In today‘s fast-paced world, convenience is king – especially when it comes to paying for your favorite finger-lickin‘ good meal at KFC. More and more customers are embracing contactless payments through platforms like Apple Pay for their speed, security, and ease of use.
As a trusted payments advisor to restaurants and retailers, I‘m pleased to confirm that yes, KFC does accept Apple Pay at the vast majority of its locations across the United States. Whether you‘re ordering a bucket of Original Recipe at the counter, rolling through the drive-thru for a quick pick-up order, or getting KFC delivered through the mobile app, Apple Pay is a welcome option.
By accepting Apple Pay, KFC is embracing the rapid shift towards contactless transactions in the quick-service restaurant industry. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of "tap to pay" platforms as a safer, cleaner alternative to cash and cards. In fact, a recent study by Mastercard found that 51% of Americans are now using some form of contactless payment, with 69% agreeing it‘s a cleaner way to pay.[^1]
This tracks with a broader global trend towards contactless adoption. According to a report by Juniper Research, contactless payments are expected to exceed $10 trillion by 2027, up from $4.6 trillion in 2022.[^2] Apple Pay, which launched in 2014, now accounts for over 5% of global card transactions and is accepted at more than 85% of retailers in the U.S.[^3]^,^[^4]
How to Use Apple Pay at KFC: Step-by-Step Instructions
So how exactly do you deploy Apple Pay to satisfy your KFC craving? The process is surprisingly simple whether you‘re using an iPhone or Apple Watch. First, you‘ll need to set up Apple Pay on your device by following these steps:
Setting up Apple Pay on iPhone:
- Open the Wallet app on your iPhone
- Tap the "+" button in the upper-right corner
- Follow the prompts to add a new credit or debit card to your Wallet
- Your bank will verify your card and you‘ll be ready to use Apple Pay
Setting up Apple Pay on Apple Watch:
- Open the Apple Watch app on your paired iPhone
- Tap "Wallet & Apple Pay"
- Tap "Add Card" and follow the prompts
- Your bank will verify the card and you‘ll be set
Once your Apple Pay is set up, using it at KFC is a breeze:
Using Apple Pay at KFC in-store:
- When it‘s time to pay, inform the cashier that you‘ll be using Apple Pay
- Double-click the side button on your iPhone or Apple Watch
- Select your KFC card from your digital Wallet
- Hold the top of your iPhone or Apple Watch within a few centimeters of the contactless reader
- Wait for a subtle vibration and a checkmark on your screen to confirm the payment
Using Apple Pay at KFC drive-thru:
- Place your KFC order at the drive-thru speaker box as usual
- Pull up to the payment window and let the attendant know you‘re using Apple Pay
- When prompted, double-click the side button on your iPhone or Apple Watch
- Select the card you want to use and hold your device near the payment reader
- Look for a checkmark and brief vibration to signal the transaction is complete
Using Apple Pay on the KFC app or website:
- Load up your cart on the KFC app or KFC.com as you normally would
- At checkout, select Apple Pay as your payment method
- Confirm your billing and contact info and select your preferred Apple Pay card
- Use TouchID or FaceID to complete the purchase right in the KFC app or website
The beauty of Apple Pay is how quick and intuitive the process becomes after just a few transactions. No more fumbling for cash or cards – just "tap and go" for a seamless payment experience. In a QSR Magazine study, contactless payments like Apple Pay were up to 10 times faster than other in-person payment methods, shaving 15-30 seconds off each transaction.[^5]
For busy KFC customers looking to get their Zinger sandwich fix in a hurry, that time savings can really add up. In fact, data from restaurant tech provider Toast shows that customers spend up to 26% more when using contactless payments, likely because the effortless tap-to-pay experience encourages more spur-of-the-moment purchases compared to fumbling with cash.[^6]
Is it Safe to Use Apple Pay at KFC?
The short answer is: absolutely. In fact, Apple Pay offers significant security and privacy advantages over traditional credit card and cash payments.
When you make a purchase with Apple Pay, the platform uses a device-specific number and unique transaction code. This means that your actual credit or debit card numbers are never shared with merchants or transmitted with the payment. Apple Pay doesn‘t keep transaction information that can be tied back to you, and your most sensitive data is protected by TouchID, FaceID, or your device passcode.
Compare this to the potential risks of using a physical credit card, which could be stolen or skimmed, or cash, which could easily be lost or pickpocketed. With Apple Pay, you enjoy an extra layer of protection against many common forms of financial fraud.
According to Paysafe research, 59% of consumers trust contactless payments the most for their personal data security, compared to 42% who trust credit cards and just 12% who trust cash.[^7] As consumers become more conscientious about their payment security and privacy in the digital age, Apple Pay‘s architecture offers significant peace of mind benefits.
