If you’re like me and prefer using your phone to pay instead of pulling out your wallet, you’ve probably wondered at some point: does Ross take Apple Pay? It’s a fair question especially if you shop there often. I mean, Ross is already great for snagging deals on clothes, shoes, and home stuff… so having the ease of Apple Pay at checkout just makes sense, right?

Well, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might expect. Some stores say yes. Others? Not quite.
So I went down the rabbit hole to find out here’s what I discovered.
First of All, Let’s Talk Ross
You’ve probably seen the “Dress for Less” tagline. Ross is basically one of those stores where you walk in for socks and walk out with five throw pillows, a hoodie, and a random gourmet coffee syrup. It’s chaotic, sure, but in a fun way and for bargain hunters, it’s kind of addictive.
But when it comes to digital payments, Ross isn’t always ahead of the curve. And that’s where things get interesting.
So… Does Ross Take Apple Pay?
Short answer? Sometimes.
Long answer? Yes but only at some locations, and not online.
Here’s the deal. Ross does accept Apple Pay, but only at their physical retail stores, and even then, it depends on whether that particular store has the right payment terminal. Some stores have updated systems that support contactless payments, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and even Samsung Pay. Others… not so much.
If you’re shopping on Ross’s website (which, by the way, doesn’t sell as much as their stores do), you won’t be able to use Apple Pay at all. It’s just not integrated into their online checkout yet.
How Do You Know If Your Ross Store Accepts It?
Great question. Honestly, the best move is to call the store before you go. I know no one wants to make a phone call in 2025, but trust me, a 30-second call can save you frustration at checkout.
Alternatively, when you’re in-store, just look at the credit card reader. If you see the contactless icon (it kind of looks like a sideways Wi-Fi signal), chances are Apple Pay will work. Or just ask the cashier they’ll usually tell you right away.
Why Doesn’t Every Ross Accept Apple Pay?
It mostly comes down to cost. Upgrading payment systems across hundreds of locations isn’t cheap, and Ross is all about keeping expenses down so they can pass savings on to customers.
There’s also the matter of their customer base. Not everyone who shops at Ross uses Apple Pay or digital wallets yet. So from a business standpoint, they might not see a big enough reason to rush the switch.
Still, more and more stores are getting with the times, so it’s likely we’ll see better Apple Pay support at Ross in the future.
What Are Ross’s Accepted Payment Methods?
If Apple Pay isn’t an option at your local store, don’t worry there are still plenty of ways to pay.
Here’s what Ross usually accepts:
- Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express
- Debit Cards
- Cash
- Ross Gift Cards
- Ross Credit Card / Ross Mastercard
And while mobile payments are still hit or miss, most traditional payment methods are accepted at all Ross locations, no issue.
What About Google Pay or Samsung Pay?
It’s the same story as Apple Pay. Some stores accept it, some don’t. Again, it comes down to the terminal in use at that location. Contactless options like Google Pay or Samsung Pay might work, but it’s not something Ross officially confirms across the board.
So the safe bet? Ask. Seriously. Ask before you shop.
Final Thoughts
So, does Ross take Apple Pay?
Yes but only at some of their in-store locations. You won’t be able to use Apple Pay online, and not every Ross store has the setup for contactless payments yet.
That said, the trend is clearly moving toward wider support for digital wallets, and Ross will probably catch up eventually. In the meantime, if you’re heading out for a Ross run and want to pay with Apple Pay, do a quick check with your local store. Worst case? Have your card ready as a backup.
Honestly, for a store that’s all about keeping things affordable and simple, it makes sense that Ross would roll things out slowly. But if you’re like me and hate carrying your wallet, fingers crossed your local store is one of the updated ones.
FAQs
Does Ross take Apple Pay at all locations?
Not all of them. While many Ross stores do accept Apple Pay, it really depends on whether the specific store has upgraded to a contactless payment terminal. It’s best to check with your local store before heading out.
Can I use Apple Pay on the Ross website?
Unfortunately, no. Ross does not currently support Apple Pay for online purchases. You’ll need to use a debit/credit card or another accepted payment method if you’re shopping online.
How do I know if my Ross store accepts Apple Pay?
The easiest way is to call the store directly. You can also look for the contactless payment symbol at the checkout terminal when you’re in the store, or just ask a cashier — they usually know
Does Ross take Apple Pay on iPhone and Apple Watch?
Yes — if the store supports Apple Pay, you can use it with both your iPhone and Apple Watch at the checkout. Just double-click and hold your device near the reader like you would anywhere else.
Why doesn’t every Ross store accept Apple Pay?
It mostly comes down to technology and cost. Some Ross locations still use older checkout systems that don’t support contactless payments. Upgrading every store takes time and investment.
Does Ross accept other mobile payment options like Google Pay?
Similar to Apple Pay, some Ross stores accept Google Pay or Samsung Pay, but not all. It depends on whether the payment terminal is contactless-enabled. Again, calling ahead is your best move.
What payment methods does Ross accept?
Ross accepts major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AmEx), debit cards, cash, Ross gift cards, and their own Ross Credit Card or Ross Mastercard. Some locations also accept Apple Pay and other mobile wallets at checkout.
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