Your go-to guide for Walgreens payment options
Whether you're picking up a prescription, grabbing a few household essentials, or shopping for beauty products, knowing which payment methods are accepted can make your trip seamless. Walgreens has adapted to modern payment trends while still accommodating traditional methods, giving customers plenty of flexibility at the checkout.
All major credit and debit cards
Rest assured that your everyday credit and debit cards will work at Walgreens. This is the most common form of payment accepted both in-store and online.
Accepted credit and debit networks:
- Visa: The Visa network is universally accepted at all Walgreens locations and on walgreens.com.
- Mastercard: Mastercard is widely accepted for all types of purchases.
- American Express: American Express cards are a valid form of payment.
- Discover Network: You can use your Discover card for your purchases.
For debit cards, you can typically use your card as either a credit transaction or a PIN-based debit transaction. This applies to cards that feature a Visa or Mastercard logo.
Digital wallets and contactless payments
For a faster, touch-free checkout, Walgreens supports several popular digital wallets using near-field communication (NFC) technology.
- Apple Pay: Walgreens was one of the first major retailers to support Apple Pay. You can use it in-store by holding your iPhone or Apple Watch near the terminal. It is also accepted on walgreens.com and in the Walgreens app.
- Google Pay: Android device users can use Google Pay for contactless payments in-store.
- Samsung Pay: Samsung Pay is also supported at Walgreens, offering another convenient option for Android users.
To use these digital wallets in-store, simply hold your mobile device near the payment terminal after indicating your intention to pay with a card. The transaction is completed quickly and securely, often with biometric verification like Face ID or a fingerprint.
Prepaid and gift cards
If you have a prepaid card or a gift card, Walgreens has a few rules to keep in mind. The general rule of thumb is that if the prepaid card carries a major network logo (like Visa or Mastercard), it will be accepted just like a regular debit card.
- Walgreens Gift Cards: These are accepted for purchases in-store and on walgreens.com, but cannot be used for online photo orders that are shipped.
- Major Network Gift Cards: Gift cards branded with Visa, Mastercard, or American Express are accepted in-store. Note that these cards are generally not accepted for online purchases on walgreens.com.
Health savings and benefits cards
For many seniors or individuals managing specific health needs, health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA) are common payment methods. Walgreens accepts these cards for eligible purchases.
CareCredit
CareCredit is a specialty credit card designed for healthcare expenses. It is accepted at all Walgreens and Duane Reade locations for in-store purchases of eligible health items. However, there are some important restrictions:
- What you can buy: Eligible items include prescription medications and health-related products.
- What you can't buy: Lottery tickets, gift cards, alcohol, and tobacco are excluded.
- Online purchases: CareCredit is not accepted for online payments on walgreens.com.
Other benefits cards
Other Over-the-Counter (OTC) benefit cards and similar health-related payment methods may be accepted. Walgreens' official website is the best place to check for the most current information regarding these specific programs. For example, some locations accept food stamps for eligible items, though policies can vary.
In-store vs. online payment method comparison
It's crucial to understand that not all cards are accepted in the same way for both in-store and online transactions. The table below provides a quick overview.
| Payment Method | In-Store Purchases | Online Purchases (walgreens.com) |
|---|---|---|
| Major Credit/Debit Cards | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Pay | Yes | Yes |
| Google Pay | Yes | No |
| Samsung Pay | Yes | No |
| Walgreens Gift Cards | Yes | Yes (but not for shipped photo orders) |
| Major Network Gift Cards (Visa/MC) | Yes | No |
| PayPal / PayPal Credit | No | Yes |
| CareCredit | Yes | No |
| Cash/Check | Yes | No |
Other payment types
While the focus is on cards, it's worth noting other accepted payment methods for completeness. For in-store transactions, cash and personal checks are still options, though check acceptance can sometimes be at the manager's discretion. For online purchases, PayPal and PayPal Credit are also viable choices. It is worth double-checking for specific restrictions on certain order types, such as photos.
How to pay with your mobile device at Walgreens
Paying with your smartphone is straightforward and efficient. Here's a step-by-step guide for using Apple Pay, which is representative of most digital wallets at the point of sale:
- Open your Wallet app: Before you approach the register, have your Wallet app ready. On an iPhone, you can double-click the side button to bring it up.
- Select your card: Choose the card you want to use for the transaction. For Apple Pay, your default card is automatically selected.
- Hold near the terminal: Hold your phone near the contactless payment terminal, often marked with the contactless symbol.
- Authenticate the payment: Your device will prompt you to authenticate the transaction, typically using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
- Wait for confirmation: The terminal will beep, and your device will show a checkmark once the payment is complete.
- Add loyalty: If you've added your myWalgreens card to your digital wallet, it may automatically apply rewards to your purchase, depending on your phone's settings.
Conclusion: Your complete Walgreens payment reference
When it comes to knowing what cards does Walgreens accept, the answer is comprehensive. From the convenience of major credit and debit cards to the speed of digital wallets like Apple Pay, Walgreens provides a variety of ways to pay for your purchases. By understanding the distinction between in-store and online payment methods, and being aware of the rules for specialty cards like CareCredit, you can ensure your checkout is always quick and hassle-free. Keep this guide handy the next time you're heading to the pharmacy or browsing the aisles.
For more official details on accepted payment methods, visit the Walgreens Help Center on their website: Walgreens Payment Methods.
