McDonald’s is one of the most beloved fast-food chains in the world. Founded by the two McDonald brothers, Richard and Maurice, in the 1940s, as a single burger and fries outlet, it quickly grew in popularity. Over the next two decades, they pioneered the restaurant franchise model while continually streamlining their service model and expanding globally. Today, McDonald’s has its reach in over 100 countries and serves almost 80 million customers daily through more than 40,000 outlets. And McDonald’s always adapts to the changing customer preferences in all these markets.
One of the ways in which McDonald’s has streamlined and adapted its operations is by accepting digital payments. This revolution first started with card payments and has quickly advanced to wallet-based payments. Let’s discuss all the modes of digital payments accepted at McDonald’s outlets, including Apple Pay.
Short Answer
McDonald’s in the United States accepts Apple Pay inside its restaurants, in the drive-thru lanes, or on their online ordering app. Find out how to use Apple Pay in any of these scenarios.
Does McDonald’s Accept Apple Pay?
McDonald’s is one of the first chain businesses in the US that accepts Apple Pay across the country. It allows you to transact using your iPhone, iPad, or even Apple Watch at all McDonald’s restaurants, including their drive-thrus and the online ordering app.
You can link any card, including; Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover to your Apple Pay account. You also receive any cashback or voucher digitally. Making it easy to remember to use them during subsequent visits to McDonald’s.
How to Use Apple Pay at McDonald’s Restaurants
Follow these steps to use Apple Pay through your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch.
- Inform the McDonald’s restaurant branch that you will pay using apple pay. They will select that option, and their POS machine will go into scanning mode, after which you just need to scan the machine, and the amount details will automatically appear on your device.
- Open up the Apple Wallet, and log in by entering your password or using FaceID.
- Either use your default card or select another card of your choice.
- Check that their machine displays the correct amount you need to pay.
- Bring your phone, tablet, or watch near their payment machine and hold it there for a second or two. The NFC connection will wirelessly and securely make the payment.
6. A tick mark will appear on your screen, indicating a successful transaction.
How to Use Apple Pay at a McDonald’s Drive-Thru
The only difference between ordering in-store at a McDonald’s and using their Drive-Thru Lane is that in the latter, you just do it all from the comfort of your car and later collect your order at a second close-by service window.
Even the payment method remains the same. So inform the waiter that you will be paying using Apple Pay, and they will activate their device, same as above. Meanwhile, you can quickly open the Wallet app and log in.
You and the waiter will have to extend your arms just a bit to bring the two devices closer. Then, Voila! In an instant, your payment will be made, and you can drive off merrily and wait for your Big Mac.
How to Use Apple Pay in the McDonald’s App
Thinking of ordering in? We have you covered here too. Simply follow these steps to place your online McDonald’s order and pay for it using Apple Pay.
- Download the McDonald’s app and log in (you will need to register a new account if this is your first time). It takes less than 30 seconds.
- Select the McDonald’s outlet nearest to you (or the one slightly further but with a faster delivery time)
- Select the items you want to order, then review your cart, select any available coupons, and enter your exact address (if you have used the app before, your address will already be saved).
- Then click the “proceed to pay” option, and here, select the Apple Pay option.
- It will automatically open the Apple Wallet, where you will have to authenticate yourself using your password or FaceID.
- That’s it; once authenticated, your payment will be processed, and you will be redirected back to the McDonald’s app, where you can stare at the ETA ticking downwards.
Benefits of Using Apple Pay at McDonald’s
Apple Pay is an extremely quick and secure way to make payments at McDonald’s outlets. What’s more, Apple Pay makes it extremely easy for you to detect which of your cards will offer you better cashback. And also, digital vouchers are auto-transferred to your Apple Wallet, which will automatically show up the next time you wish to pay at a McDonald’s outlet.
Which Other Payment Methods Does McDonald’s Accept?
Aside from the traditional method of using cash and, of course, Apple Pay which we just spoke about. McDonald’s accepts almost every other payment under the sun, including;
- Debit and credit cards of all banks
- Sodexo meal passes
- Other digital wallet apps such as Google Pay, Samsung Pay, PayPal, Venmo, CashApp, and many others.
What they won’t accept is a cheque or a deal to barter your old watch for a McChicken.
Also read: Does Raising Cane Take Apple Pay
Conclusion
So now that you know how simple it is to use Apple Pay, why don’t you try it out for yourself? If not at McDonald’s, then at Whataburger or Taco Bell, which also accept Apple Pay. If this article helped you to learn how to use secure digital payments, then check out other how-to guides too.
FAQs
1) Am I charged for using Apple Pay?
Apple Pay is a free service. In fact, you can keep better track of vouchers and cashback offers and finally start using your cards more smartly through Apple Pay.
2) Can I use Apple Pay at self-checkout kiosks?
Yes, you will be shown the option to use Apple Pay on the screen. Select it, and follow the same process explained in the article above.