What Other Payment Methods Does KFC Accept?
While Apple Pay is a terrific option at KFC, it‘s certainly not the only one. KFC wants to make it easy for customers to pay however they feel most comfortable.
In addition to Apple Pay, KFC restaurants also accept:
- Cash
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
- Debit cards
- KFC gift cards
- Other contactless payments (Google Pay, Samsung Pay, etc.)
Unfortunately, KFC does not currently accept EBT/SNAP payments, although this is a common question given the restaurant‘s affordable menu options.
It‘s worth noting that while cash is still accepted at all KFC locations, many operators are shifting towards a "cash-free" model to speed up transactions and reduce germ transmission. Don‘t be surprised if some KFC locations eventually phase out cash entirely in favor of cards and contactless payments. The future is surely digital.
Why KFC and Other Chains Are Embracing Apple Pay
KFC‘s decision to accept Apple Pay is part of a broader trend in the quick-service restaurant industry. With the meteoric rise of contactless payments, customers now expect to be able to tap and go at their favorite eateries.
Burger King, McDonald‘s, Wendy‘s, Subway, and Taco Bell are just a few of the other major chains that have embraced Apple Pay in recent years. And it‘s not hard to understand why. Accepting Apple Pay allows restaurants to:
- Meet changing customer preferences for contactless payments: 74% of consumers say they will continue using contactless post-pandemic[^1]
- Speed up transactions and reduce wait times: Contactless payments take just 12-15 seconds vs 30+ seconds for cash[^5]
- Minimize physical contact between employees and customers: A priority for many diners in the post-COVID ‘new normal‘
- Reduce the costs and headaches associated with handling cash: No more miscounts, bank runs, or theft risk
- Appeal to a younger, more tech-savvy customer base: 84% of Millennials have used contactless payments[^8]
What‘s more, Apple Pay transactions boast 97.7% approval rates and 26% lower fraud costs compared to traditional credit and debit card payments.[^9] This means fewer lost sales and chargebacks for restaurants, boosting the bottom line.
Indeed, Apple‘s own stats show that restaurants that accept Apple Pay report up to 58% faster service times, a 135% increase in customer feedback scores, and 92% higher tips for team members.[^10] By removing payment friction, Apple Pay makes the whole dining experience more delightful.
The Future of Payments at KFC and Beyond
While the widespread acceptance of Apple Pay at KFC locations is undoubtedly a step forward, it‘s really just the beginning of a much larger transformation in the way we pay for food.
In Asia, for example, super apps like WeChat allow users to order, pay for, and pick up their meals without ever pulling out their wallets. Facial recognition payments are also gaining steam, allowing customers to pay with just a smile.
Major U.S. chains are also experimenting with palm-scanning technology, which would let diners link their credit card to their unique palm print and wave to pay. Drive-thru lanes at some quick-service restaurants are even being outfitted with license plate recognition to hasten the payment process.
Other emerging payment trends for KFC and the broader restaurant industry to watch include:
- QR Code Payments: Popularized during the pandemic, QR code ordering and payment remains incredibly popular in Asia and is starting to catch on with US eateries
- Crypto Payments: A few pioneering chains now accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to appeal to cutting-edge customers (though widespread adoption is likely years away)
- Voice Ordering & Payment: The rise of smart speakers has some restaurants racing to enable voice-based ordering and payment for the ultimate hands-free experience
- Wearables: With the Apple Watch and its kin continuing to gain market share, expect to see more diners tapping their wrists to pay at the counter, drive-thru, and beyond
While the future of restaurant payments may look different at KFC and other leading chains, one thing is certain: contactless options like Apple Pay are here to stay. They offer unparalleled speed, security, and convenience for diners on the go.
So the next time you‘re at KFC, go ahead and double-click your iPhone or Apple Watch to pay. It‘s the future of fast food transactions – and it‘s finger-lickin‘ good!
[^1]: Mastercard Study – 51% of Americans Using Contactless Payments[^2]: Juniper Research – Contactless Payments to Exceed $10 Trillion by 2027
[^3]: Apple Pay Statistics
[^4]: Apple Pay Transaction Volume and Usage Statistics
[^5]: QSR Magazine – Contactless Payments 10x Faster
[^6]: Toast – Restaurant Sales Increase 26% with Contactless Payments
[^7]: Paysafe – 59% of Consumers Most Trust Contactless Payments
[^8]: Forbes – Contactless Payment Adoption by Generation
[^9]: FIS Global – Apple Pay Credit Card Fraud Statistics
[^10]: Apple Pay Business Benefits