Kroger accepts several payment methods, including cash, credit cards, debit cards, Kroger Pay, and SNAP EBT for eligible purchases. Payment options can vary depending on whether you are shopping in a store, ordering groceries online, using pickup or delivery, or paying for a pharmacy or other Kroger service.
If you’re wondering what payment methods Kroger accepts, this guide explains the available options, how Kroger Pay works, whether you can use multiple payment methods, and which payment options are available for online orders.
Kroger Payment Methods at a Glance
Here are the main payment options at Kroger:
| Payment Method | In-Store | Online Grocery | Kroger Pay |
| Cash | Yes | No | No |
| Credit cards | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Debit cards | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Kroger Pay | Yes | No | – |
| SNAP EBT | Eligible purchases | Yes, where supported | No |
| Kroger gift cards | Varies by transaction | Varies | Not currently supported in Kroger Pay |
| Checks | Accepted at some stores | No | No |
| Apple Pay | Varies by location/banner | No | No |
| Google Pay | Varies by location/banner | No | No |
| Samsung Pay | Varies by location/banner | No | No |
For online grocery delivery, Kroger currently says customers can pay with credit cards, debit cards, and SNAP benefits, while cash, checks, gift cards and WIC are not accepted for those delivery orders.
What Forms of Payment Does Kroger Accept?
Kroger’s traditional forms of payment accepted at stores include cash, checks, credit cards, debit cards and Kroger Pay. Kroger’s corporate filings also describe cash, checks, selected credit and debit cards, and Kroger Pay as payment methods used across its business.
The exact options can differ for specialized services. For example, Kroger pharmacies and The Little Clinic have their own payment policies and may accept additional methods such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
Credit and Debit Cards
Credit and debit cards are among the most widely accepted Kroger payment methods. You can pay at staffed checkout lanes and self-checkout, and eligible cards can also be saved to your Kroger digital wallet.
Kroger Pay can use eligible credit, debit and prepaid cards that participate in the payment networks supported by Kroger.
Cash
Cash remains an available way to pay for eligible in-store purchases. However, cash cannot be used for standard online grocery orders because online checkout requires an electronic payment method.
Checks
Kroger accepts checks at some stores, although acceptance can depend on the individual location and applicable policies. Checks are not accepted for standard online grocery delivery orders.
What Is Kroger Pay?
Kroger Pay is Kroger’s mobile payment system built into the Kroger Family of Companies app. It lets you use your phone to pay in participating stores and fuel centers while also applying your Shopper’s Card information and eligible digital coupons.
Instead of using a traditional tap-to-pay wallet, Kroger Pay generates a one-time QR code that securely transmits your loyalty and selected payment information at checkout.
Kroger Pay is available at participating Kroger Family of Companies stores, including staffed checkout lanes, self-checkout, certain pharmacy and Beer, Wine & Liquor locations, and Kroger Fuel Centers. It is not available for online grocery orders or certain independent merchants located inside Kroger stores.
How to Pay With Kroger Pay
Using Kroger Pay is straightforward:
- Download the Kroger or applicable Kroger Family of Companies app.
- Sign in to your digital account.
- Open Kroger Pay from the app.
- Add an eligible credit, debit or prepaid card to your digital wallet.
- Set a PIN or enable biometric authentication.
- At checkout, open Kroger Pay and generate your QR code.
- Scan the QR code at the register or self-checkout.
- Your selected payment method, loyalty information and eligible digital coupons are applied to the transaction.
Kroger recommends generating a fresh QR code when you use Kroger Pay. Screenshots cannot be used as a substitute because the QR code is designed for one-time use.
Does Kroger Pay a Credit Card?
No. Kroger Pay is not a credit card. It is a mobile payment service that uses a payment card you have already added to your Kroger digital wallet.
You can link an eligible credit card, debit card or prepaid card and then use Kroger Pay to make the purchase. Kroger Pay itself does not provide a separate line of credit.
Is Kroger Pay Free?
Yes. Kroger Pay is free to enroll in and use. Kroger’s official Kroger Pay page describes the service as free to enroll and use. Your normal card issuer terms still apply to the credit or debit card you use.
Is Kroger Pay Safe?
Kroger describes Kroger Pay as a safe and secure way to pay. Your actual card information is not stored on your phone. Instead, Kroger Pay uses a token representing your card when processing the transaction.
Kroger also requires authentication through a PIN or biometrics before generating a payment QR code. This provides an additional security layer if someone gains access to your phone.
Can I Use Multiple Payment Methods at Kroger?
It depends on the type of purchase and the payment methods involved. Kroger does not provide one universal rule that allows every combination of payment methods for every transaction.
For example, online services can have more restrictive payment rules than an in-store checkout. Kroger’s online pharmacy payment system states that only one credit card at a time can be used for an eligible prescription payment.
If you want to split an in-store purchase between different payment methods, ask the cashier before the transaction is finalized because the available options can depend on the register, purchase type and store policy.
Is Kroger Do Partial Payments?
Kroger may allow certain forms of split or partial payment depending on the transaction, but you should not assume that every payment combination is supported.
Online orders have their own payment rules, while in-store transactions can have different capabilities. If you need to combine payment methods, it is best to confirm with the cashier before checkout.
Kroger Online Payment Methods
Kroger online payment methods depend on what you are purchasing.
