Trader Joe’s is a popular grocery store that offers tons of healthy, delicious food choices at relatively affordable prices. Yet, Trader Joe’s does have some unique features like no self-checkout options and no online ordering options. This lack of options that most other larger grocery stores offer, made me wonder if Trader Joe’s payment processing methods were just as restrictive. I particularly was curious if Apple Pay was accepted at Trader Joe’s and how easy it was to use. Here’s what I found out.

The Results Are In: Can I Use Apple Pay At Trader Joe’s?

Yes.

You can indeed use Apple Pay at ALL Trader Joe’s locations.

As long as you have an Apple device such as an Apple watch or iPhone that has Apple Pay set up, you can pay with this payment method.

See Also: Does Apple Pay at Safeway Work the Same as TJ’s?

But Wait… How Do I Actually Do It?

Don’t stress if you’re not a tech-savvy Gen Z teen.

Setting up and using Apple Pay is relatively simple and straightforward.

Follow these steps so you can use Apple Pay the next time you’re at Trader Joe’s.

1. Set Up Apple Pay On Device – You will first have to set up Apple Pay on your iPhone or Apple Watch.

2. Shop Till You Drop – Grab all your items and head to the checkout line.

3. Open Your Device – Use your touch ID or face to open your Apple Watch or iPhone

4. Open Apple Pay – If you have an iPhone with face ID, double-click your phone’s side button to bring up your Apple Pay.

5. Scan Using Contactless Reader – Hover your Apple device over the contactless reader of the payment system until it’s scanned and you see the checkmark or feel the vibration.

See Also: The 9 Best Buys at Trader Joe’s According to Those Who Work There

What Are the Benefits of Using Apple Pay?

There are quite a few advantages to using Apple Pay at Trader Joe’s.

These benefits include:

– Sense of Security – You won’t have to worry about your credit or debit card numbers getting stolen.

– Speedy, Easy Checkout – Apple Pay’s one-click payment process makes paying simple and quick.

– Clean – If you’re a self-proclaimed “clean freak”, or simply don’t like the idea of touching the same surfaces as hundreds of other customers, Apply Pay provides a contactless payment method.

This last point unlocks a new type of fear, how often are payment systems cleaned at stores–if at all?

Any Fees If I Use Apple Pay?

No.

There aren’t any fees you need to worry about if you plan to use Apple Pay.

See Also: The Trader Joe’s Return Policy is Pretty Darn Cool, Here’s Why

Can I Also Use Samsung Pay at Trader Joe’s?

Yes.

Trader Joe’s also accepts Samsung Pay.

Can I Use Apple Pay To Buy Trader Joe’s Items Online?

Although Trader Joe’s doesn’t currently offer any online delivery or curbside pickup, you can still buy some Trader Joe’s products on everyone’s favorite online retailer: Amazon.

I was pleasantly surprised with the sheer amount of TJ favorites I found for sale on Amazon.

Though you cannot officially use Apple Pay on Amazon, you can use your Apple Card or any cards saved to your Apple Wallet to buy Trader Joe’s products on Amazon.

Can I Earn Cashback with Apple Pay?

Yes, 3% back.

Another great incentive to using Apple Pay, if you are an Apple Card user, is that you can earn up to 3% cash back on all your Trader Joe’s purchases.

3% isn’t a ton of cashback, but if you shop their regularly that’ll quickly score you a few free bottles of Two Buck Chuck.

Is There a Limit On How Much I Can Buy?

Nope, you won’t have to worry about any Apple Pay limits at Trader Joe’s.

So buy anything you need and even throw in an extra bag of chips while you’re at it.

Ask the Reader: Do you regularly use Apple Pay when shopping at Trader Joe’s? Is it as easy as it sounds?

By Kyle James

I’ve talked a lot about the Walmart return policy in the past but have you ever wondered what the actual Walmart return hours are? Their return hours actually changed when COVID hit and it looks like their “new” hours are here to stay. We also answer when is the best time to make a return to avoid the crowd, and how long it takes for you to get your money back.

What Are the Walmart Return Hours?

6 a.m. – 11 p.m. is typical, but not the rule anymore.

The majority of Walmart stores have return hours between 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. which match their regular store hours.

