Most businesses in this evolving, split-second world of digital payment look out and take on the task of offering acceptance to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other contactless ways of making wallet solutions truly mobile. Sonic Drive-In is not exceptional but one of America’s favorite fast-food chains.
With the Sonic drive-in model and Carhop service evocative of bygone days, it usually provides a little bit of yesterday with the advantages of today. But the question most people seem to have is: Does Sonic take Apple Pay?
As we further in this article, we’ll answer your question: Does Sonic take Apple Pay? the step-by-step method, and the advantages of using Apple Pay.
Does Sonic take Apple Pay?
Does Sonic take Apple Pay? Yes, Sonic does take Apple Pay, but it is a bit more complicated than that. Sonic Drive-In locations take Apple Pay, both in-store and in the Sonic app; just not quite exactly in the very same way you would think, compared to how other fast-food restaurants like McDonald’s or Starbucks handle Apple Pay. The following is the method by which Sonic has integrated Apple Pay within its core payment systems:
1. Sonic App
It introduced its application, which allowed ordering a meal and payment using the customer’s smartphone. At this update, the Sonic application supports Apple Pay, which means you can use your Apple Wallet to pay for your lunch without having to input all the information about one’s credit card.
To add a bank card in the Sonic app with Apple Pay:
- Go to the App Store and download the Sonic Drive-In app.
- Either create an account or sign in. Order your favorite meal; choose your nearest Sonic to deliver.
- Offer choices at the point of sale, such as Apple Pay.
- Authorize the purchase with Face ID, Touch ID, or your device’s passcode.
With Sonic offering Apple Pay as an in-app payment option, it gives customers an easy, seamless experience for those who like to use a mobile wallet.
2. At the Drive-In
Sonic has relied on drive-in service, where customers park their cars in bays, order their meals using an intercom, and have the food delivered directly to the car by carhops.
This configuration does not natively support Apple Pay in all locations, while others may upgrade to contactless terminals that natively support Apple Pay.
But in due time, updates have slowly begun filtering through the different Sonic payment systems, and an increasing number of the drive-in locations indeed started accepting contactless payments, including Apple Pay. Until then, it would be best to check with your local Sonic if they do take Apple Pay in the drive-in stalls.
3. Inside the Restaurant
While Sonic is known primarily for drive-in service, some locations do provide inside dining opportunities as well. Inside the restaurant, one is more likely to find Apple Pay acceptance due to an increased presence of contactless payment terminals. The truth of the matter is that many Sonic locations updated their point of sale systems to include NFC (Near Field Communication) technology that allows a customer to pay with Apple Pay simply by tapping his or her device near the card reader.
Advantages of the Use of Apple Pay at Sonic
Having found that Sonic allows Apple Pay usage to some limit, here are some of the benefits you would enjoy using Apple Pay at Sonic.
1. Convenience
With Apple Pay, you will not need any cash or card in either your pocket or purse to pay for something. This option will be very convenient, especially in places like Sonic, where you place your orders in your car and would like to reduce your physical interaction either with card readers or cashiers. You simply tap your iPhone or Apple Watch against the terminal and in one second, the transaction will be complete.
2. Speed
The whole idea behind Sonic is that the service is fast. Apple Pay continues that: paying through them, whether via the app or directly at the terminal, is virtually instantaneous. That keeps the experience at the drive-in quick and smooth, so one may enjoy the meal and not the useless waits.
3. Security
Apple Pay is an extremely secure method of making a payment. It tokenizes the information, keeping it well out of the merchant’s reach; as such, it will never show your actual credit or debit card number. Added to this, the additional security of Face ID, Touch ID, or code makes it one of the most secure systems when one goes to make a payment.
4. Allowances and Deductions
The best part about using Apple Pay at a store like Sonic would be the rewards, points, and cashback on the credit cards for the linked card that would continue to accrue. Second, the Sonic app from time to time throws in discount offers and other deals, and those you would be able to make use of with Apple Pay.
How to Set up Apple Pay
If you have not tried Apple Pay and may want to give it a go now, here’s how you may set up on your iPhone:
- Open the Wallet app on your iPhone
- In the top right, tap the “+” icon to add a card.
- Following the on-screen directions, add your credit or debit card.
- The bank or card company might contact you to confirm your identity.
- Once verified, your card is added to Apple Pay, and you are ready for purchases with any merchant, including Sonic, that accepts contactless payments.
Besides, Apple Pay is further empowered through the use of an Apple Watch, iPad, or even Mac with every enablement, even shopping experience.
Other Mobile Payment Options Available at Sonic
While perhaps one of the most popular, Apple is by no means a solitary solution for mobile wallet services. Other common ways a customer can pay for goods digitally that Sonic accepts include Google Pay and Samsung Pay. Like Apple, these services allow you to save your payment information on your device, after which you may make contactless payments on any NFC-enabled terminal.
Besides mobile wallet payments, the Sonic app has direct credit card pay and allows the utilization of Sonic gift cards. These options are still available for customers who prefer more traditional ways of paying for goods, via the app and in-store.
Final Words
Does Sonic take Apple Pay? Using Apple Pay at Sonic introduces several benefits to customers, ranging from speed and convenience to improved security and even a continuation in earning their credit card rewards. To date, it’s the kind of service that shall be expanded further at Sonic as the restaurant business continues to modernize its services on payments. Be it the famous Sonic Cherry Limeade or maybe a Sonic Burger, Apple Pay is bound to make such instances smoother. Next time driving into a Sonic Drive-In, give Apple Pay a shot—you might just like it for the best way to handle these fast, secure, contactless transactions.