Does CVS Take Apple Pay? The Complete 2025 Guide

October 8, 2025 Olaoluwa

Yes, CVS accepts Apple Pay at all retail locations. You can use it for in-store purchases, including at the pharmacy counter, self-checkout stations, and even drive-thru windows. However, it’s important to know that Apple Pay is not available for online purchases on CVS.com. This guide will provide a comprehensive look at how, when, and where you can use Apple Pay at CVS, along with expert tips to enhance your shopping experience and maximize your rewards.

A Brief History: CVS and Contactless Payments

CVS has an interesting history with Apple Pay. When the service first launched in 2014, CVS was one of several retailers that initially accepted it, only to quickly disable NFC readers in an effort to promote a competing mobile wallet called CurrentC. This move left many customers frustrated. However, after years of customer demand and the growing popularity of contactless payments, CVS reversed its position and fully reinstated Apple Pay in 2018. Since then, all CVS retail locations have been equipped with activated NFC card readers, making tap-to-pay a seamless option at the register.

How to Use Apple Pay for In-Store Purchases at CVS

Using Apple Pay at CVS is designed to be a fast, secure, and straightforward process. The store’s payment terminals are equipped with Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which allows you to “tap to pay.” Here’s how to do it on your Apple devices.

Step-by-Step Payment Instructions

Device	Steps to Pay
iPhone (with Face ID)	Double-click the side button, authenticate with Face ID, and hold the top of your iPhone near the contactless reader until a checkmark and “Done” appear.
iPhone (with Touch ID)	Rest your finger on the Touch ID sensor and hold the top of your iPhone near the contactless reader until you feel a vibration and see a checkmark.
Apple Watch	Double-click the side button, and hold the display of your Apple Watch near the contactless reader until you feel a gentle tap and hear a beep.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Checkout

Link Your ExtraCare Card: For a truly seamless experience, add your CVS ExtraCare card to your Apple Wallet. This allows you to apply your rewards and discounts automatically during the Apple Pay transaction.
Look for the Symbol: At the checkout, keep an eye out for the universal contactless payment symbol (four curved waves) on the terminal.
No Need to Open an App: For iPhones with iOS 12 or later, you don’t even need to open the Wallet app first. Just hold your iPhone near the reader and the payment sheet will appear automatically.

Online Payments: The Limitation on CVS.com

While Apple Pay is universally accepted in physical CVS stores, it is not an available payment method on the CVS website, CVS.com. This can be a point of confusion, especially given the seamless in-store experience.

If you are shopping online, you will need to use one of the following accepted payment methods:

Credit and Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
PayPal
FSA/HSA Cards
CVS Gift Cards

It’s worth noting that while the main website does not support Apple Pay, some services within the CVS mobile app, such as paying for prescriptions in advance, may offer it as an option. However, for standard e-commerce purchases on CVS.com, you’ll need to choose an alternative payment type.

Beyond Apple Pay: Other Payment Methods Accepted at CVS

CVS offers a wide array of payment options to suit different customer preferences. Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, you have multiple choices.

In-Store Payment Options

CVS is well-equipped to handle virtually every modern payment type at its retail locations.

Payment Method	Accepted In-Store?	Notes
Apple Pay	✅ Yes	At all retail locations.
Google Pay	✅ Yes	Accepted at contactless terminals.
Samsung Pay	✅ Yes	Accepted at contactless terminals.
Credit/Debit Cards	✅ Yes	Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover.
CVS ExtraCare Card	✅ Yes	For rewards and discounts.
FSA/HSA Cards	✅ Yes	For eligible health products.
PayPal QR Codes	✅ Yes	Via the PayPal app.
Venmo QR Codes	✅ Yes	Via the Venmo app.
Cash	✅ Yes	Universal acceptance.

Online Payment Options (CVS.com)

As mentioned, your options on the CVS website are more traditional but still versatile.

Credit and Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
PayPal: A secure way to pay without directly entering your card details.
FSA/HSA Cards: For eligible healthcare items purchased online.
CVS Gift Cards: Use your physical or e-gift card balance at checkout.

Tips for Saving Money and Maximizing Rewards at CVS

Simply knowing how to pay is one thing; knowing how to pay smartly is another. Here’s how you can leverage Apple Pay and other strategies to get the most value from your CVS shopping.

Join the ExtraCare Rewards Program: This is CVS’s free loyalty program. You can earn 2% back in ExtraBucks Rewards on most purchases and receive personalized coupons. Link your ExtraCare card to the CVS app or your Apple Wallet to ensure you never miss a reward.
Consider the CVS CarePass: For $5 per month, this subscription service offers free 1-2 day shipping on CVS.com, a monthly $10 ExtraBucks reward, and exclusive discounts. If you shop at CVS regularly, the monthly reward alone makes it a money-saving option.
Use Apple Pay with a Rewards Credit Card: One of the biggest advantages of using Apple Pay is that it doesn’t change the underlying rewards of your credit card. Pair Apple Pay with a card that offers high cash back at drugstores or on everyday purchases to double-dip on rewards—earning both your card’s benefits and CVS’s ExtraBucks.
Check the CVS App and Weekly Ads: The CVS app is a hub for digital coupons and “app-only” deals. Browsing the weekly ad before you shop helps you plan your purchases around sales, maximizing your savings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use Apple Pay for CVS prescriptions?

Yes, you can use Apple Pay to pay for prescriptions both at the in-store pharmacy counter and at the drive-thru window.

Is there a spending limit for Apple Pay at CVS?

CVS does not impose its own specific limit for Apple Pay transactions. Any limit would be based on your bank or credit card issuer’s policy for contactless payments.

Does CVS accept other digital wallets like Google Pay and Samsung Pay?

Yes, CVS accepts a variety of contactless payments. In addition to Apple Pay, you can use Google Pay and Samsung Pay at all in-store terminals.

Is Apple Pay at CVS secure?

Absolutely. In fact, it’s more secure than using a physical card. Apple Pay uses a security method called tokenization. This means that instead of transmitting your actual credit card number, it uses a unique, one-time “Device Account Number.” Your real card details are never shared with CVS or stored on your device, protecting you from potential skimming or data breaches. Each transaction also requires authentication via Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.

Can I use Apple Pay in the CVS app?

Support within the CVS app is limited. While the main online store (CVS.com) does not accept Apple Pay, you may be able to use it for specific in-app services, such as pre-paying for prescriptions to enable a faster pickup experience. For general shopping on the app or website, however, you will need to use an alternative method like a credit card or PayPal.

Conclusion

CVS has fully embraced Apple Pay, making it a quick, secure, and convenient payment option for all your in-store needs. From grabbing last-minute essentials to picking up your prescriptions, you can confidently leave your wallet at home and pay with just your iPhone or Apple Watch. While the lack of support on CVS.com is a limitation, the widespread in-store acceptance ensures that most CVS shoppers can enjoy the benefits of this contactless technology. By combining Apple Pay with the CVS ExtraCare program and a savvy rewards credit card, you can streamline your checkout experience while maximizing your savings.