For standard grocery delivery, Kroger currently accepts credit cards, debit cards and SNAP EBT for eligible orders. Kroger’s delivery FAQ says cash, checks, gift cards and WIC are not accepted for delivery orders.
Kroger also provides SNAP EBT online for eligible grocery pickup and delivery orders. Customers can add their SNAP EBT card to their Kroger account and select it as a payment method during checkout.
Can You Use EBT at Kroger?
Yes. SNAP EBT is accepted at Kroger for eligible grocery purchases, including supported pickup and delivery orders.
For online shopping, add your SNAP EBT card to your Kroger account, shop for eligible products, and select SNAP EBT during checkout. SNAP benefits cannot be used for non-eligible expenses, and availability can depend on the order and location.
SNAP EBT is also available for eligible Kroger pickup and delivery orders. For more details, see our guide to Kroger Delivery, including how online payment works and what fees may apply.
Does Kroger Accept WIC?
WIC acceptance depends on the service and location. For Kroger grocery delivery, the current Kroger FAQ specifically states that WIC is not accepted for delivery orders.
If you use WIC, check your local store and current Kroger checkout options before shopping because in-store and online policies can differ.
Does Kroger Accept Apple Pay?
Kroger’s primary mobile payment option is Kroger Pay, rather than relying on third-party mobile wallets across its entire store network. Apple Pay availability can vary by Kroger banner and location, so it should not be treated as a universal payment method for every Kroger Family of Companies store.
This is particularly important for shoppers searching “Kroger payment methods Apple Pay” because Kroger operates multiple banners, and payment capabilities can differ between them.
If Apple Pay is not available at your location, Kroger Pay is the official mobile payment option supported by Kroger at participating stores. Kroger Pay works through a QR code in the Kroger app and can use an eligible card saved to your digital wallet.
What About Google Pay and Samsung Pay?
Google Pay and Samsung Pay should also be treated separately from Kroger Pay. Kroger’s official grocery payment documentation promotes Kroger Pay as its own mobile checkout solution.
However, specialized Kroger services can have different payment capabilities. For example, Kroger’s pharmacy pages currently list Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay among accepted in-person pharmacy payment methods.
Therefore, if you’re shopping for groceries at a Kroger supermarket, check the payment options at your specific store rather than assuming that a mobile wallet accepted at a Kroger pharmacy will work at every grocery register.
Can You Use a Kroger Gift Card to Pay?
Kroger gift cards can be used for eligible purchases, but they are not currently supported as a payment method inside Kroger Pay. Kroger’s Kroger Pay FAQ specifically says that non-reloadable Kroger-branded gift cards are not currently supported in the Kroger Pay wallet.
Gift card acceptance can also differ between in-store purchases, online grocery orders and specific Kroger services, so check the payment options shown at checkout for your particular order.
QFC Payment Methods
QFC is part of the Kroger Family of Companies, so shoppers may see many of the same digital account and Kroger Pay features. Kroger Pay is designed for participating banners within the Kroger Family of Companies rather than being limited to stores carrying the Kroger name.
However, individual payment options can vary by banner, location and transaction type. If you are specifically shopping at QFC, check the payment options available at your local store or during online checkout.
Kroger Payment Processor
Kroger does not operate a single payment method for every type of transaction. Its payment systems use third-party providers for some card-processing services, while Kroger Pay uses tokenization to protect the payment information associated with your selected card.
Kroger has stated that it relies on third parties to provide payment transaction processing services for credit and debit cards.
For customers, this means your checkout experience can vary depending on whether you’re paying in-store, online, through Kroger Pay, at a pharmacy, or through another Kroger service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kroger Payment Methods
What payment methods does Kroger accept?
Kroger accepts several payment methods, including cash, credit cards, debit cards, Kroger Pay and eligible SNAP EBT payments. Some services and locations may support additional payment options.
What are the ways to pay at Kroger?
The main ways to pay at Kroger are cash, credit or debit card, Kroger Pay and eligible SNAP EBT. Check-specific and mobile-wallet availability can vary by location and transaction type.
Is Kroger Pay a credit card?
No. Kroger Pay is a mobile payment service that lets you pay using an eligible credit, debit or prepaid card saved in your Kroger digital wallet.
Is Kroger Pay free?
Yes. Kroger Pay is free to enroll in and use.
Is Kroger Pay safe?
Kroger says Kroger Pay uses security measures including tokenization, PIN or biometric authentication, and one-time QR codes to protect payment information.
Can I use multiple payment methods at Kroger?
It depends on the transaction. Online and specialized services may restrict payment combinations, while in-store transactions can have different rules. Ask the cashier before checkout if you need to split a payment.
Can I use Kroger Pay online?
No. Kroger’s FAQ states that Kroger Pay is for participating in-store and fuel-center transactions and is not available for online purchases.
Does Kroger accept Apple Pay?
Apple Pay availability can vary by Kroger banner and location. Kroger’s official mobile payment system is Kroger Pay, which is available at participating stores.
Does Kroger accept SNAP EBT online?
Yes. Kroger currently supports SNAP EBT for eligible online grocery pickup and delivery orders in participating locations.
Final Thoughts
Kroger offers several ways to pay, including credit and debit cards, cash, SNAP EBT for eligible purchases, and Kroger Pay. However, available payment options can vary depending on whether you’re shopping in-store, online, at the pharmacy, or through delivery. If you’re planning to order groceries online, see our Kroger Delivery guide for delivery fees, discounts, payment options, and other important details.
