Contactless payments have become a common part of shopping, especially with tools like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other digital wallets. If you shop at Dollar General, you might wonder if they accept Apple Pay for quick, touch-free checkout.
Here’s a clear, updated answer to that question—and a look at other ways you can pay when shopping at Dollar General.
Does Dollar General Accept Apple Pay?
No, Dollar General does not accept Apple Pay at most of its physical stores. This means you won’t be able to use your iPhone or Apple Watch to tap and pay at the checkout counter.
Even though Apple Pay is supported at many major retailers, Dollar General has not widely adopted it in stores. They have instead focused on their own mobile solution.
There may be rare exceptions at select stores testing contactless technology, but as a general rule, you should not expect Apple Pay to work at Dollar General locations.
Why Dollar General Doesn’t Support Apple Pay (Yet)
There are a few reasons Dollar General may avoid Apple Pay:
- Transaction fees: Some retailers choose not to use third-party payment platforms due to additional costs per transaction.
- Technology investment: Installing and maintaining NFC (Near Field Communication) terminals requires extra equipment.
- Control over data and loyalty features: Dollar General prefers pushing its own tools like the DG GO! app, which keeps customer interactions in-house.
These decisions are often about cost, data, and control more than convenience.
What Payment Methods Does Dollar General Accept?
If you can’t use Apple Pay, here are other ways to pay at Dollar General:
- Credit Cards – Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express
- Debit Cards – PIN and non-PIN based
- Cash – Always accepted at checkout
- EBT/SNAP – Accepted at most stores for eligible items
- PayPal – For online orders through the Dollar General website
- DG GO! App – Dollar General’s own mobile shopping and checkout tool (available at limited stores)
These payment options cover most common needs, whether you’re paying with a card or using government benefits.
What Is the DG GO! App?
Dollar General created the DG GO! app to offer a faster checkout experience in some locations.
Here’s how it works:
- Download the app and sign in.
- Scan items as you shop to see a running total.
- Pay in-app when done.
- Skip the main register and use a special DG GO! checkout station.
It works like self-checkout, but on your phone. However, DG GO! is only available in selected stores, so check the app or website before relying on it.
How Does Dollar General Compare to Other Stores?
Some stores are much more digital wallet–friendly than Dollar General.
For example:
- Walmart also doesn’t accept Apple Pay but promotes its own Walmart Pay.
- Target, Walgreens, and CVS all accept Apple Pay in stores.
- Family Dollar accepts contactless payments, including Apple Pay, in many locations.
This shows Dollar General’s approach is more cautious and internal. Their focus is on cost-saving, not necessarily adopting every new payment method right away.
What Do Shoppers Say?
Some customers find it inconvenient that Apple Pay isn’t accepted. Others don’t mind using a card or cash. Those who tried DG GO! often like the speed but wish it were available in more places.
Online reviews and forums often mention:
- The frustration of expecting Apple Pay and finding it doesn’t work
- The desire for faster checkouts, especially during busy hours
- Positive feedback for the DG GO! app in stores that support it
It depends on how often you shop there and what payment method you usually use.
Will Dollar General Add Apple Pay in the Future?
There’s no official statement from Dollar General confirming plans to support Apple Pay. That said, customer demand may push changes in the future—especially as more shoppers switch to digital wallets and phones.
Retail trends show that contactless payments are growing, and most large chains now support them. If Dollar General wants to stay competitive with convenience, adding Apple Pay could be a future step.
Final Thoughts: Be Prepared When You Shop
No, Dollar General does not currently take Apple Pay at most locations. But they do offer many other ways to pay—cards, cash, and their own mobile checkout tool in some stores.
If you’re planning a trip and want to avoid surprises at checkout:
- Bring a debit or credit card
- Download the DG GO! app (if supported in your area)
- Use PayPal if you’re shopping online
Have you tried using Apple Pay at a Dollar General store? Did it work or fail? Share your experience in the comments—your input could help other shoppers.
