If you love burgers and contactless payments, you’ve probably wondered: does Whataburger take Apple Pay? The short answer is yes—Whataburger does support Apple Pay in key ways: at many in-store and drive-thru locations, within its mobile app, and even on its online merchandise shop. But there are a few details you should know so you don’t get stuck fumbling for your wallet at the register.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through where Apple Pay works at Whataburger, how to use it step by step, what other payment options you have, and what to double-check so everything goes smoothly.
Does Whataburger Take Apple Pay at Its Restaurants?
Yes, Whataburger accepts Apple Pay, particularly through its mobile app and at most in-store locations that support contactless payments.
According to Whataburger’s own FAQ, you can pay with modern wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and debit/credit cards when you add your payment method to the Whataburger account.
Third-party payment-guides and directories also list Whataburger as accepting Apple Pay (and other mobile wallet options) for in-restaurant purchases.
However, as with most chain restaurants, acceptance can vary slightly by location, depending on the payment terminals installed.
Most newer terminals support tap-to-pay, but some older or franchise-maintained stores may not have been upgraded. So when in doubt, look for the contactless symbol or ask the cashier before ordering.
Where Can You Use Apple Pay at Whataburger?
In-Store at the Counter
At many Whataburger locations you will find contactless card readers at the counter. At these restaurants, you’ll be able to hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the terminal and pay with Apple Pay just like you would at any other tap-to-pay merchant. Payment directories list Whataburger as accepting contactless payments including Apple Pay in-store.
At the Drive-Thru (Location-Dependent)
Many customers report that Apple Pay works at the drive-thru at Whataburger, where the crew brings a portable terminal to the window or the fixed terminal has been angled toward the driver. Multiple articles and user reports confirm successful Apple Pay use at the drive-thru—though it depends on hardware.
In the Whataburger App
This is where Apple Pay really shines. On iOS, the Whataburger app explicitly says you can pay directly with Apple Pay. The App Store listing states “Pay with ease: link a debit/credit card, Apple Pay, PayPal or Whataburger Gift Card.”
Using the app lets you:
- Save favourite orders
- Earn and redeem Whataburger Rewards
- Use Apple Pay for payment inside the app
Online on the Whatastore Website
Here’s one many blogs miss: If you shop the official Whatastore (the branded merchandise site of Whataburger), Apple Pay is also accepted. According to the FAQ section of Whatastore, you can checkout using Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, ShopPay, and Venmo.
So yes—Apple Pay isn’t just for food—it works for apparel, drinkware, gifts and other merchandise from Whataburger too.
How Do You Use Apple Pay at Whataburger Step by Step?
Using Apple Pay at Whataburger is quick once your Wallet is set up:
In-store or drive-thru:
- Set up Apple Pay in your Wallet app on iPhone or Apple Watch with your preferred card.
- At checkout, look for the contactless payment symbol on the terminal.
- When the cashier prompts you for payment, double-click the side button on your iPhone or Apple Watch.
- Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.
- Hold your device near the terminal until you feel a vibration and see a check mark.
In the Whataburger app (iOS):
- Open the Whataburger app and build your order.
- Go to checkout and select Apple Pay (if available) as the payment method.
- Confirm your details in the Apple Pay sheet.
- Approve with Face ID / Touch ID, submit your order.
Shopping on Whatastore:
- Visit Whatastore on your device.
- Add items to cart.
- At checkout choose Apple Pay as your payment method.
- Authorize using Face ID / Touch ID / passcode.
That’s it—no digging for your card, no swiping, no typing in numbers.
What Other Payment Methods Does Whataburger Accept?
If you arrive at a location that doesn’t support contactless or if you prefer another method, Whataburger accepts several other payment ways:
- Cash
- Debit and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
- Whataburger gift cards
- Google Pay, PayPal (in app/online)
- ShopPay/Venmo (on the online store)
This mix of traditional and digital options means you’re rarely stuck without a way to pay.
Is It Better to Use Apple Pay at Whataburger?
There are a few clear advantages to using Apple Pay when Whataburger accepts it at your location:
- Speed: Tap and go—especially helpful during peak meal times.
- Security: Your actual card number isn’t shared with the terminal; Apple Pay uses device-specific tokens and one-time codes.
- Convenience: You don’t need to carry a physical wallet and can keep all your cards in one secure device.
On the downside: if the terminal isn’t contactless enabled (or offline), you may need a backup payment method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Whataburger location take Apple Pay?
Most modern Whataburger locations support contactless payments including Apple Pay, especially in-restaurant and through the app—official information lists Apple Pay among the accepted methods.
However, acceptance varies by location and terminal type. For the drive-thru or some older franchise locations, Apple Pay may not yet be available—so ask before you order.
Can I use Apple Pay in the Whataburger app?
Yes—if you’re using iOS, you can use Apple Pay in the Whataburger app to complete mobile orders. The App Store listing confirms: “Pay with ease: debit/credit card, Apple Pay, PayPal or Whataburger Gift Card.” This lets you order ahead, pay seamlessly, and avoid waiting in line.
Does Whataburger take Apple Pay in the drive-thru?
Many locations do. Multiple guides and customer comments state that Apple Pay is accepted at the drive-thru window when the terminal supports contactless payments.
The terminal may be brought out to your car window, or the drive-thru station might already have tap-to-pay enabled.
What about using Apple Pay to reload my Whataburger account or buy merchandise?
Good question—yes! You can reload funds to your Whataburger account via the app using (among other wallets).
Also, if you shop the official Whatastore website (for apparel, drinkware, or gifts), the checkout supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, ShopPay, and Venmo.
Final Bite: Does Whataburger Take Apple Pay for a Hassle-Free Meal?
In most cases, yes—especially through the iOS app and at many locations with contactless-enabled terminals. Whether you’re in-store, at the drive-thru, ordering via the app, or even shopping Whataburger merchandise online, Apple Pay is a solid choice.
Because payment setups can vary from restaurant to restaurant, I always recommend having a backup payment method handy—just in case.
But if you love the idea of ordering your favourite meal without ever pulling out your wallet, Apple Pay is absolutely worth setting up before your next burger run.
