Amber Neely
Publix, a popular grocery store chain in the U.S. south, has begun rolling out contactless payments in several of their locations including support for Apple Pay.
A post on Reddit by user Gabriel2790 shows a picture of an internal document. "Contactless payments are coming to our store! What does that mean," asks the document. "The most commonly known forms of contactless payment are Apple Pay and Android Pay."
The document goes on to explain how customers will be able to use mobile phones, smartwatches, and contactless credit and debit cards, as well as what cashiers can expect from the transaction. At the bottom of the document, it shows that the store in question will receive the ability to accept contactless payments on March 31, 2020.
It's not currently known whether all stores are receiving the update, or if it will debut in a gradual rollout across the chain. AppleInsider has learned that most Publix point-of-sale terminals can support the feature and will only need the install of a software update for the feature to go live.
Apple Pay and other forms of touch-free payment methods are a convenient way to limit users' direct contact with frequently touched surfaces like payment terminals. On average, contactless payment is quicker than traditional methods, such as paying cash, writing a check, or swiping a card.
Both of these benefits are especially important during the current outbreak of COVID-19 and can help protect both customers and cashiers from unnecessary exposure to the virus.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
24 Comments
This good news.
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Meanwhile, as a Florida resident and now retired I attach this as a wee bit of levity in these horrible times: (note it is semi-true, Publix are open early twice a week, I believe, for us oldies).
I tried to use this method just a few days ago, but not yet ready. The cashier was aware of it and thought it was. Surprised Publix had not already activated this some time back.
If this doesn't get merchants to activate contactless payments, nothing will.
Contactless payment methods like ApplePay would be great addition to contain COVID-19 transmission. Sad that many essential businesses like groceries, pharmacies, and hardware stores do not offer ApplePay or other contactless payments. In these days, we are choosing to buy from stores that have ApplePay vs those that force us to insert cards and touch their little card readers.
Yep, at my local grocery store they wipe down the pos terminal after every customer checks out. Unfortunately they also demand I put in my debit card PIN even with ApplePay. The customer cannot bypass debit card requirement. These places still have a lot to learn about contactless payments. In my neck of the woods only Walgreens truly gets it. I can enter my rewards card and payment without touching the pos terminal.