Rite Aid is one of the largest drugstore chains in the United States. With over 2,500 locations across 18 states, Rite Aid aims to make health and wellness accessible and affordable for everyone. A common question that consumers have is whether Rite Aid accepts mobile payment methods like Apple Pay.
The short answer is yes, Rite Aid does take Apple Pay across all stores in the United States.
How Apple Pay Works at Rite Aid
Apple Pay is a mobile payment service that allows you to make purchases using supported Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches. It uses short-range wireless technology called NFC (near-field communication) to securely transmit payment information to compatible point-of-sale systems.
Here is how you can use Apple Pay to check out at Rite Aid:
- On your compatible Apple device, add your Rite Aid Wellness+ loyalty card and an accepted credit, debit, prepaid card or Apple Cash to your Apple Wallet app.
- When checking out, wake your device and hold it near the contactless reader beside the regular card reader.
- Use Touch ID, Face ID or your passcode to authorize the payment with Apple Pay.
- You will see a checkmark on screen and get a beep confirmation when the payment goes through using your linked card.
- If you have added your Wellness+ card, you can collect and redeem points on Apple Pay purchases too.
So Apple Pay allows you to ditch the physical wallet and pay quickly and securely using your iPhone or Apple Watch.
Benefits of Using Apple Pay at Rite Aid
Here are some major benefits of using Apple Pay instead of physical cards at Rite Aid:
Convenience
- Checking out is incredibly fast as it eliminates digging for your wallet and swiping cards. Just hold your iPhone near the reader and authenticate with Touch/Face ID.
Security
- Your actual credit or debit card details are never shared with the store. Apple Pay generates unique security codes for every transaction.
- If your iPhone is lost/stolen, you can use Find My app to suspend or permanently remove ability to pay using that device.
Privacy
- Apple doesn’t track or store details of your purchases made using Apple Pay.
- You still collect your Rite Aid loyalty points without sharing personal/purchase data.
Easy Management
- You can add multiple cards to Apple Pay and switch between them from your Wallet app for different types of spending.
- Check balances, view statements, change billing info directly within the app.
How to Set Up Apple Pay
Using Apple Pay at Rite Aid is very simple. Just follow these steps:
- Update your compatible iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch to the latest iOS/watchOS.
- Open the Wallet app. Tap the “+” icon.
- Use your device camera to scan your physical credit/debit card or manually enter details.
- Read and agree to the terms provided by your card issuer.
- Verify with your bank if required and start using your card via Apple Pay.
- You can add and manage other cards any time from the Wallet app.
Once setup is complete, you’ll see your card(s) in the Wallet app. You can tap on them to view latest transactions, change billing info, suspend payments and more.
Popular Cards Supported by Apple Pay
Virtually any credit, debit, prepaid, rewards, store cards that work on contactless payment networks like Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover can be added to Apple Pay.
Some exceptions are merchant/proprietary store-only cards that don’t work on wider payment networks.
The most popular cards that customers add to their Apple Wallet for using at Rite Aid are:
- Citi Double Cash Card
- Chase Freedom Unlimited
- Wells Fargo Visa
- Capital One Savor One Cash Rewards
- Target REDcard
- Walgreens Balance Rewards
- American Express Blue Cash Everyday
Apple Pay also supports these card types:
- Business Charge Cards
- Corporate Cards
- Credit Union Cards
- Prepaid Cards
- Student Cards
You can easily manage multiple cards within Apple Pay and switch between them from your Wallet.
Where Else Can You Use Apple Pay Besides Rite Aid?
Apple Pay is widely accepted at most major stores, shops, apps and websites. As of 2022, over 90% merchants that take contactless payments also accept Apple Pay in the United States.
Some places where you can use Apple Pay for fast, easy and secure payments include:
Retail
- Walmart
- Target
- Best Buy
- Walgreens
- Lowe’s
- The Home Depot
Grocery
- Aldi
- Whole Foods
- Safeway
Restaurants
- Starbucks
- McDonald’s
- Subway
Entertainment
- AMC theaters
- Regal Cinemas
- Live nation
Travel
- Delta
- American Airlines
- Uber
and many more stores/places across categories.
You can also use Apple Pay in apps and websites that support it for in-app purchases or online shopping.
Tips for Using Apple Pay at Rite Aid
Here are some useful tips for successfully paying through Apple Pay at Rite Aid stores:
- Make sure there is sufficient balance/credit on your linked Wallet card before attempting payment.
- Know in advance what card you wish to pay with and select it on the Wallet app.
- Wake your iPhone/Watch and authenticate with Face/Touch ID when near the contactless reader.
- Hold your device within 1-2 inches of the reader, don’t tap or forcefully push.
- For enhanced security, disable lock screen preview to avoid displaying Wallet cards.
- If payment fails, check balance, try again ensuring no case/cover blocks signal.
- Save virtual receipts from Wallet app for easier returns, warranties if required.
- Temporarily deactivate Apple Pay on lost or stolen device using Find My app.
