Does McDonald’s Take Apple Pay? (2025 Updated Guide)

If you’re wondering whether McDonald’s accepts Apple Pay, the short answer is yes and it’s incredibly simple to use. From ordering at the counter to paying in the drive-thru, McDonald’s has made Apple Pay available at nearly all its locations. Whether you tap your iPhone at checkout or pay through the McDonald’s app, here’s everything you need to know about using Apple Pay at McDonald’s in 2025.

Apple Pay has quickly become one of the easiest and most secure ways to pay at restaurants, and McDonald’s is among the first major chains to adopt it. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to use Apple Pay at McDonald’s, what to do if it doesn’t work, and why it’s one of the safest payment methods you can choose.

What Is Apple Pay and How Does It Work?

Apple Pay is Apple’s digital wallet that allows you to make quick, contactless payments using your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or Mac. Instead of pulling out your physical cards, you store them securely in the Wallet app.

Here’s how it works in just three steps:

1. Add your credit or debit card to the Wallet app.
2. Hold your device near a contactless terminal.
3. Authenticate the payment using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.

Apple Pay uses Near Field Communication (NFC) to securely transmit encrypted payment data. Your actual card number is never shared with the merchant, a unique digital token is used instead making it safer than traditional card payments.

Does McDonald’s Accept Apple Pay in 2025?

Yes, McDonald’s accepts Apple Pay at nearly all of its U.S. restaurants in 2025. The chain first introduced Apple Pay in 2014 and has since expanded support to drive-thrus, kiosks, and the mobile app.

You can use Apple Pay at McDonald’s in three main ways:

• In-store at the counter or self-service kiosk
• Drive-thru directly from your car window
• Mobile app when ordering ahead

Most McDonald’s restaurants now feature modern contactless payment terminals. If a location accepts tap-to-pay credit cards, it will also accept Apple Pay. However, some franchise-owned stores may still use older systems, so availability can vary slightly.

How to Use Apple Pay at McDonald’s (Step-by-Step)

Using Apple Pay at McDonald’s is incredibly simple whether you’re inside, at the drive-thru, or using the app. Here’s how each method works:

🏪 Paying In-Store

1. Place your order with the cashier or at a self-service kiosk.
2. Wait for the payment screen to appear.
3. Hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the contactless reader.
4. Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
5. When you see the checkmark and feel a gentle vibration, you’re done.

The entire process takes just seconds, there’s no need to open an app or unlock your phone first.

🚗 Paying at the Drive-Thru

1. Order your meal as usual.
2. Pull up to the payment window.
3. Look for the contactless symbol (it looks like a sideways Wi-Fi icon).
4. Hold your device near the reader.
5. Authenticate your payment, and you’re all set.

Most drive-thru locations now use handheld contactless readers that can easily reach your car window. If the staff member doesn’t have one, they might ask you to insert or swipe your card instead.

📱 Paying Through the McDonald’s App

For the smoothest experience, use Apple Pay directly in the McDonald’s app:

1. Download the McDonald’s app from the App Store.
2. Log in or create a new account.
3. Add your favorite items to your cart.
4. At checkout, select Apple Pay as your payment method.
5. Confirm with Face ID or Touch ID.

Once your order is confirmed, you can choose pickup, drive-thru, or curbside delivery. Plus, you’ll automatically earn MyMcDonald’s Rewards points on your purchase.

Why Use Apple Pay at McDonald’s?

Here’s why millions of McDonald’s customers prefer Apple Pay over cash or cards:

⚡ Speed and Convenience

No need to dig through your wallet just tap and go. Payments are completed in seconds, making it perfect for busy mornings or lunch rushes.

🔒 Better Security

Apple Pay doesn’t share your card number with McDonald’s. Instead, it generates a one-time encrypted token, drastically reducing the risk of fraud.

🧼 Contactless and Hygienic

Since you don’t have to touch keypads or hand over a card, Apple Pay keeps transactions cleaner and safer, ideal in high-traffic restaurants.

🎁 Rewards Integration

When using Apple Pay in the McDonald’s app, you’ll automatically collect MyMcDonald’s Rewards points with every purchase.

💵 No Extra Fees

Neither Apple nor McDonald’s charges additional fees for Apple Pay. You pay the same price as you would with any other payment method.

Apple Pay Around the World at McDonald’s

Apple Pay is accepted at McDonald’s in many countries though coverage varies slightly by region:

• United States: Almost universal acceptance
• Canada: Supported in most locations
• United Kingdom: Fully rolled out nationwide
• Australia: Accepted across most restaurants
• Europe: Widespread in Western Europe; varies elsewhere
• Asia: Expanding rapidly, especially in Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong

If you’re traveling abroad, it’s best to check local payment options beforehand. In regions where Apple Pay isn’t yet common, you may still need to use cash or a physical card.

Other Accepted Payment Methods

McDonald’s provides several other payment options in addition to Apple Pay:

• Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
• Google Pay and Samsung Pay
• Cash (at most restaurants)
• McDonald’s gift cards and Arch Cards
• PayPal via the McDonald’s mobile app (in select markets)

McDonald’s does not accept checks, cryptocurrency, or apps like Venmo or Cash App directly at its registers.

Troubleshooting: When Apple Pay Doesn’t Work at McDonald’s

If Apple Pay fails to process, try these quick fixes:

• Check Wallet setup Ensure your card is added and set as the default payment method.
• Hold closer to the reader The NFC sensor is located near the top of your iPhone.
• Verify your card, Make sure it’s active and not restricted by your bank.
• Update iOS Outdated software can cause issues. Go to Settings → General → Software Update. If Apple Pay issues persist, it could be related to syncing problems. Learn how to fix iCloud syncing issues to keep your Wallet and payment data working smoothly.
• Restart your device Sometimes a quick reboot solves NFC glitches.
• Ask staff for help Some terminals might be outdated or temporarily offline.

If the issue persists, contact Apple Support or try another card in your Wallet app.

Is Apple Pay Safe to Use at McDonald’s?

Absolutely. Apple Pay is among the most secure payment methods available. Here’s why:

🔐 Tokenization

Your real card number is never shared. Apple Pay generates a unique Device Account Number stored safely in your phone’s Secure Element chip.

👁️ Biometric Authentication

Every purchase requires Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode, preventing anyone else from using your wallet.

🧩 Limited Data Sharing

McDonald’s never sees your full card details, only an encrypted, one-time code used for that transaction.

🛡️ Fraud Protection

Your bank still covers you under the same fraud protection as regular card purchases.

📱 Lost Device Security

If your phone is lost or stolen, you can instantly lock or remove your cards using Find My iPhone or iCloud.

In fact, using Apple Pay is often safer than inserting your card into a public terminal.

Final Thoughts

McDonald’s has fully embraced contactless payment technology, and Apple Pay stands out as one of the easiest and safest ways to pay for your meal. Whether you’re ordering breakfast on the go, grabbing lunch at the drive-thru, or paying through the app, Apple Pay makes the entire process effortless.

You don’t have to dig for cash or fumble with your card just tap your iPhone or Apple Watch, authenticate, and you’re done. With built-in encryption, biometric security, and zero added fees, Apple Pay offers both speed and peace of mind.

If you haven’t tried it yet, give Apple Pay a go on your next McDonald’s run once you do, you’ll probably never go back to traditional payment methods. And if you notice iCloud running low on space after frequent Wallet or backup use, try our iCloud Storage Analyzer to find and clean up large files easily.