Lidl is a popular German discount supermarket chain with over 11,000 stores across Europe and the United States. With low prices and an emphasis on store-brand products, Lidl appeals to shoppers looking to save money on their grocery bills. But does Lidl take Apple Pay for purchases?
How Apple Pay Works
Apple Pay is a mobile payment service that allows users to make purchases in stores, in apps, and on supported websites. It works by using near-field communication (NFC) technology on supported iPhones and Apple Watches to securely communicate payment information to merchants.
To use Apple Pay in stores, customers hold their unlocked iPhone or Apple Watch near a merchantโs NFC-enabled point-of-sale terminal and authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or double-clicking the side button. A payment token is then transmitted containing encrypted payment details, so your actual credit or debit card number is never shared.
Does Lidl Take Apple Pay In Stores?
Yes, Lidl stores accept Apple Pay for in-person purchases at checkout. As long as you have an iPhone or Apple Watch with Apple Pay set up, you can use it to pay at Lidl by holding your device near the payment terminal.
Lidl enabled Apple Pay as a checkout option in 2019. So if you shop at Lidl, you can leave your physical wallet at home and pay with just your iPhone or Apple Watch. It’s a fast, secure, and convenient way to check out.
How To Set Up Apple Pay
Using Apple Pay at Lidl or anywhere else first requires setting it up on your compatible device:
On iPhone
- Open the Wallet app
- Tap the plus (+) sign to add a card
- Use your phone’s camera to scan your card or enter the details manually
- Follow the prompts to continue providing any additional information needed
- Review and accept the Terms & Conditions
- Verify your identity via text/email or security questions
- Upon approval, your card will start working with Apple Pay
On Apple Watch
- Make sure your iPhone is compatible with Apple Pay
- Also ensure you’re updated to the latest iOS software version
- Pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone
- Follow the prompts on iPhone & Apple Watch to add cards from your Wallet and set up passwords
Once Apple Pay is all enabled, you’ll see your default card whenever you access Wallet on iPhone. On Apple Watch, just double-click the side button when checking out to access your default card.
Paying With Apple Pay at Lidl
Paying for your Lidl groceries with Apple Pay is very simple. Just look for the Apple Pay or contactless payment logo at checkout.
Then follow these steps:
- When prompted for payment, double-click the side button of your unlocked Apple Watch. Or, on your iPhone, authenticate via Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.
- Hold the Apple device near the payment terminal over the Apple Pay symbol.
- A subtle vibration and beep will confirm the payment went through successfully.
And that’s it! With Apple Pay there are no cards to insert or signatures required. It’s designed to offer an easy and secure checkout process.
If for some reason Apple Pay fails at checkout, Lidl also accepts other contactless payments like credit cards as a backup option before requiring chip, swipe, or cash payments.
Apple Pay Benefits and Security
Here are some of the top benefits Lidl shoppers can enjoy by using Apple Pay:
- Convenience – Skipping having to grab your wallet to pay makes checkout faster. Just use the iPhone or Apple Watch you probably have with you already.
- Security – Your credit or debit card number isn’t shared directly during transactions. Instead, a unique digital token keeps your information safe.
- Rewards Tracking – Apple Pay works with most reward program cards. Use it at Lidl to get your points, cash back, etc.
- Accessibility – Double-clicking to pay on Apple Watch makes it easier for some users with disabilities. VoiceOver screen reader support also helps.
Apple Pay’s security features include encrypted card information, unique one-time codes, requiring authentication to make each payment, tokenized card numbers, and dynamic security codes. This makes it very safe for contactless in-store payments.
If your iPhone or Apple Watch is lost or stolen, you can use the Find My app to lock or erase your device. You can also remove cards from Apple Pay remotely by signing in to your iCloud account on a trusted device.
Lidl Apple Pay Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is Apple Pay free to use at Lidl?
Yes, Lidl does not charge any extra fees to check out with Apple Pay. Only your standard payment card rates apply. - What iPhone models work with Apple Pay at Lidl?
Any iPhone that supports NFC payments works with Apple Pay at Lidl. This includes iPhone 6 and newer. - Does Apple Pay work on Android phones?
Unfortunately no. Apple Pay only works on Apple devices like iPhones, Apple Watches, iPad/iPod Touch models. Android users cannot set up cards in Apple Wallet. - Do I need to open or unlock my iPhone when paying?
Yes. You’ll need to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode before holding your iPhone near the terminal. - How close do I need to hold my device to the terminal?
Your iPhone or Apple Watch should be within 2 cm or less from the Lidl checkout terminal for Apple Pay to successfully transmit. -
Can I pay with multiple cards using Apple Pay?
Yes! Add multiple credit, debit, store cards to Apple Wallet. Double-click Apple Watch or authenticate via Face/Touch ID to pick one to pay with. - Is Apple Pay safer than using my physical card?
Yes. Tokenized transactions, encrypted data, and other security make Apple Pay very safe for contactless payments vs cards. - Do I need to open a Lidl account to use Apple Pay?
No, an existing Lidl account is not needed for Apple Pay. Simply add your cards to Wallet and check out as usual. - Can I get Lidl coupons if I pay with Apple Pay?
Lidl coupons can still be scanned from your app or paper copies when using Apple Pay. You’ll get all the same perks and savings. - Is Apple Pay faster than paying normally at Lidl?
Yes! Apple Pay is very fast – simply authenticate and tap your device once rather than dealing with cards that need to be inserted and removed. - What if my Apple Pay payment doesn’t work?
If your Apple Pay payment fails, Lidl cashiers can assist and allow trying again or offer another form of payment instead. Typically it requires just one attempt. - Can I pay with Apple Pay using cellular if my iPhone has no WiFi?
Yes! Apple Pay transactions still go through over cellular data like 4G LTE if WiFi is unavailable. You need an internet connection though. - Do I get rewards points when paying via Apple Pay?
Yes! Apple Pay works with your existing reward accounts. Loyalty points will still accumulate as they normally do. - Is Apple Pay at Lidl only for US stores?
No. Lidl Apple Pay works in their UK, Ireland and US store locations or anywhere contactless payments are accepted. - Where do I see Apple Pay transactions on my account statement?
Apple Pay purchases will show up on your regular card statement identified as “Contactless” merchant names. So Lidl transactions will display as usual. - Can someone pay with Apple Pay on my devices without permission?
No. Authenticating via onboard biometrics like Face ID or Touch ID ensures only you can consent to make payments using Apple Pay with your credentials. - What if my bag bumps the terminal accidentally while waiting in line?
Accidental or unauthorized payments won’t go through since each Apple Pay transaction requires active authentication via iPhone/Watch passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID. - What card details are visible to Lidl when using Apple Pay?
No actual credit/debit details are displayed to merchants. A unique encrypted token is sent from your device instead during the contactless transaction.
Key Takeaway
In summary, Yes – Lidl grocery stores do accept Apple Pay. With Lidl having enabled contactless payments across US stores, shoppers can use iPhone and Apple Watch to securely checkout. For Lidl customers with compatible devices, Apple Pay offers a fast and convenient checkout experience.
Conclusion
Apple Pay offers Lidl shoppers a speedier way to pay for groceries securely using the iPhone or Apple Watch they may already have on hand. Contactless checkout is also perfect for quick trips when you want to purchase just a handful of items without needing to grab your wallet.
So if you own a more recent iPhone model or an Apple Watch and want skip fumbling for physical cards, be sure to set up Apple Pay for a faster, more convenient checkout experience on your next Lidl trip. It takes just seconds to hover your device over the terminal to complete your purchase.