Does CVS Take Apple Pay? (2025 Updated Guide)

Yes, CVS accepts Apple Pay at all of its stores across the United States. You can easily use your iPhone or Apple Watch to make contactless payments at checkout counters, self-checkout stations, and pharmacy windows. CVS first rolled out Apple Pay support back in 2018, and it’s now available chain-wide.

Here’s a quick look at where Apple Pay works at CVS:

When Did CVS Start Accepting Apple Pay?

CVS officially adopted Apple Pay in October 2018, marking a major shift in its payment strategy. Before that, CVS was among the few large retailers that had resisted contactless payments.

From 2014 to 2018, CVS had actually disabled its NFC readers to promote its own payment system called CVS Pay. The company was part of the Merchant Customer Exchange (MCX), a group that developed the now-defunct CurrentC mobile payment app as an alternative to Apple Pay and Google Pay.

When CurrentC failed to gain user adoption, CVS reversed course and decided to support Apple Pay and other contactless options. The company recognized that customers preferred the speed and security of tap-to-pay technology. Today, every CVS store nationwide supports Apple Pay and other NFC-based wallets.

How to Use Apple Pay at CVS

Paying with Apple Pay at CVS takes just a few seconds. Here’s how to do it based on your device:

For iPhone with Face ID:

1. Wait for the cashier to finish scanning your items.
2. Double-click the side button on your iPhone.
3. Authenticate using Face ID.
4. Hold your iPhone close to the contactless reader.
5. Wait for the checkmark and “Done” message.

For iPhone with Touch ID:

1. Place your finger on the Touch ID sensor.
2. Hold your iPhone near the contactless reader.
3. Keep your finger on the sensor until you see confirmation on the screen.

For Apple Watch:

1. Double-click the side button.
2. Hold the watch face near the payment terminal.
3. Wait for a subtle tap and beep confirming your payment.

The entire transaction usually takes no more than three seconds fast, easy, and touch-free.

Using Apple Pay at CVS Self-Checkout

All CVS self-checkout kiosks are fully compatible with Apple Pay.

Here’s what to do:

1. Scan your items as usual.
2. Tap “Pay Now” or “Finish and Pay.”
3. Look for the contactless symbol (four curved lines) on the payment terminal.
4. Hold your iPhone or Apple Watch an inch or two from the NFC reader.
5. Wait for the screen to confirm payment.

The NFC reader is usually located near the card slot at the bottom of the payment terminal. When you feel the vibration or hear a beep, your payment has gone through.

Using Apple Pay in the CVS App

The CVS mobile app offers limited Apple Pay functionality. You currently cannot use Apple Pay to make purchases directly in the app.

However, you can still take advantage of these payment options:

• CVS Pay CVS’s own in-app payment system linked to your credit card and ExtraCare Rewards.
• PayPal Supported for select transactions.
• Credit or debit cards You can securely store these in the app.

While you can’t pay with Apple Pay through the app yet, you can add your CVS ExtraCare Rewards card to your Apple Wallet for faster in-store scanning and point collection.

Other Payment Methods Accepted at CVS

CVS supports a wide range of payment methods to suit every shopper:

💳 Credit & Debit Cards

• Visa
• Mastercard
• Discover
• American Express
• Tap-to-pay contactless cards

📱 Digital Wallets

• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• Samsung Pay
• CVS Pay

💵 Other Payment Options

• Cash
• Personal checks (with valid ID)
• CVS gift cards
• PayPal (select transactions)
• Venmo (limited availability)
• FSA & HSA cards
• CareCredit (for pharmacy and health purchases)

💡 Pro Tip: Add your ExtraCare Rewards card to your Apple Wallet. When you pay with Apple Pay, your rewards automatically apply in the same tap — no separate scan required.

Why Use Apple Pay at CVS?

Apple Pay offers several benefits that make it a better choice than traditional payment methods:

⚡ Speed & Convenience

Checkout takes just a few seconds. No more digging for your wallet or waiting on slow chip readers. Just tap your device and go.

🔒 Enhanced Security

Apple Pay replaces your real card number with a unique digital token, keeping your personal data and card details private from merchants. If you rely on iCloud for Wallet backups and payment data, it’s smart to check your iCloud storage usage regularly to make sure your transaction data syncs smoothly.

🕵️‍♀️ Privacy Protection

Apple doesn’t track or store your purchase details. Your transactions remain between you and your bank.

🧼 Contactless & Hygienic

You don’t need to touch payment terminals or hand over cards — an especially convenient option in today’s contact-free environment.

💰 Cash Back with Apple Card

When using the Apple Card via Apple Pay, you earn 2% Daily Cash back on all CVS purchases (compared to 1% when using the physical card).

📋 Easy Returns

Every Apple Pay transaction is recorded in your Wallet app, making it simple to locate receipts and process returns.

📱 Works Across Devices

Use Apple Pay seamlessly on your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or Mac for supported purchases.

Does CVS Accept Apple Pay for Online Orders?

Not yet. As of 2025, CVS.com and the CVS mobile app still don’t support Apple Pay for online checkout.

When shopping on CVS’s website, you can pay using:

• Credit or debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex)
• PayPal
• CVS gift cards
• FSA or HSA cards (for eligible purchases)

While there’s no official update on Apple Pay integration for CVS online orders, digital wallet adoption continues to rise, so this could change in the near future.

Common Issues & Quick Fixes

If Apple Pay isn’t working at CVS, try these troubleshooting steps:

1. Check NFC settings: Go to Settings > General > NFC and ensure it’s enabled (it’s on by default for iPhone 6 or newer).
2. Update iOS: Install the latest software version to fix compatibility issues. 
3. Remove your phone case: Thick or metal cases can block NFC signals.
4. Try another terminal: If one reader doesn’t work, ask to switch registers or try self-checkout.
5. Restart your device: Simple but effective for temporary glitches.
6. Check your card: Make sure your stored payment card is active and has sufficient funds.
7. Contact your bank: If problems persist, your bank might have restricted contactless payments.

Most Apple Pay issues at CVS come down to NFC positioning — hold your phone within 1–2 inches of the reader for best results.

Final Thoughts

CVS’s adoption of Apple Pay in 2018 brought fast, secure, and contactless payments to millions of shoppers. Whether you’re refilling prescriptions, grabbing essentials, or running a quick errand, Apple Pay makes checkout effortless.

You can use it at the register, self-checkout, or pharmacy window and when paired with your ExtraCare Rewards card, one simple tap handles both loyalty and payment.

While CVS still doesn’t support Apple Pay for online orders or app purchases, the in-store experience is smooth, reliable, and privacy-friendly. With features like biometric security, encryption, and instant confirmation, Apple Pay is one of the safest and easiest ways to pay at CVS. And if you ever notice slow Wallet backups or storage warnings, try our iCloud Storage Analyzer to free up space and optimize your Apple Pay data sync.

Next time you’re at the register just tap your iPhone or Apple Watch and you’re done. 💳📱