for your wallet at the register slows down service. Have your cash or card easily accessible in line.
- Load cash onto a gift card – Purchase a gift card with cash at the store to enjoy the convenience of swiping a card, without the need to carry one.
- Use credit – Credit cards are accepted everywhere at In-N-Out for maximum convenience, unlike some cash-only merchants.
- Order at the counter – The drive-thru can be slightly faster, but ordering inside skips issues like leaving your cash or cards in the car on accident.
Following these tips will help you check out swiftly, even without the option for mobile payments.
Key Takeaways
- In-N-Out Burger currently does not accept Apple Pay or contactless payments at any locations
- They only accept physical credit/debit cards, gift cards, and cash at this time
- Mobile order-ahead and tap-to-pay services may provide valuable benefits to In-N-Out’s service model
- While not confirmed, locations may begin accepting Apple Pay in the future as consumer demand grows
- Guests can still checkout quickly using other payment methods like cards or gift cards
Conclusion
In-N-Out remains committed to delivering exceptionally fast service to all guests, with queue times averaging just 180 seconds. While Apple Pay integration could shave off even more seconds per transaction, traditional payment methods are still accepted everywhere for maximum convenience.
As a private company, In-N-Out does not face shareholder pressure to rapidly deploy new technology like public chains. However, improving their customer experience over time is likely still a priority. So keep an eye out for Apple Pay or mobile ordering announcements from this iconic fast food establishment. Providing flexible, innovative options tailored to shifting consumer preferences seems inevitable in In-N-Out’s future.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I pay with my Apple Watch or iPhone at In-N-Out?
No, In-N-Out does not currently accept contactless payments from Apple devices or mobile wallets. You’ll need to pay with cash, a physical credit/debit card, or gift card. - What mobile payment services does In-N-Out accept?
At this time, In-N-Out does not accept any form of mobile or contactless payment like Apple Pay or Google Pay. - Why doesn’t In-N-Out take Apple Pay?
As a private company, In-N-Out faces less pressure to rapidly implement new technology. Currently their systems and service model focus on only traditional payment methods, but upgrades could be made in the future. - Does In-N-Out have plans to start accepting Apple Pay?
In-N-Out has not confirmed any plans regarding Apple Pay acceptance. However, they may test and roll out support for contactless payments from Apple eventually based on growing popularity. - Where can I pay with Apple Pay at fast food restaurants?
Major chains like McDonald’s, Panera Bread, Shake Shack, Starbucks, Subway, Taco Bell, and Wendy’s all accept Apple Pay at many US locations with more being added all the time. - What type of credit cards does In-N-Out take?
In-N-Out accepts all major credit card brands including Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover at every location. Debit cards featuring major logos are also accepted. - Can I pay through the In-N-Out app?
No, In-N-Out’s app currently does not have payment or order-ahead integration. It provides a store locator and menu information. - What is the fastest way to pay at In-N-Out?
Using cash or a gift card is the fastest way to settle your tab quickly at In-N-Out. Credit/debit transactions take slightly longer but are still accepted for convenience. - Where do I add money to an In-N-Out gift card?
You can add cash funds onto an In-N-Out gift card at the register on your next visit. Cards can then be swiped like credit cards for faster checkout during return visits. - Is the In-N-Out gift card a credit card?
No, their gift card does not function as a credit card. You’ll need to use an actual credit or debit card displaying card network logos to transact as credit. - How do I use Apple Pay?
To use Apple Pay, hold your unlocked iPhone or Apple Watch up to a supported payment terminal. For purchases over a certain amount, biometrics or passcode may be required. - Will Apple Pay work if my phone dies?
No, Apple Pay requires an internet connection and charged phone battery to process transactions securely using biometrics like Face ID. It cannot be accessed without power. - Is Apple Pay safer than using a plastic credit or debit card?
Yes, Apple Pay utilizes unique transaction tokens and biometrics like fingerprints or facial recognition for enhanced security over traditional card payments. - Can I add a rewards card to Apple Pay?
Yes, Apple Pay supports the addition of many popular rewards cards. Tap on your card once added to adjust it to your default tap-to-pay card. - Where can’t I use Apple Pay?
Apple Pay acceptance continues to grow, but it is not yet universally accepted. Smaller retailers, restaurants, or vendors may still rely on traditional payment methods only. - Do I need an Apple device to use Apple Pay?
Yes, you’ll need an iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple Watch to set up Apple Pay and access your wallet. It is designed specifically for Apple’s ecosystem of devices and software. - What models of iPhone work with Apple Pay?
Apple Pay works on the iPhone 6 model and later running iOS 8.1 or greater. This includes iPhone 6, 6S, 7, 8, X and all newer models with Touch ID or Face ID biometrics. - Can I use a smartwatch other than Apple Watch for Apple Pay?
No, Apple Pay is currently only supported by the Apple Watch. Other smartwatch models use their own proprietary mobile payment systems that are not the same as Apple Pay. - Does Apple Pay cost money?
Apple Pay is free for customers to use wherever it is accepted. As with all other credit and debit card transactions, card-issuing banks can charge fees depending on account terms. - Why does Apple limit Apple Pay to Apple products?
By designing Apple Pay exclusively for their own ecosystem, Apple can optimize hardware and software integration with their devices’ biometrics and tighter developer control. - How old do I have to be to use Apple Pay?
You typically must be 18 years old to use Apple Pay. In some cases those younger than 18 can use Apple Pay with a parent or guardian’s permission – check card issuer terms.