Google Pay and Samsung Pay offer convenient and touchless payment methods to everyone who uses Android phones.
Since thousands of people visit Walgreens every day all over the country, you may be wondering: does Walgreens accept Google Pay & Samsung Pay? Here is what I’ve found out!
Does Walgreens Accept Google Pay & Samsung Pay?
Yes, all Walgreens stores with NFC-enabled payment devices accept Google Pay and Samsung Pay, whereas those with MST only accept Samsung Pay. You can use your Walgreens Balance Rewards with Google Pay and earn points on your purchases.
If you’re thinking about the method of paying through Google Pay and Samsung Pay, and how you can use your Balance Rewards with these, and other payment options, keep on reading!
Which Walgreens Stores Use Google Pay And Samsung Pay?
Google Pay requires the use of Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology to work. So only Walgreens stores that have NFC-enabled devices (like the one shown below) will accept Google Pay for payment.
Any device that carries the white ‘contactless’ symbol will be NFC-enabled.
As for Samsung Pay, it can be used at all stores that have NFC-enabled checkout devices.
However, Samsung Pay also works with Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) technology, which is used by devices that require you to swipe your card.
So you can use Samsung Pay at Walgreens stores even if it does not have NFC-enabled devices.
How Can You Use Google Pay At Walgreens?
To make payments at Walgreens stores using Google Pay, you need to first install the Google Pay app on your phone. After that, open the app and add a credit or debit card (you may need to add expiry and CVC details).
Once that is done, you can follow these steps to make your payment through Google Pay whenever you are in a Walgreens store:
- Wake up and unlock your phone
- Hold the back of your phone close to the NFC-enabled device for a few seconds
- (Optional) Some older devices may require you to enter the PIN number associated with your debit or credit card
If payment is successful, you will see a blue checkmark on your screen.
How Can You Use Samsung Pay At Walgreens?
Note that you need to meet some requirements before you can use Samsung Pay at a Walgreens store. You need to have one of the following devices:
- A Samsung Galaxy phone (any model between Galaxy Note 5 and above)
- Any Samsung Smart Watch including Galaxy Watch 3, Galaxy Watch Active 2, Gear S2, Gear S3, and above
Next, you have to install the Samsung Pay app on your phone. Add your credit or debit card to the app, supplying your CVC and expiry details. Finally, follow these steps to make payments using any of the devices listed above:
- Unlock your device
- Bring the device close to the payment device and hold it there for a few seconds
A message will be displayed on your device’s screen if the payment is successful.
Can You Use Your Walgreens Balance Rewards Through Google Pay?
Yes, you can use your Walgreens Balance Rewards points using Google Pay.
To do so, all you have to is open the Walgreens app on your phone and open up the ‘Balance Rewards’ section. There, you have to select ‘Add to Google Pay’, and the app will automatically add your Balance Rewards card to Google pay.
For other payment methods at Walgreens, you can also see my posts on ATMs in Walgreens, sending money orders, and also their cash back limits.
Conclusion
Walgreens does indeed accept both Google Pay and Samsung Pay at all stores that use NFC-enabled devices at checkout counters.
However, note that older devices that use Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) technology (where you have to swipe the card) will only accept Samsung Pay. Moreover, you can add your Walgreens Balance Rewards card to your Google Pay app and use it to pay for your purchases or earn reward points.