Does Rite Aid Accept Other Mobile Payments?
Yes, Rite Aid accepts almost all other popular mobile/contactless payment services in 2023. So you can check out fast using:
Google Pay
Use your Android smartphone/Wear OS watch to tap and pay.
Samsung Pay
Pay with supported Samsung devices.
Fitbit Pay
Check out using select Fitbit devices.
Garmin Pay
Simply tap to pay with your compatible Garmin smartwatch.
Similar to Apple Pay, these mobile wallets also utilize tokenization and NFC technology for secure transactions.
You need to set them up on respective apps first and then can use your linked payment cards via these services at Rite Aid.
The Future of Contactless Payments at Rite Aid
Contactless transactions including Apple Pay and other mobile wallets are growing rapidly across stores due to higher convenience and hygiene.
Rite Aid is promoting adoption of contactless payments by educating users through in-store displays and social media. It is also installing more advanced NFC readers across high-traffic stores.
Industry experts predict over 75% of payments will be contactless in the next 2 years. Rite Aid will continue adding support for new mobile wallets and payment wearables alongside existing options.
So you can expect paying with just your smartphone, watch or tap-to-pay enabled fitness tracker to eventually become the norm at Rite Aid.
Final Takeaways on Apple Pay at Rite Aid
- Rite Aid has enabled Apple Pay across all retail locations in the United States.
- You can store your cards in Apple Wallet and tap to pay at checkout for faster, safer and private payments.
- Apple Pay works with majority credit/debit cards that support contactless tech like Visa, Mastercard etc.
- You earn and can redeem Rite Aid loyalty points when paying via Apple Pay.
- Rite Aid also accepts other NFC payments like Google Pay, Samsung Pay etc.
- Contactless transactions are increasing exponentially year-over-year due to convenience and health safety.
Ready to give Apple Pay a try for yourself at Rite Aid? It is incredibly simple to set up and even more seamless when paying. Ditch the physical wallet and tap into the future of payments today!
Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Pay at Rite Aid
-
Does Rite Aid take Apple Pay and other mobile payments?
Yes Rite aid take Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay and other contactless payment services at NFC enabled pay terminals across stores. - What cards can I use with Apple Pay at Rite Aid?
You can add most major credit, debit, prepaid and rewards cards to Apple Pay for using at Rite Aid. Popular options are Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover cards. - Is Apple Pay safer than using physical cards at Rite Aid?
Yes, Apple Pay is very safe. It uses tokenization and two-factor authentication, so your actual card details are never shared with the store. -
Can I use Apple Pay at Rite Aid self checkout?
Yes, Rite Aid has enabled contactless payments like Apple Pay at self checkout registers across stores. - Does Apple Pay work at Rite Aid pharmacy counters?
Yes, you can use Apple Pay at pharmacy, cosmetics and all other counters across Rite Aid stores. - Do I need to show my ID when using Apple Pay at Rite Aid?
Typically no, but you may need to show government ID for certain regulated products or age-restricted items. - Can I return items bought via Apple Pay at Rite Aid?
Yes, products purchased using Apple Pay can be returned/exchanged as long as you have the receipt in your email or Wallet app. - Will I still earn Plenti points when paying with Apple Pay?
Rite Aid’s rewards program is now called Wellness+ . And yes, you earn points on Apple Pay. - Is there a transaction limit when using Apple Pay at Rite Aid?
No, you can use Apple Pay for transactions of any amount at Rite Aid. Contactless payment limits are set by your bank/card issuer. - Do I need to sign the receipt after paying via Apple Pay at Rite Aid?
No signatures are required for contactless transactions below $50 by card networks. Payments are authorized via biometrics. - Can minors set up an use Apple Pay for payments at Rite Aid?
Apple Pay works with Family Setup, so parents can approve and manage payments for kids from their own device. - I have an Apple Watch, can I use it to pay at Rite Aid?
Yes absolutely! You can add cards to Apple Pay on your Apple Watch and conveniently pay by double clicking the side button. - My Apple Pay payment didn’t go through at Rite Aid, what should I check?
If that happens, first check if your linked card has sufficient limit or isn’t blocked for any reason. Also try again ensuring phone has network and nothing blocks the NFC signal. - Can tourists/foreign visitors use Apple Pay at Rite Aid if they don’t have a U.S. bank account?
Yes, Apple Pay works seamlessly with most popular international card networks like Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, JCB etc. - I have an iPhone 6, can I still use Apple Pay at Rite Aid?
Apple Pay requires an iPhone 6S or newer running latest iOS. On older iPhones, you can pay using store/merchant apps that support contactless payments via NFC. - Can I store my insurance cards on Apple Pay and use them at Rite Aid?
At this time, insurance cards are typically not supported directly on Apple Pay. You need to file claims manually or check if your provider has an app with virtual card. - Is Tap to Pay on iPhone available at Rite Aid?
Not yet, but Rite Aid will likely support Tap to Pay in future allowing small businesses and entrepreneurs to accept contactless payments directly into their account.