Does Starbucks Take Apple Pay? In Store, Drive-Thru and App

Summary: Yes, Starbucks accepts Apple Pay at the register and drive-thru in its company-operated US stores. You can also use Apple Pay to reload a Starbucks Card in the app, which is the route that earns the most Stars. Starbucks counters inside supermarkets, airports and bookstores are usually licensed and follow the host store's payment options.

• Tap your iPhone or Apple Watch at the contactless reader in store.
• Drive-thru windows accept Apple Pay at most company-operated locations.
• In the app, Apple Pay reloads your Starbucks Card balance.
• Licensed stores may have different rules, so check the terminal.

Does Starbucks Accept Apple Pay in Store?

Company-operated Starbucks stores in the US use contactless payment terminals, so Apple Pay works like any tap-to-pay card. Tell the barista you are paying by card, hold your iPhone near the reader and confirm with Face ID or Touch ID. An Apple Watch works the same way with a double press of the side button.

Can You Use Apple Pay at the Starbucks Drive-Thru?

Yes, at most locations. The barista hands out or holds a card reader at the window, and you tap your phone or watch. If you want Stars for the order, scan your Starbucks app barcode before paying.

Using Apple Pay in the Starbucks App

The Starbucks app does not charge Apple Pay directly for each drink. Instead, you use Apple Pay to add money to your Starbucks Card balance, then pay with that balance in store or through Mobile Order and Pay.

• Open the app and go to the Scan or Pay section.
• Tap to add funds to your Starbucks Card.
• Choose an amount and select Apple Pay as the payment method.
• Turn on auto-reload if you want the balance topped up automatically.

Apple Pay and Starbucks Rewards

Paying with a loaded Starbucks Card through the app earns Stars at the highest rate. Tapping Apple Pay at the register without scanning your app earns nothing, so if Rewards matter to you, either reload the card with Apple Pay or scan your member barcode before tapping. Rates and rules change, so check the current Rewards terms in the app.

Licensed Stores and Other Exceptions

Starbucks counters inside grocery stores, hotels, airports and campuses are often licensed. They may accept Apple Pay, but they are not always able to take Starbucks Card payments or award Stars. Outside the US, Apple Pay availability depends on the local operator.

If you work from coffee shops, remember that store Wi-Fi is shared with everyone in the room. A VPN such as AngelVPN keeps logins and banking sessions private on public networks.

For other chains, our list of stores that take Apple Pay covers the big names in one place.

The Fastest Way to Pay for Your Next Coffee

Tap Apple Pay if you just want a quick coffee. Reload a Starbucks Card with Apple Pay if you visit often and want Stars. A Starbucks gift card is a third option that works for yourself or as a gift, since it loads into the same app balance.

To top up that balance or send one to a friend, buy a Starbucks gift card.