Have you ever walked into a Ross store with your phone in hand, ready to tap and go with Apple Pay, only to get confused? You’re not alone. Many shoppers wonder if Ross Dress for Less accepts Apple Pay or other digital wallets. Let’s clear up the confusion!
So, Does Ross Accept Apple Pay?
No, Ross does not officially accept Apple Pay at most of its stores. That may be a little disappointing if you love using your iPhone or Apple Watch to pay. However, like many things in life, there are some exceptions!
Some customers claim that they’ve used Apple Pay at select Ross locations. This means that certain stores may have contactless terminals that work with Apple Pay. But since it’s not a company-wide policy, don’t count on it every time you visit.

So what’s the best way to pay at Ross? Great question! Let’s walk through all your payment options at Ross stores so you can shop smarter.
Here Are the Payment Methods Accepted at Ross
Even if Apple Pay isn’t officially accepted, Ross still offers a bunch of options. Here’s a quick list:
- Cash – Good ol’ green money. Accepted everywhere, every time.
- Debit Cards – VISA and Mastercard debit cards are welcome.
- Credit Cards – VISA, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
- Ross Gift Cards – Great for gifting and spending later!
- EBT Cards – Accepted at some stores, mostly for approved items.
Want to make your checkout faster? Stick with traditional cards or cash. You’re less likely to get that awkward moment where the terminal won’t cooperate.
Why Doesn’t Ross Accept Apple Pay?
This is the big question! Many stores, from Starbucks to Target, accept Apple Pay. So why not Ross?
The answer seems to come down to cost and control. Setting up and maintaining Apple Pay can involve extra fees and technology upgrades. Ross is focused on keeping prices low for customers. That means minimizing expenses wherever possible.
Also, Ross has a specific checkout system. Some locations use older machines that just don’t support contactless payments.
What About Android Pay or Google Pay?
Similar to Apple Pay, Ross does not officially accept Google Pay or Samsung Pay either. The same reasons apply: cost, technology, and store policies.

Again, a few lucky shoppers have reported being able to use their phone to pay. But unless you test it yourself at your local store, there’s no guarantee.
Can You Shop Online at Ross?
Nope! Ross does not have an online store where you can browse and checkout items like other retailers. In fact, part of their business model is offering deals in-store only. You walk in, find surprises, and leave with savings.
Since there’s no online shopping, there’s also no way to use Apple Pay or any other digital wallets on a Ross website.
Workarounds and Tips
If you really, really want to use Apple Pay, there are still a couple of possible tricks to try:
- Use Apple Pay to buy a Ross gift card online from a third-party site (like Gift Card Granny or PayPal).
- Try Apple Pay on your iPhone at the terminal anyway. Some locations may surprise you!
- Contact your local Ross store and ask if they accept Apple Pay.
These are not guaranteed workarounds. But hey, it doesn’t hurt to try!
Is Ross Falling Behind?
Some people think Ross is a bit behind the times. Most stores now accept digital payments. But Ross does things a little differently. They focus on being a “treasure hunt” shopping experience – and less on tech upgrades.
The company has said that offering low prices is more important than fancy tech. So while you may not have the option to tap your phone, you do get a sweet deal on name-brand clothes and home goods. Fair trade?
Other Stores That DO Accept Apple Pay
If contactless payments are important for you, here are some other stores that fully support Apple Pay:
- Target
- Walmart (via their own Wallet app only)
- Walgreens
- Best Buy
- Whole Foods
- CVS
- Kohl’s
These retailers let you use Apple Pay at checkout, both in-store and online (where available). So if you prefer not pulling out your wallet, these places have you covered.
Should Ross Change Their Policy?
That’s up for debate! Many customers love the simplicity and security of Apple Pay. It’s fast, touch-free, and easy to use. But Ross has a loyal customer base that’s used to the current setup.
In the future, if demand grows strong enough, Ross may upgrade their systems. Until then, be prepared to use your card or cash when you head to the checkout.
Quick Recap
Let’s sum it up! Here’s what you need to know:
- Ross does NOT officially accept Apple Pay or other mobile wallets.
- Some stores may have working NFC terminals, but it’s not guaranteed.
- Accepted payment methods include cash, debit, credit, and gift cards.
- You can’t shop online at Ross, so all payments happen in-store.
- Using Apple Pay to buy gift cards could be a potential workaround.
Final Thoughts
Even though Ross doesn’t fully support Apple Pay, you can still get what you came for—awesome deals on fashion, home goods, and more. Just bring your wallet or purse along with you.
If you’re unsure whether your local Ross accepts Apple Pay, go ahead and ask! Or try it out the next time you’re in. Who knows—you might get lucky!
Until Apple Pay becomes the norm at Ross (if ever), stick with the tried-and-true payment methods. Happy shopping!