There are some exceptions to this as certain stores don’t open until 7 a.m., and many close their returns as early as 8 p.m..

Also, many Walmart return desks close early on Sundays, often by 6 p.m.

To be 100% safe, check the hours of your local store by using the Walmart store finder.

Where In The Store Do I Go to Make a Return?

The Customer Service counter is where you’ll want to go to make your in-store return.

This is typically located near the front of Walmart or near the side entrance.

Do Any Walmart Stores Have 24/7 Return Hours?

No.

During the COVID pandemic, Walmart made the decision to limit store hours and not have any stores open 24/7.

And it appears they have no plans to make stores 24/7 again.

Thus you won’t be able to make any more of those late night returns when the store is practically empty.

Can I Make a Return After Money Center Closes?

Yes.

Most Money Centers at Walmart close at 8 p.m..

But that’s not a problem when making a return, as the customer service desk stays open to accept your return until the store closes.

See Also: Walmart Holiday Hours: When Does Wally World Close?

When is the Best Time to Make a Return?

If at all possible, go early and avoid the weekends.

If you can arrive before 8 a.m. on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday you’ll be able to make your return VERY quickly.

If you go on a Saturday or Sunday in the middle of the day, expect a LONG line at most Walmart stores.

How Long Will It Take to Get My Refund?

Up to 10 business days. (according to Walmart)

In many cases, it does not take 10 full business days to get the money back to your credit card, according to current employee Felicia, it’s usually more like 3-4 days.

I was also surprised that a Walmart rep told me it takes up to 10 business days for a debit card return. whereas Felicia said 2-4 days is more accurate.

Have any of you made a return on their debit card?

How long did it take for your return to process and for the money to show up in your bank account?

Also, it’s worth noting the EBT returns are immediately placed back on your EBT card.

See Also: A Clever Workaround to Use Apple Pay at Walmart

How Long Do Online Returns Take to Process?

5- 7 business days.

Once Walmart receives your return in the mail, and they process it, you can expect to get your refund (to your credit card) in 5-7 business days.

Can I Make a Return After Hours?

No.

You are beholden to the store hours of your local Walmart as to when you can make a return.

See Also: 45+ Stores That Offer FREE Shipping on Christmas Shopping

Can I Make a Return at a Checkout Aisle?

No.

Once I was trying to make a return, and there was a long line at the customer service desk and I decided to try and make my return at a regular checkout line.

There was nobody in line so I figured it was worth a shot, unfortunately the cashier was NOT able to help me and directed me to the back of the line at the customer service center.

Ask the Reader: Did you ever shop and make late night returns at Walmart back when they were open 24/7? I did it a couple times and it was the best Walmart shopping experience I ever had.

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Walmart Corporate.

It finally happened to me just this morning…my gas tank was really low and it hit me like a ton of brinks that I forgot my wallet at home. I had a moment of panic until I realized I could simply pull into a nearby Chevron gas station and use Apple Pay via my iPhone to fill up my tank. It couldn’t have been easier. The COVID pandemic definitely accelerated the adoption of this technology as many gas stations realized customers loved the idea of not having to touch any buttons. Here are the 21 major gas stations that take Apple Pay, I hope this list helps you decide where to buy your next tank of gas.

First of All…How Do I Use Apple Pay at the Pump?

Here are the 4 easy steps to make it happen:

1. Make sure the gas pump has the Apple Pay icon or Contactless Reader symbol on it.

2. Double-click the side button on your iPhone (or use your Apple Watch) and either enter your passcode or use Face ID to authenticate.

3. Hold your iPhone near or over the Contactless Reader.

4. Follow the instructions on the pump to complete the purchase.

Without further ado, here are all the major gas stations in the U.S. that take Apple Pay.

1. 7/11

While 7/11 absolutely takes Apple Pay, you’ll need to use it in the store when filling your gas tank.

There is no option to use Apple Pay at the actual gas pump at most stations.

You must go in the store to pay so you might as well grab a Slurpee and Slim Jim too.

2. ARCO

You can pay with Apple Pay at ALL Arco gas stations.

But keep in mind that Arco doesn’t take credit cards, only debit cards.

So make sure your debit card is linked to your Apple Wallet and select it as your preferred payment method when using Apple Pay.

