Does Subway Take Apple Pay in 2024? Everything You Need to Know
Mobile payments like Apple Pay have become mainstream. As an iPhone user, you expect to be able to tap and pay at most major stores. But what about sandwich chains like Subway? Here‘s a detailed look at whether Subway takes Apple Pay and how to use it.
A Brief History of Apple Pay at Subway
Subway began accepting Apple Pay early on – rolling it out to all U.S. locations in 2014 soon after Apple Pay‘s launch. In fact, Subway was one of the first national restaurant chains to adopt Apple Pay, according to QSR Magazine.
At the time, mobile payments were still gaining adoption. But by 2020, an estimated 87 million iPhone users worldwide were using Apple Pay regularly. Subway‘s early adoption likely helped accelerate Apple Pay‘s growth.
Why Subway Loves Mobile Payments
For busy quick-service chains like Subway, mobile payments provide some key benefits:
- Faster checkout times – Mobile payments are typically 2-3x faster than cash or cards
- Increased convenience – Better experience for customers who don‘t need to carry wallets
- Loyalty incentives – Ability to integrate special mobile payment offers/rewards
According to Subway CEO John Chidsey, accepting Apple Pay was a "no-brainer" given the clear advantages.
How Apple Pay Compares at Top Chains
Most other major fast food chains now accept Apple Pay and other contactless payments as well. Here‘s a comparison:
| Restaurant | Started Accepting Apple Pay |
|---|---|
| Subway | 2014 |
| McDonald‘s | 2015 |
| Starbucks | 2015 |
| Wendy‘s | 2016 |
Subway remains a leader in accepting mobile payments like Apple Pay. Even 7 years after launch, not all merchants globally accept Apple Pay. Subway‘s early move was a smart one.
Step-By-Step: How To Pay With Apple Pay at Subway
Ready to use Apple Pay for seamless checkout next time you visit Subway? Here is the process:
- When you‘re ready to pay, place your iPhone or Apple Watch near the contactless payment terminal
- On your iPhone with Face ID, double click the side button and glance at the phone to authenticate
- On Touch ID iPhones, rest your finger on the home button
- Watch for the subtle vibration and beep that indicates your payment was sent
- You‘re all done! It takes seconds and requires zero hassle
As long as you see the Apple Pay or contactless payment logo on the terminal, you can tap and go. It‘s incredibly quick once you get the hang of it.
Tips for Maximizing Apple Pay Rewards
Subway offers occasional incentives for Apple Pay users. Here are some tips to unlock the best offers:
- Check Subway‘s Apple Pay promotions page for the latest deals
- Sign up for Subway‘s email list – they will notify you of Apple Pay specials
- Follow Subway‘s social media for limited-time offers like $2 off $10 when you pay with Apple Pay
- Add your Subway rewards card in the Wallet app to rack up points faster
- Use Subway‘s app and pay with Apple Pay to earn tokens towards free food
Activating these rewards takes only seconds more time compared to regular Apple Pay purchases. So take advantage when you can!
Other Mobile Payments Accepted at Subway
In addition to Apple Pay, Subway also accepts:
| Mobile Payment Brand | Details |
|---|---|
| Google Pay | Works with Android phones, watches |
| Samsung Pay | For Samsung devices |
| PayPal | Accepted in-store and in Subway app |
No matter what phone you have, Subway likely has you covered with compatibility across all major mobile payment types.
Conclusion
Subway was one of the first national chains to jump on board with Apple Pay and make contactless payments available across all locations. For iPhone owners who rely on Apple Pay, you‘ll have absolutely no issues tapping and paying seamlessly at Subway. Keep an eye out for periodic promotions rewarding Apple Pay users with discounts. When it comes to Apple Pay acceptance, Subway is ahead of the curve – and will likely continue leading the way.
