If you love fast checkout as much as glitter and Mod Podge, you’ve probably wondered: does Michaels take Apple Pay? The short answer is yes in many cases, but not everywhere, and not always online. The details get a little tricky, so I’ll walk you through exactly where Apple Pay works at Michaels, what the limitations are, and how to avoid awkward surprises at the register.
Does Michaels Take Apple Pay In-Store?
For in-store shopping, it does accept Apple Pay at many locations, especially where the store uses modern contactless-payment terminals. Shoppers and third-party payment guides consistently report that Apple Pay works at a large number of Michaels stores, though not every single one.
However, Apple Pay hasn’t been rolled out with the same consistency as at retailers like Target or Walgreens. Some locations are still using older point-of-sale systems, or they may be in a limited pilot phase for Google Pay. That means you can’t assume every Michaels will support Apple Pay, even within the same city.
To avoid surprises, I like to check two things before I shop:
- Look for the contactless symbol (the little “wave” icon) on the card reader at checkout.
- Confirm in Apple Maps or ask a cashier if that location supports the app; several guides and Michaels-focused blogs recommend this step because availability varies by store.
Does Michaels Take Apple Pay Online or in the App?
Here’s where things get more nuanced.
Michaels.com (Main US Site)
On the main Michaels.com site, Apple Pay is not listed as a standard payment option. Official payment policy pages for online services (like custom framing) specify major credit cards and, in some cases, PayPal—but no mention of Apple Pay.
That lines up with several independent payment guides which note that Michaels.com does not currently accept Apple Pay at checkout, focusing instead on:
- Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
- Debit cards
- Michaels gift cards
- PayPal
So if you’re placing a standard online order through Michaels.com in the U.S., plan on using one of these more traditional methods instead of Apple Pay.
MakerPlace by Michaels (Marketplace Platform)
It also operates MakerPlace, a marketplace for handmade and craft items. On the official MakerPlace purchase FAQ, Michaels clearly states that it accepts Apple Pay for online payments, alongside Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and PayPal.
That means:
- On MakerPlace: Apple Pay is an accepted online payment method.
- On standard Michaels.com orders: Apple Pay is not currently a listed option.
This split setup explains why some blogs say “yes, Michaels takes Apple Pay online” while others say “no”—they’re often talking about different parts of its ecosystem.
How Do You Use Apple Pay at Michaels the Right Way?
If your local store supports Apple Pay, using it is straightforward:
- Set up Apple Pay on your iPhone or Apple Watch with a supported credit or debit card.
- At checkout, look for the contactless symbol on the terminal.
- When it’s time to pay, bring your device near the reader and authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
- Wait for the confirmation on both your device and the payment terminal.
Because Apple Pay acceptance can vary by location, I always bring a backup payment method (like a physical card or Michaels gift card) just in case that particular store hasn’t enabled Apple Pay yet—or if the contactless reader is temporarily down.
What Other Payment Methods Does Michaels Accept?
Even if the method doesn’t work at your location or online, Michaels gives you several other options. Across its various services, official Michaels pages and payment guides list:
- Major credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
- Debit cards
- Michaels gift cards
- PayPal (for many online transactions)
- “Buy now, pay later” options such as Klarna via partner integrations
In-store, you’ll typically also be able to use cash and sometimes checks, depending on the location’s policies. Always double-check at the register or on your receipt for the most up-to-date information.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use Apple Pay at every Michaels location?
No. While many Michaels stores have enabled Apple Pay on their contactless terminals, acceptance still varies by location. Some stores are part of limited rollouts or use older POS systems that don’t support Apple Pay yet. It’s smart to check Apple Maps or ask a cashier whether your local store accepts Apple Pay before you rely on it.
2. Why isn’t Apple Pay working at my Michaels?
If Apple Pay fails at checkout, it’s usually because:
- That specific store’s terminal doesn’t support contactless payments yet.
- Contactless is enabled, but Apple Pay hasn’t been activated on their system.
- There’s a temporary technical issue with the reader or your device.
In those cases, you’ll need to use another method such as a physical card, cash, or a Michaels gift card. If it keeps happening, ask a manager whether Apple Pay is officially supported at that location.
3. Can I use Apple Pay for curbside pickup or buy online, pick up in-store?
For standard Michaels.com orders, the checkout process itself typically doesn’t offer Apple Pay, even for pickup orders. You’ll pay with cards, gift cards, or PayPal instead.
If your pickup order is placed through a partner service (like a delivery or BNPL platform that supports Apple Pay), you may be able to use Apple Pay inside that third-party app—but that’s controlled by the partner, not Michaels directly.
4. Does Michaels charge any extra fees for using Apple Pay?
No. When a Michaels location accepts Apple Pay, it treats the transaction like any other credit or debit card purchase. There are no Apple Pay–specific fees from Michaels. Your bank or card issuer’s usual terms still apply, just as they would if you swiped or inserted your card.
Final Verdict: Does Michaels Take Apple Pay for Craft Runs?
So, does Michaels take Apple Pay? In 2025, the answer is mostly yes for many in-store locations and for MakerPlace online, but not for standard Michaels.com checkout—and not in every store. Apple Pay is supported wherever Michaels has enabled compatible contactless terminals or where it’s explicitly listed (like MakerPlace), but it hasn’t become a universal default across the entire chain yet.
If you want a smooth, tap-to-pay craft haul, my best advice is simple: check your local store’s setup, bring a backup card, and use Apple Pay when you see the contactless symbol. That way you get the speed and security of Apple Pay without any last-minute drama at the register.
