Introduction
The global village has advanced greatly in technology. In fact, most commercial and corporate organizations make use of technology for a seamless business transaction.
In the retail industry, the use of digital payment solutions has widely taken over due to their ease of use and security. One of such payment apps is Apple Pay. From the time of launching Apple Pay till now, it has become one of the most widely used payment methods in the US. Apple Pay is a platform that enables quick and secure transactions in-store and online.
It is now available in major stores across the US, and most pet owners often wonder if pet retailers like Petco Health and Wellness company accept payment from Apple Pay. Tech-savvy pet owners who are looking for a convenient way to pay will most likely consider it in line with their goal of providing a seamless shopping experience, especially pet owners.
This article will help you learn everything you need to know about Petco accepting Apple Pay and using Apple Pay.
Meaning of Apple Pay and How It Works
Apple Pay is Apple’s mobile payment service that allows users to pay in stores, apps, and websites using compatible Apple devices, such as the iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and Apple Watch. It uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to transmit payment information directly when your device is near the contactless terminal.
Over the years, Apple Pay has partnered with thousands of banks, credit unions, and merchants around the world to make it easy for users to pay on the go.
Does Petco Accept Apple Pay?
Yes, as of 2014, all Petco and Unleashed by Petco stores accept Apple Pay for in-store purchases.
After Apple Pay launched, Petco quickly rolled out support for it in all of its stores. This enables customers to have a faster and more secure transaction experience compared to swiping a card.
To use Apple Pay at a Petco store, simply hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the contact terminal during checkout. A slight vibration and beep will confirm that your payment has been completed. Payment will be charged to the credit/debit card you choose included in Apple Pay.
The payment process only takes 5 seconds. No need to sign a receipt or enter a PIN for purchases under $25. In return, Petco’s store partners can put cash back into cards linked to Apple Pay.
So if you need to buy pet supplies at your nearest Petco store, check out with just a tap on your phone using Apple Pay. No more searching for cards in your wallet!
Does Petco Accept Apple Pay Online?
Unfortunately, Petco does not currently directly accept Apple Pay for online purchases on its website or app (early 2023). So you cannot select Apple Pay as a payment method when paying online.
When Apple Pay first launched, Petco focused on quick in-store payments at the checkout. Over the years, the adoption of electronic payments has increased rapidly in high-end retail stores.
However, online merchants have been slow to integrate Apple Pay support when paying in e-commerce stores. Reasons can range from insufficient customer demand, interoperability issues, and additional transaction costs.
Therefore, pet parents cannot check out items in their online cart directly using Apple Pay on the Petco website. However, there are several alternatives discussed later in this article.
How does Apple Pay work?
Here is a step-by-step guide on how the Apple Payment works:
1. Digital Mobile Integration
Apple Pay integrates with Mobile apps and Apple devices, allowing users to store their credit and debit card information.
2. Contactless payment
To pay, users hold their device next to the reader without touching their finger to Touch ID, use Face ID, or enter a password. The wireless device will be transferred to the reader to complete the transaction.
3. Online and App Purchases
In addition to in-store payments, Apple Pay can also be used online and in apps on websites and apps that support this payment method.
Key Benefits of Apple Pay
1. Enhanced security features
All transactions are authenticated with Touch ID, Face ID, or a passcode, adding an extra layer of biometric security. It uses a unique number and a unique exchange code, meaning your card is not stored on your device or on Apple or Google servers, and it is not shared with merchants.
2. Convenience
Apple Pay offers a faster and more convenient payment process. They eliminate the need to hold a card or cash, making transactions smoother and faster.
3. Wide Acceptance
Apple Pay is accepted as a payment method in many stores, restaurants and other places worldwide.
4. Privacy Protection
Apple Pay is designed with privacy in mind. Your transaction information is not stored, so your purchase history remains private.
Other Payment Options Accepted at Petco
Petco accepts the following payment methods at its 900+ stores nationwide:
- Cash
- Credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
- Debit cards
- Petco Gift Cards
Alternatives to Use Apple Pay at Petco
There are a couple of ways you can utilize the funds in your apple pay account to pay for Petco purchases and these includes:
1. PayPal
Add your cards enrolled in Apple Pay to your PayPal wallet. Then, when checking out online or in Petco stores, select PayPal so the money can be deducted from linked account
2. Third-party apps
Apps like ShopPay install a virtual debit card backed by your Apple Pay into your Apple Wallet. You can then select debit/credit as payment option on Petco and it charges your Apple Pay account securely.
3. Gift cards
Some services let you purchase brand-agnostic digital Visa gift cards using your Apple Pay balance. You can redeem these gift cards with the code at Petco checkout. So while Petco is yet to implement Apple Pay support directly, there are reliable workarounds that still allow you tap into your Apple Pay money for seamless Petco transactions.
Conclusion
Recent studies has observed that Petco was one of the first adopters of Apple Pay, offering contactless payments in stores since 2014. However, starting in 2023, their online platforms and apps will no longer accept Apple Pay directly. But pet parents can find easy ways to top up their Apple Pay balance by paying with a PayPal account or debit card. So when you’re shopping for pet supplies at Petco, don’t forget to have an Apple device in your pocket for quick transactions.