If you frequent Panera Bread for a quick bite or to settle in with your MacBook and an iced chai latte, you may be wondering – can I pay using Apple Pay at Panera?
The short answer is yes! Panera Bread has accepted Apple Pay at most of its locations nationwide since 2017. Here’s what you need to know about using Apple Pay the next time a broccoli cheddar soup craving strikes.
What is Apple Pay?
For the uninitiated, Apple Pay is Apple’s contactless payment system built into the iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad and Mac.
It allows you to digitize your credit and debit cards and pay using your device instead of swiping your physical card. Apple Pay transactions are authorized with Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode for security.
The service leverages NFC (near field communication) technology to wirelessly transmit payment info when you hold your device near a compatible payment terminal.
Setting Up Apple Pay
Before you can pay with your iPhone at Panera, you’ll need to set up Apple Pay if you haven’t already. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the “+” button to add a new card.
Use your iPhone’s camera to scan your card info or enter the details manually. Your bank will verify the card, and voila – you’re ready to start paying with a tap of your phone. Repeat the process to add additional cards to your digital wallet.
Using Apple Pay at Panera Bread
Once you have Apple Pay configured, using it at your local Panera is a breeze. When it’s time to pay, just let the cashier know you’re using Apple Pay.
Double-click the side button on your iPhone (or home button on older models), glance at your screen to authenticate with Face ID (or use Touch ID), and hold the top of your phone within a few centimeters of the payment terminal.
You’ll feel a subtle vibration and see a checkmark on the screen when the payment goes through. That’s it – grab your bacon turkey bravo sandwich and enjoy!
You can use Apple Pay at most Panera locations, including in-cafe, drive-thru and delivery orders. It also works in the Panera Bread app for mobile orders. Just select Apple Pay as your payment method during checkout.
Why Use Apple Pay?
So why bother with Apple Pay at Panera vs. your trusty debit card? A few reasons:
- Speed and convenience – no fumbling for your wallet or swiping
- Security – your actual card number is never shared with the merchant
- Contactless – helpful in our germaphobic COVID reality
- Rewards – some cards offer bonus cashback for mobile wallet payments
Of course, Panera still accepts traditional payment methods like cash and physical credit/debit cards. But for iPhone-toting regulars, Apple Pay offers a speedy, secure way to pay for your soup and sandwich fix.
