As a picky shopper and retail industry expert, I know that the checkout experience can make or break a beauty haul. That‘s why I‘m always on the lookout for ways to make my Ulta Beauty purchases faster, easier, and more secure. And one of the most convenient payment options available today is Apple Pay.
But does Ulta actually accept Apple Pay? And if so, how does it work? In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll break down everything you need to know about using Apple Pay at Ulta Beauty stores, on the Ulta app, and beyond. Plus, I‘ll share some insider tips and insights on how to maximize your savings and rewards when paying with your iPhone or Apple Watch.
The Rise of Apple Pay and Mobile Wallets in Retail
Before we dive into the specifics of Ulta‘s Apple Pay acceptance, let‘s take a step back and look at the bigger picture of mobile wallet adoption in the retail industry.
According to a 2023 report from Insider Intelligence, Apple Pay is projected to have 44.6 million users in the US this year, representing 47.8% of all proximity mobile payment users. This makes Apple Pay the most popular mobile wallet app in the country, ahead of competitors like Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
But it‘s not just tech-savvy millennials and Gen Zers who are embracing contactless payments. A survey by the National Retail Federation found that mobile wallet usage increased across all age groups in 2022, with 34% of consumers aged 65 and older reporting that they use mobile payments at least occasionally.
So what‘s driving this surge in mobile wallet adoption? According to a report by Worldpay, the global pandemic accelerated the shift towards contactless payments, as consumers prioritized health and safety at the checkout counter. But even as pandemic fears subside, many shoppers have grown accustomed to the convenience and security of mobile wallets like Apple Pay.
For beauty retailers like Ulta, accepting Apple Pay and other contactless payment options is no longer just a nice-to-have – it‘s a must-have for staying competitive and meeting customer expectations.
Ulta‘s Apple Pay Acceptance: In Stores, Online, and In-App
Now let‘s get to the question at hand: Does Ulta Beauty take Apple Pay? The answer is a resounding yes – but with a few caveats.
In-Store Purchases
If you‘re shopping at an Ulta Beauty retail store, you can use Apple Pay at the register just like you would at any other contactless payment terminal. Simply hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the reader, authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID, and wait for the confirmation.
According to Ulta‘s website, all of its 1,300+ retail locations in the US accept Apple Pay as of 2023. This includes both standalone Ulta stores and Ulta Beauty at Target shop-in-shop locations.
Ulta App Purchases
In addition to in-store purchases, you can also use Apple Pay within the Ulta Beauty app for iOS devices. To pay with Apple Pay on the app, simply choose it as your payment method at checkout and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID.
Using Apple Pay on the Ulta app is a great way to streamline your mobile shopping experience and avoid the hassle of manually entering your credit card information. Plus, you can easily apply any saved Ultamate Rewards points or digital coupons to your purchase.
Online Purchases
Unfortunately, Ulta.com does not currently accept Apple Pay for online purchases made through a web browser. If you‘re shopping on Ulta‘s website using a desktop computer or an unsupported mobile device, you‘ll need to enter your credit card information or use an alternative payment method like PayPal.
However, there are signs that this may change in the future. In a 2022 earnings call, Ulta CEO Dave Kimbell hinted at plans to enhance the company‘s e-commerce capabilities, saying "We continue to invest in digital innovation to create a more seamless, personalized, and engaging online shopping experience."
While Kimbell didn‘t mention Apple Pay specifically, it‘s possible that Ulta may explore accepting Apple Pay and other digital wallets for online purchases as part of its ongoing e-commerce strategy.
How Ulta‘s Apple Pay Acceptance Stacks Up to Competitors
So how does Ulta‘s Apple Pay acceptance compare to other major beauty retailers? Here‘s a quick breakdown:
| Retailer | In-Store | App | Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ulta Beauty | Yes | Yes | No |
| Sephora | Yes | Yes | No* |
| Macy‘s | Yes | Yes | No |
| Target | Yes | No | No |
| Kohl‘s | Yes | Yes | No |
| Sally Beauty | Yes | No | No |
*Sephora.com accepts PayPal, which can be linked to Apple Pay
As you can see, Ulta is in good company when it comes to accepting Apple Pay for in-store and in-app purchases. However, none of these beauty retailers currently accept Apple Pay for online purchases made through a web browser.
It‘s worth noting that some retailers, like Sephora and Macy‘s, have found workarounds by accepting alternative contactless payment methods online, such as PayPal Checkout. But for shoppers who prefer the seamless experience of using Apple Pay across all channels, there‘s still room for improvement.
Maximizing Your Savings and Rewards with Apple Pay at Ulta
One of the best things about using Apple Pay at Ulta is that you can still take advantage of all the same savings and rewards opportunities as you would with a physical credit card or gift card.
Here are a few tips for maximizing your benefits when paying with Apple Pay:
- Link your Ultamate Rewards credit card: If you have an Ulta-branded credit card, be sure to add it to your Apple Wallet and select it as your default payment method. This way, you‘ll earn bonus points on every Apple Pay purchase.
- Use digital coupons and promo codes: Before checking out with Apple Pay, scan the Ulta app or website for any applicable coupons or promo codes. You can easily apply these to your purchase by copying and pasting the code into the "Promo Code" field at checkout.
- Join Double Up Days: During Ulta‘s Double Up Days sales events, Ultamate Rewards members can earn double the points on all qualifying purchases. If you‘re shopping in-store with Apple Pay during one of these events, be sure to enter your member ID at the register to claim your bonus points.
The Bottom Line: Is Apple Pay Worth Using at Ulta?
As a savvy shopper and retail industry expert, I believe that Apple Pay is definitely worth using at Ulta Beauty – especially if you prioritize convenience, security, and contactless payment options.
With Apple Pay, you can speed through the checkout process without fumbling for your wallet or handing over your physical credit card. You also have the peace of mind knowing that your transaction is protected by multiple layers of encryption and biometric authentication.
Plus, with the ability to link your Ultamate Rewards account and apply digital coupons, you can still take advantage of all the same savings and perks as you would with a traditional payment method.
That being said, there are a few limitations to keep in mind. If you prefer to shop on Ulta.com using a web browser, you won‘t be able to use Apple Pay at checkout (at least not yet). And if you‘re not an iPhone or Apple Watch user, you‘ll need to use an alternative mobile wallet or stick with a physical card.
But for the growing number of beauty shoppers who have embraced contactless payments, Ulta‘s Apple Pay acceptance is a major selling point. And with the retail industry continuing to evolve in response to changing consumer behaviors and expectations, I expect to see even more innovation in this space in the years to come.
So the next time you‘re stocking up on your favorite skincare, makeup, or haircare products at Ulta, consider giving Apple Pay a try. With a simple tap of your iPhone or Apple Watch, you can enjoy a faster, safer, and more seamless checkout experience – and maybe even earn some bonus rewards points in the process.
