As a savvy fast food customer, you want to know all your payment options before hitting the drive-thru or ordering via app. With the rise of mobile payment services like Apple Pay, many Burger King regulars are wondering: Can I use Apple Pay at BK?
In this ultimate guide, we‘ll give you the lowdown on using Apple Pay at Burger King, along with insider info on the BK app, rewards program, and more. Let‘s dig in!
The Short Answer: Does Burger King Take Apple Pay?
Unfortunately, Burger King does not currently accept Apple Pay as a payment method. This applies to:
- In-store purchases
- Drive-thru orders
- Burger King website orders
- Burger King mobile app payments
So if you‘re an Apple Pay devotee, you‘ll need to have a backup payment option ready when those Whopper cravings hit. But why doesn‘t BK take Apple Pay?
The PayPal Partnership: Why Burger King Doesn‘t Accept Apple Pay
The reason lies in Burger King‘s close partnership with PayPal, which began in 2014. As part of this collaboration, Burger King integrated PayPal (and by extension, Venmo) as a payment option in their mobile app.
Since PayPal and Apple Pay are direct competitors, Burger King made the strategic decision to prioritize their PayPal integration over Apple Pay compatibility. While this may be disappointing news for Apple Pay users, there are still plenty of easy ways to pay at BK.
Payment Methods Burger King Does Accept
So what forms of payment does Burger King take? At most locations, you can pay with:
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
- Debit cards
- Burger King gift cards
- Venmo (via the BK app)
- PayPal (via the BK app)
- Cash
This gives you a range of options, whether you prefer plastic, paper, or mobile payments. And if you really want to get the most bang for your buck, consider using the Burger King app.
The Burger King App: A Closer Look
While it may not have Apple Pay, the Burger King app is still a handy tool for frequent BK customers. With the app, you can:
- Browse the menu and customize your order
- Locate nearby BK restaurants
- Access exclusive deals and coupons
- Earn rewards points on purchases
- Get nutrition info on your favorite items
Best of all, the app is totally free to download for both iOS and Android devices. And as a bonus for signing up, you‘ll often get a free Whopper or other popular menu item.
Burger King App vs Apple Pay: Ease of Use
In terms of convenience, both the Burger King app and Apple Pay offer a streamlined payment process. However, the BK app has a few extra steps:
- Place your order in the app
- Select your payment method (card, Venmo, PayPal)
- Enter your payment details if not already saved
- Pick up your order in store or via drive-thru
With Apple Pay, you can simply tap your phone at the NFC reader to pay – no need to open an app or enter any details. So while the BK app offers perks like rewards and deals, Apple Pay still wins out in terms of speed.
Burger King Crown Rewards Program
One major advantage of using the BK app is the ability to earn rewards points or "Crowns" with every purchase. For every $1 you spend through the app, you‘ll earn 10 Crowns.
You can then redeem your Crowns for free menu items, such as:
- 150 Crowns: Cheeseburger, Value Fries, Value Soft Drink, or Value Iced Tea
- 250 Crowns: Double Cheeseburger, Small Onion Rings, or Small Shake
- 500 Crowns: Whopper, Angry Whopper, or Impossible Whopper
The app will also give you personalized challenges to earn bonus Crowns. For instance, you might get an extra 50 Crowns for trying a new menu item or visiting BK three times in a week.
The Future of Apple Pay at Burger King
Now you may be wondering: Will Burger King ever start accepting Apple Pay? While there‘s no definitive answer, there are a few hopeful signs.
In 2021, Burger King ran a promotion where they gave away $1 Whoppers to Venmo users, which could be redeemed in the BK app. This shows a willingness to engage with mobile payment users, even outside of their standard PayPal partnership.
Additionally, many of Burger King‘s top competitors already accept Apple Pay, including McDonald‘s, Wendy‘s, Chick-fil-A, and Subway. As more customers come to expect Apple Pay as an option, BK may feel pressure to adapt.
For now though, Apple Pay is off the table at Burger King. But that shouldn‘t stop you from enjoying your favorite flame-grilled fare!
Other Fast Food Restaurants That Accept Apple Pay
If you‘re set on using Apple Pay for your next fast food run, you have plenty of other options. Top chains that take Apple Pay include:
- McDonald‘s
- Subway
- KFC
- Chick-fil-A
- Wendy‘s
- Panera Bread
- White Castle
- Fuddruckers
- Baskin-Robbins
- Jamba Juice
You can also use Apple Pay at many popular fast casual and sit-down restaurants, from Chili‘s to Outback Steakhouse to Panda Express. Just look for the Apple Pay or NFC logo at checkout.
Key Takeaways on Using Apple Pay at Burger King
As we‘ve covered, Burger King does not currently accept Apple Pay at any of their locations or through their app, due to their partnership with PayPal.
However, Burger King customers can still enjoy a quick and easy payment experience by using:
- Credit or debit cards
- Venmo or PayPal through the BK mobile app
- Burger King Crown gift cards
- Cash
And by downloading the app, you can access mouthwatering rewards, exclusive deals, and a smooth ordering process. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of Apple Pay, the Burger King app is a must-have for any loyal BK fan.
Looking ahead, there‘s always a chance that Burger King could begin accepting Apple Pay, especially as more customers come to expect it. But for now, make sure to keep your trusty credit card on hand next time you‘re craving a Whopper and fries!
