Ever stood in line at In-N-Out, mouth watering at the thought of a Double-Double, only to panic when you realize you left your wallet at home? Don't worry - your phone might be all you need. As someone who's been using digital payments at In-N-Out for years, I'll walk you through everything about using Apple Pay at this beloved burger chain.
Quick Answer: Does In-N-Out Accept Apple Pay?
Yes, In-N-Out accepts Apple Pay at all locations, including drive-thrus. Plus, if you use an Apple Card, you'll earn 2% cash back on every purchase.
Payment Options at In-N-Out: A Complete Breakdown
When ordering at In-N-Out, you have several payment choices:
Digital Payments:
Apple Pay
Google Pay
Credit/Debit Cards:
Visa
MasterCard
American Express
Discover
Other Payment Methods:
Cash
In-N-Out gift cards
Prepaid cards
Pro tip: While all these options work, I've found Apple Pay to be the fastest - especially during busy lunch rushes. A quick double-click and face scan, and you're done before the person behind you can decide between Animal Style or regular fries.
Step-by-Step: Using Apple Pay at In-N-Out
iPhone Users
When you're ready to pay:
Double-click the side button
Look at your phone for Face ID (or use Touch ID/passcode)
Hold your phone near the payment reader
Wait for the checkmark and haptic feedback
I learned the hard way - don't hold your phone too far from the reader. About 2-3 inches away works best.
Apple Watch Payment Process
At checkout:
Double-tap the side button
Enter your passcode if prompted
Hold your watch face-down to the reader
Wait for the gentle tap confirming payment
Watch tip: If you wear your watch on your right wrist, you might need to twist your arm a bit to reach the reader. I usually take my order in my left hand to make this easier.
iPad Users
While less common, you can use your iPad too:
Look for the Apple Pay button
Authenticate with Touch ID/passcode
Hold your iPad near the reader
Making the Most of Apple Pay at In-N-Out
Cash Back Benefits
If you're using an Apple Card through Apple Pay:
Earn 2% back on every purchase
Cash back appears daily in your Apple Cash account
No minimum redemption amount
Personal example: I earned back enough for a free burger after about two months of regular visits (twice weekly lunch runs).
Security Features
When you pay with Apple Pay at In-N-Out:
Your card number stays hidden
Each transaction uses a unique code
No card data is stored by the restaurant
Face ID/Touch ID adds an extra security layer
Common Issues and Quick Fixes
If your payment isn't going through:
Check if your default card is current
Make sure you're close enough to the reader
Try repositioning your device
If all else fails, remove and re-add your card in Wallet
Pro Tips from a Regular Customer
After countless visits to In-N-Out using Apple Pay, here's what I've learned:
Have a backup payment method ready during extremely busy times - though I've never had Apple Pay fail, it's better to be prepared
Set up Express Transit cards separately so you don't accidentally trigger them instead of your In-N-Out payment
If you're in the drive-thru, mention you're using Apple Pay when ordering - some locations will have you pay at the window instead of at the order point
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Apple Pay in the drive-thru?
Yes, every In-N-Out drive-thru accepts Apple Pay.
Does using Apple Pay slow down the line?
No, it's actually faster than chip cards or cash.
What if my phone dies while I'm in line?
In-N-Out accepts all major credit cards and cash as backup options.
Final Thoughts
Apple Pay at In-N-Out represents the perfect blend of old-school quality and modern convenience. The system works seamlessly at every location I've visited, from California to Texas. For regular customers, combining Apple Pay with an Apple Card makes sense - those cash back rewards add up quickly when you're as addicted to Double-Doubles as I am.
Remember to keep your device charged and your Wallet app updated, and you'll never have to worry about forgetting your physical wallet again when that In-N-Out craving hits.
Senior Marketing Consultant
Michael Leander is an experienced digital marketer and an online solopreneur.