3. BP/Amoco

According to the BPme app you can use Apple Pay at all gas BP/Amoco stations.

Also, double dip your savings by using the app to earn rewards good for discounted gas in the future.

See Also: Find Cheap Gas Near You (8 Ways To Make it Happen)

4. Casey’s General Store

The Midwest gas and convenience store, Casey’s, added the technology to be able to accept Apple Pay at all gas stations back in October of 2021.

I have fond memories of buying candy from Casey’s on my summer trips to Nebraska to visit my grandparents.

5. Chevron

You can use Apple Pay or the Chevron app to pay for your gasoline both in-store and at the pump.

It’s worth noting that the Chevron app does NOT allow you to sync your Apple Pay to it, at least not yet.

6. Circle K

All Circle K gas stations accept Apple Pay at the pump.

You can also enter the store and buy your snacks and drinks and pay with Apple Pay at the checkout register.

7. CITGO

Located in more than 30 states, CITGO is proud to offer customers the convenience of using Apple Pay at most locations.

CITGO is also one of the few gas stations that has pumps that are Amazon Alexa enabled.

You literally just say “Alexa, pay for gas” on your smartphone, confirm the pump number that you’re using, and the payment will be deducted form your Amazon account.

8. Conoco

Many Conoco stations accept Apple Pay these days.

When you pull up to the pump, just look for the contactless reader or Apple Pay sticker and you’ll be good to go.

9. Costco

As long as a Visa card is tied to your Apple Wallet, you can use Apple Pay at all Costco gas stations starting at 6:00 am everyday of the week.

Keep in mind that you MUST be a Costco member to use their gas stations.

The only exception to this is if you’re using a Costco Shop Card to fill up your tank.

See Also: 7 Smart Tips You GOTTA Know About Costco Gas Prices

10. Exxon Mobil

All Exxon Mobil locations in the U.S. accept Apple Pay.

Most Exxon Mobil pumps are also Amazon Alexa enabled, so just say “Alexa, pay for gas” on your smartphone and you’ll quickly pay via the Amazon Alexa app.

11. Love’s Travel Stops

Back in 2020, Love’s introduced a slew of new contactless payment options including Apple Pay at all pumps, as well as inside the store.

They also added Samsung Pay and Google Pay.

12. Marathon

Some, but not all, Marathon gas stations have the technology in place to accept Apple Pay.

As long as the pump has the contactless symbol you can use your iPhone to fill your tank.

13. Philips 66

Philips 66 is proud to announce that they take Apple Pay at all their gas stations.

You can also download the My Philips 66 app and use it to pay for gas as well.

14. RaceTrac

RaceTrac gas stations are located in the South and they absolutely accept Apple Pay.

You’ll find stations in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.

See Also: 7 Brilliant Tips To Save Money on Airfare and Hotels

15. Shell

All Shell gas stations take Apple Pay.

You can also use the Shell app and link Apple Pay to it, along with PayPal, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

16. Speedway

You can use Apple Pay at all Speedway locations, both at the pump and in the convenience store.

Speedway has over 3,000 locations in 36 states.

17. Sunoco

Sunoco also accepts Apple Pay at all locations.

You can either do it directly with your iPhone or via the Sunoco app.

The cool thing with using the app is it allows you to save an extra $.03 per gallon.

18. Texaco

Most (but not all) modern Texaco gas stations take Apple Pay.

According to the Texaco website, you can also use Venmo or PayPal when you using the Texaco app which is kinda cool.

19. Travel Centers of America

Known as a great stop for long-haul truckers, Travel Centers of America has been accepting Apple Pay for a couple years.

20. Valero

The vast majority of Valero gas stations accept Apple Pay.

Save even more by tying your Apple Pay to the Valero app and score a 10 cents per gallon discount.

21. Wawa

Wawa gas stations and convenience stores (located on the East Coast) happily accept Apple Pay.

If you’re ever in a Wawa location in November, order the Gobbler sandwich.

It’s a hot sandwich packed with turkey, gravy, stuffing, and cranberry on a hoagie roll. SO GOOD!

Ask the Reader: Do you know of any other major gas stations that accept Apple Pay? Let me know in the comments.

By Kyle James