Cards aren’t the only way to make contactless payments. Global tech businesses have used Near-Field Communications (NFC) technology to enable contactless payments on smartphones and other devices.
One of these technologies is Apple Pay, which allows you to pay for items just by swiping your iPhone across a contactless scanner, eliminating the need for a physical card or entering a PIN. Convenient, alright. But, does Ralphs accept Apple Pay for your groceries? Let’s find the answer in this article.
Does Ralphs Accept Apple Pay in 2023?
Unfortunately, Ralphs does not accept Apple Pay at this time. They confirmed that this service is not accessible at any of their stores in a tweet they sent out in 2021.
You may, however, pay with your phone while stacking Ralphs Rewards by using their Kroger Pay app. You’ll earn fuel points for every dollar you spend with Ralphs Rewards.
What Payment Methods Does Ralphs Accept?
Since Apple Pay isn’t a preferred and accepted method at Ralphs, you can use these other payment ways to shop:
- Kroger Pay App
- Visa Cards
- Discover Cards
- American Express Cards
- Debit Cards
- Prepaid Cards
- Ralphs Gift Cards
- EBT Cards
- Personal Checks
- Cash
Keep in mind that when paying with a credit or debit card, insert your chip card into the card reader instead of sliding the magnetic strip.
Why Doesn’t Ralphs Accept Apple Pay?
Ralphs does not accept Apple Pay because it has its own mobile payment program, Kroger Pay, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Playstore. Ralphs can control their checkout experience by connecting their loyalty rewards system with this app.
Ralphs does not want you to use a competitor’s mobile payment option at their point of sale terminals, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay. Competitors of Ralphs may take Apple Pay, but they cannot accept Kroger Pay.
They believe that if you use Kroger Pay, you’ll be less likely to purchase at another grocery store and more likely to download their app. Ralphs wants more control over their shopping experience than Apple Pay can provide because mobile apps and contactless payment solutions are the way of the future.
What Is Kroger Pay?
Kroger Pay is a contactless payment solution provided through an app. This app allows you to enter your preferred payment method, such as a credit or debit card, on your mobile device and connect it with your Ralphs Benefits card, allowing you to stack your rewards.
You can utilize the app to clip digital coupons and then store them to your Kroger Pay wallet app to save even more money.
How To Use Kroger Pay?
You can leave your wallet at home once you’ve set up Kroger Pay on your mobile device. When you’re ready to leave, simply follow these steps:
- Go to any participating store’s in-store checkout line
- Use one of the ways listed below to access Kroger Pay
- Voice (Siri for iOS devices and Google Assistant for Android)
- App Shortcut Menu
- Kroger Pay “Quicklink” on the top left of the app Home Screen
- Kroger Pay button in your Wallet
- Or, if you have location services enabled on your mobile device, tap Kroger Pay when your app is in store mode
- Enter your four-digit PIN or scan your biometrics
- At checkout, scan the QR code displayed on your device on the item scanner or present it to the cashier
- Scan your items as usual
You will have the opportunity to review your order and any physical or digital coupons placed on your Shoppers Card before finalizing payment. To complete your transaction at self-checkout, press “Mobile” on the final display screen.
Is Kroger Pay Less Complicated Than Apple Pay
Using Kroger Pay keeps the brand consistent from when you step in the door. It is also more cost-effective for Ralphs to maintain payment alternatives in-house. It allows them to track which products customers buy the most frequently and adjust promotions accordingly.
Ralphs provides a customer loyalty program that rewards loyal customers with discounts, coupons, and personalized offers. Customers who use other payment methods must remember to scan their cards before checking out. Otherwise, their points will be forfeited.
Without using a card, Kroger Pay automatically accumulates all points at the time of payment.
Do All Stores Under Kroger Group of Companies Take Kroger Pay?
Not all businesses under Kroger Group of Companies accept Kroger Pay just yet. For example, no NFC payment options are accepted at any gas stations or drive-through pharmacies.
It’s possible that the technology hasn’t been enabled at the corporation’s smaller stores yet. Most do, but it’s always a good idea to confirm ahead of time, especially if the location is remote or the store is small.
Can I Pay With A Check At Ralphs
At Ralphs, you can pay with a personal check at the register. Ralphs also provides payroll, government, tax refund, insurance, and business check cashing services.
A photo ID is required to cash a check. This photo ID may be any of the following:
- Driver’s license
- State ID card
- Military ID
- Resident Alien ID
- Matricula Consular ID
- US Passport
Remember to go to the money services counter if you need to cash a check.
Are There Other Stores That Accept Apple Pay?
You might be looking for alternative grocery stores that accept Apple Pay because Ralphs does not. Here are some of the stores you can visit where you can pay using Apple Pay to save you some time.
- Albertson’s
- Basha’s
- BJ’s
- Davis Food and Drug
- FoodMaxx
- Harveys Market
- Meijer
- Randall’s
- SuperValu
- Trader Joe’s
- Whole Foods Market
- Winn-Dixie
Conclusion
Ralphs does not accept Apple Pay, which may be an inconvenience and disappointment to the increasing number of Apple Pay users. You can still use Kroger Pay to pay at Ralphs using your phone. While it isn’t Apple Pay, it is a contactless payment alternative that allows you to stack Ralphs rewards to save money.