Yes — does Panda Express take Apple Pay? In most locations, they do. When I first tried using my iPhone at Panda Express, I learned that the experience can vary depending on the store. While the majority of Panda Express restaurants now accept Apple Pay, some locations still rely on older terminals, so it’s always smart to double-check before you get in line.
This guide breaks down exactly where Apple Pay works, what to expect at different locations, and the other payment methods Panda Express supports.
Does Panda Express Accept Apple Pay at Most Locations?
If you’re wondering whether Apple Pay will work at your nearest Panda Express, the answer is yes—at most locations. But because hardware varies between company-owned restaurants and franchised stores, acceptance is not 100% universal.
Many recent payment guides confirm that Panda Express has widely rolled out Apple Pay across the U.S., both for in-store orders and within the app. However, some older stores may still use legacy card readers that do not support NFC payments.
To avoid guessing, check whether the terminal shows the contactless symbol. If you see the four curved lines, your iPhone or Apple Watch will work instantly.
Where Can You Use Apple Pay at Panda Express?
In-Store Payments
Most Panda Express locations have upgraded registers with contactless readers, making it easy to place your order and pay with Apple Pay. Just hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the reader and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID.
This method allows fast, secure checkout without handing your card to anyone.
Drive-Thru Payments
Drive-thru acceptance varies the most. Some locations use mobile NFC terminals, while others still use old scanners that can’t recognize Apple Pay. If the reader doesn’t have the contactless symbol, ask the cashier whether they support mobile payments.
Panda Express App
The Panda Express app supports multiple digital payment options. Depending on your device and region, Apple Pay often appears as an available payment method when checking out.
Even if your local store doesn’t accept Apple Pay in-store, you may still be able to use Apple Pay for:
- Pickup orders
- Dine-in orders placed through the app
- Delivery through Panda’s own platform
Delivery Platforms
If you order Panda Express through:
- DoorDash
- Uber Eats
- Grubhub
You can often pay with Apple Pay directly inside those apps, even though Panda Express itself isn’t handling the transaction.
What Other Payment Methods Does Panda Express Accept?
Your provided information is now fully included here.
Aside from Apple Pay, Panda Express also accepts:
- Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club
- Debit cards
- Panda Express gift cards (physical or digital)
- Cash
These methods work in-store and on most drive-thru terminals. In the Panda Express app, you can also save cards to your account for fast checkout and earn Panda Rewards points.
How to Use Apple Pay at Panda Express
If the location supports Apple Pay, using it is incredibly simple.
Here’s how I use it:
- Set up Apple Pay
Add your card to the Wallet app and verify it with your bank.
- Look for the contactless symbol
This tells you the terminal accepts tap-to-pay.
- Hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the reader
Authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID until you see the checkmark.
- Collect your receipt and rewards
Scan your Panda Rewards QR code before you pay so you still earn points.
If Apple Pay doesn’t work, you still have multiple backup payment methods available.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does every Panda Express accept Apple Pay?
No. Most locations do, but not all. Newer stores and high-traffic locations are more likely to have updated NFC terminals. When in doubt, check for the contactless symbol or ask the cashier.
2. Does Panda Express charge fees for using Apple Pay?
No. Panda Express does not add any extra fee for Apple Pay. Your bank treats it like any standard card transaction.
3. Can I use Apple Pay for drive-thru orders?
Often yes, but it depends on the device used by that particular location. Some drive-thru terminals support contactless payments, while others do not.
4. Does Panda Express accept Google Pay and Samsung Pay?
Yes—many locations support both Google Pay and other NFC wallets where Apple Pay is accepted. But availability still depends on the store’s hardware.
Final Bite: So, Does Panda Express Take Apple Pay?
So, does Panda Express take Apple Pay?
Yes—most locations support it, including many drive-thrus and mobile app orders. Because a small number of stores still use older hardware, I always keep a backup payment method ready, but Apple Pay works for the majority of customers nationwide.
It’s fast, secure, and incredibly convenient—especially when all you want is a quick order of Orange Chicken without fumbling for your wallet.
