In recent years, contactless forms of payment have made it easy and convenient for customers to pay for their purchases using digital wallets such as Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
Since Kroger has enabled contactless payments at its store locations throughout the U.S., you may be wondering – does Kroger accept Google Pay and Samsung Pay? Here is what I’ve found out!
Does Kroger Accept Google Pay & Samsung Pay?
Unfortunately, Kroger does not accept Google Pay and Samsung Pay at checkout. Instead, Android smartphone users can download the Kroger Pay app to pay wirelessly at self-checkouts and registers using QR codes.
So if you want to learn more about the stores that do accept Google Pay and Samsung Pay, how you can sign up for Kroger Pay and start using it, and much more, keep on reading!
Why Doesn’t Kroger Accept Google Pay & Samsung Pay?
In 2020, Kroger piloted a number of contactless payment solutions at checkout in all 61 stores in Washington’s Puget Sound area and metropolitan Portland, Ore.
As for a reason behind this move, according to the company management, Kroger Pay aims to improve and personalize shoppers’ experience by speeding up checkouts.
After trialing the pilot, Kroger decided to their own in-house app Kroger Pay that uses QR codes (see more below).
Additionally, after introducing its own mobile payment option, the company discontinued most of the other mobile/contactless payment forms, including Google Pay and Samsung Pay at all its stores.
How Does Kroger Pay Work?
Kroger rolled out an in-house contactless mobile payment solution called Kroger Pay in 2020, which securely combines shoppers’ payment and loyalty card information to process payments.
At checkout, you should request the cashier to process your payment via Kroger Pay, after which the cashier will generate a one-time quick response QR code for you.
You can use Kroger Pay by scanning this single-use QR code at the payment terminal, which will quickly transmit your payment and loyalty card data to the PIN pad, completing your transaction.
Visit this page to learn more about how to use Kroger Pay.
What Other Contactless Payment Methods Does Kroger Accept?
Kroger accepts the following types of contactless payments at its stores across the country:
- Scan, Bag, Go: Kroger’s improved Scan, Bag, Go technology allows customers to pay for purchases by simply scanning them with their smartphones or mobile device at checkout via the Kroger app
- SNAP/EBT benefits: When you order groceries using the Kroger mobile app, or via Kroger.com, you can pay and pick up your orders using your SNAP/EBT card by selecting it at checkout
Additionally, Kroger also accepts debit and credit cards, including American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa cards.
What Stores Accept Google Pay & Samsung Pay?
Both Google Pay and Samsung Pay process contactless payments over NFC but have slight differences.
Samsung Pay works only on Samsung devices, while Google Pay works on all android devices, including Samsung smartphones.
Here is a list of stores and merchants that accept Google pay in the U.S.:
- McDonald’s
- Walt Disney World
- Whole Foods Market
- Bloomingdale’s
- Toys R Us
- Schnucks
- Nike
- Staples
- Brookshire’s Food & Pharmacy
- Macy’s
- Giant Eagle
- American Eagle Outfitters
The following U.S. stores and merchants accept Samsung Pay:
- Walgreens
- Best Buy
- Applebees
- Uber
- Disney Store
- Sprouts
- Toys R Us
- Banana Republic
- Chinese Express
- Trader Joe’s
- Forever 21
- Staples
To learn more, you can also see our post on whether or not Kroger accepts Apple Pay for iPhone users.
Additionally, if you want to use Google Pay at other stores, don’t forget to see our guides on whether or not Walmart, IKEA, and Walgreens accept Google Pay.
Conclusion
Kroger does not accept Google Pay and Samsung Pay for in-store payments, even though these are widely accepted mobile payment forms. Kroger piloted a test for Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and other contactless payment methods in August 2020 at 61 stores under its QFC division in Washington, but it currently only accepts Kroger Pay, SNAP/EBT cards, and the Scan, Bag, Go technology under contactless forms of payment.
