Apple Pay is a secure way to make contactless payments using your iPhone or Apple Watch—you just need a few clicks and you're set. While Apple Pay might seem convenient, it does not offer cash back for purchases, unlike traditional credit and most debit cards.
However, there are a couple of walk-around you can use to get cash back with Apple Pay. Let's see how you can get cash back with Apple Pay.
How to Get Cash Back with Apple Pay
There are two ways to get cash back with Apple Pay:—through a Cash Back card linked to your Apple Wallet and through the Apple Cash Card.
1. Through a Linked Cash Back Card
Many credit cards and debit cards offer cash-back rewards programs. When you use your card linked to Apple Pay for purchases, you'll still earn the cash-back rewards associated with that specific card. So, if your credit card offers 2% cash back on all purchases, you'll continue to earn that 2% even when paying with Apple Pay.
2. Use Apple Card with Apple Pay
Apple offers its own credit card, the Apple Card, issued by Goldman Sachs. The Apple Card has a unique cash-back program called "Daily Cash." The Apple Card gives you unlimited 3% Daily Cash back on everything you buy at Apple—whether it's a new Mac, an iPhone case, games from the App Store, or even a service like Apple Music or Apple TV+.
It offers a base cash-back rate of 1% on all purchases, but you can earn 2% Daily Cash when you use Apple Pay for contactless transactions. Additionally, Apple occasionally partners with specific merchants to offer 3% Daily Cash when you use Apple Pay at those stores.
Where Can You Get Cash Back With Apple Pay?
You can potentially get cash back with Apple Pay by using a cash-back credit card or debit card linked to your Apple Wallet at some popular stores, restaurants, and even gas stations that accept Apple Pay, including:
- Acme Markets
- Acme Markets store
- Albertsons
- ALDI
- Bashas'
- BJ's Wholesale Club
- Costco
- CVS Pharmacy
- Duane Reade
- Food Lion
- Giant Eagle
- Hannaford
- Lucky Supermarkets
- Meijer
- Publix
- Safeway
- ShopRite
- Stop & Shop
- Target
- Trader Joe's
- Walgreens
- Wegmans
- Whole Foods Market
- and many others.
Where Can I Get Cash Back With Apple Pay Without Card?
You cannot get cashback with Apple Pay without a card since Apple Pay does not offer a direct cash-back feature. You'll either need a linked cash-back card or the Apple Cash Card to get cash back.
Can I Get Apple Pay Cash Back at the Register?
No, you cannot directly get cash back at the register using Apple Pay Cash. Apple Pay Cash itself doesn't offer any built-in cash-back feature.
Maximizing Cash Back with Apple Pay
Here are some tips to get the most cash back when using Apple Pay:
- Use Apple Card: If you're an Apple user who frequently makes purchases with Apple Pay, consider getting an Apple Card. The Daily Cash program, particularly the 2% on certain Apple Pay transactions, can be a good way to earn rewards.
- Choose Cards with Cash Back Programs: Look for debit or credit cards that offer cash-back rewards that align with your spending habits. For example, if you buy a lot of gas, consider a card with a high cash-back percentage at gas stations.
- Check for Apple Pay Promotions: Some retailers might offer additional cash back or discounts for using Apple Pay. Keep an eye on store promotions or your Apple Pay app for these opportunities.
Final Thoughts
While Apple Pay itself doesn't directly offer cash-back rewards, you can still earn cashback by using a credit/debit card with a cash-back program or by using the Apple Card with Apple Pay.
This guide covers all you need to get cash back with Apple Pay. By understanding your options and choosing the right payment method, you can leverage the convenience of Apple Pay while also maximizing your cash-back potential.