The very last thing someone wants to carry around in today’s world is a wad of cash. Along with being a beacon for burglars, at the same time, it is also not very convenient to carry cash around. So, modern-day plastic money was invented to solve this problem. But even this could not satisfy the human race. Thus, after inclusion years of patience, hard work, and technology the cards were inculcated in the phones. It allowed people to pay with their phones without carrying any cash or plastic money with them. And in this race, the front runner is apple pay, which gives users an option to pay with the devices that are made and sold by Apple. Does Costco accept apple pay?
About Costco:
First opened in 1976, under the name of Price Club, Costco is a membership warehouse club. It is a multinational company that has a global presence. It is also on the list of the largest retailers in the world. Today, it is included in the elite list of Fortune 500 companies.
About Apple Pay:
Apple pay is an exclusive mobile payment and digital wallet service. It is only provided by the company Apple to its customers. It is only supported on products that are built and sold by Apple company. Payments by the means of Apple pay can be done by using iOS apps. And, on the web, you can do the same with the help of Safari. Along with the iPhone the Apple pay service can also be availed through Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac.
Can payment be made or not?
In a nutshell, Costco does accept Apple pay as a form of payment. But the story does not end here. It is slightly more complicated than that. The Costco stores in the United States of America will only accept your payment from Apple pay if you have a Visa card as your default payment option.
Online shopping:
It is not the same matter when you shop online. The Costco website is lenient in this case. Apple pay can be used to complete transactions. And you can complete the payment with the card of your choice. You are not limited to a Visa card to make the payment.
Is apple pay also accepted on the Costco App?
Like many major brands, Costco also has an app where they offer their products to customers. And yes, they do accept Apple pay for payments on their application.
What about at other establishments of Costco?
Costco is not limited to the sale of products. They also provide gas services, medicines, and also food. So, do they accept Apple pay for payments? Yes, they do accept Apple pay. But, the bottom line in these cases also remains the same. You must have a Visa card in your wallet from where you can make the payment. Else, look out for other available options.
Drawbacks:
- NFC Reader
To make payment through applications such as Apple Pay, NFC technology is required. NFC is expanded as Near Field Communication. It is contact-less communication technology. This technology is based on a radio frequency (RF) field. By a simple touch between the two devices, it helps them to exchange data. So, for stores to accept payments digitally NFC reader at a store is a must requirement.
- Visa cards for in-store purchases
In the United States of America, you can not pay with any card of your choice with Apple pay at the Costco store. You are bound to have a Visa card if you want to use Apple pay as your payment method. Costco only allows the use of Visa cards for payments in the United States of America. Otherwise, you cannot complete your payment. In absence of a Visa card, your payment will fail.
Conclusion:
Costco does accept Apple pay at all their outlets if they have an NFC reader available with them. The only thing to keep in mind while using the option of Apple pay is to have a Visa card as your payment option. If not, try using some other option for payment at Costco.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Why do I need to have a Visa card for payment at Costco?
Answer: It is because Costco has an exclusive partnership with Visa which serves both companies well.
- Can I make payment with an Apple watch at Costco?
Answer: Yes, you can make payment with an Apple watch at Costco.
- Can I change my default card in Apple pay for payment at Costco?
Answer: If you have more than one card in your Apple pay wallet you can change it. Apple pay gives you the option to switch between cards for the payment if you want.
- Does the online store maintained by Costco also need a Visa card?
Answer: No, while making payment in the online store you can use any card that you may have in your Apple pay wallet to make the payment. You are not bound to have a Visa card to complete the payment on the website.
