The International House of Pancakes (IHOP) provides affordable breakfast and lunch options in a casual dining environment as well as delivery and pickup options.
When you simply can’t wait to get your “Breakfeast,” you need to pay with the resources available to you at the time.
Even if you accidentally left your wallet at home, you probably didn’t leave your cellphone, meaning you may be able to use Apple Pay (assuming you have it set up already).
However, does IHOP even take Apple Pay?
We answer everything you need to know about using mobile payments at IHOP.
Does IHOP Take Apple Pay?
Yes, IHOP accepts Apple Pay at all physical locations.
You can use Apple Pay to pay inside all IHOP restaurants, and you can use Apple Pay when ordering for pickup or delivery with the major delivery services.
You can also pay with Apple Pay when you order for pickup or delivery through one of the numerous delivery services that deliver IHOP to customers, including GrubHub, Seamless, Uber Eats, and Door Dash.
You can also pay using your debit card, credit card, cash, or IHOP gift card.
What Is Apple Pay?
“Apple Pay” refers to the process of digitally paying for items with your mobile wallet app (Apple Wallet) on your iPhone.
Apple Wallet is one of many mobile wallets, but it is exclusive to iPhone users.
However, Android users can enjoy similar benefits through Android-friendly mobile wallets like Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
There are a number of unpopular and failed mobile wallets out there, too, but Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are the most popular.
While very similar to each other, Apple Pay stands out since it’s accepted in more countries around the world compared to the other mobile wallets.
It’s also available exclusively through Apple’s app store.
Of course, it still has its limitations.
Apple Pay is not compatible with PayPal while the other popular mobile wallets are.
Apple Pay also doesn’t hold gift cards, meaning you won’t be able to pay with Apple Pay if you want to use your gift card.
(Just make sure that you bring it with you during your next visit!)
How Do Mobile Wallet Payments Work?
All mobile wallets use near field communication (NFC) technology to allow the smartphone to wirelessly communicate with compatible credit card terminals.
As the name suggests, the technology relies on short-range technology.
Nearby devices connect automatically once they get into range.
If a credit card terminal accepts Apple Pay, it will accept all other mobile wallets as well.
Most credit card terminals that accept NFC payments will have a small logo that indicates their capabilities.
When it comes time to pay, you will swipe your unlocked phone near the credit card terminal.
You may need to complete security verification one more time to open the app.
After you swipe your phone by the POS system, you should receive a notification of a successful connection on both devices.
Some credit card terminals require additional information from you, while others process the charge automatically, allowing for completely contactless payments.
IHOP’s POS system is set up so that you can make completely contactless payments.
Setting Up Apple Pay
The Apple Wallet app comes preloaded on all modern iPhones.
Open the app and add a valid debit card or credit card to set up your mobile wallet.
You can add a card by selecting the “+” button on the main page when you open the app.
The app will guide you to take a picture of your card details.
If you don’t like using your camera, you can also add the information manually.
You will need to include the card holder’s name, the card number, the expiration date, and the security code.
After you submit the card data, you will need to verify your request with your financial institution.
Some banks require you to log in to their app or enter a code as verification.
If you do not complete the verification process, you will not be able to use the card.
If you fail to finalize a card in your mobile wallet, you will see a red indicator to inform you of the error.
If a card in your Apple Wallet app is red, that’s a sign of a problem, and you won’t be able to use that card.
Luckily, Apple makes it very clear what the problem is such as “verification required” or “update expiration date.”
The first card you add to your mobile wallet will automatically become the default card.
However, you can add up to eight cards.
On top of credit cards and debit cards, you can also add loyalty cards, transit cards, your student ID, and your COVID vaccination card.
You can easily change your default card by clicking on the preferred card and selecting the appropriate box.
You can also delete cards that no longer work.
Don’t forget to test your card after you add it for the first time.
You don’t want to find out that it doesn’t work when you need it most.
Bring the actual card with you just in case you have not completed the setup properly.
Using Apple Pay
In order to use Apple Pay, you will need to open the app first and have adequate battery life (a minimum of 25%).
Don’t open the app too far in advance or the screen may lock on you before you get to the register.
Before you swipe your phone, it is good practice to verify the selected card.
If you want to use a different card, you can easily select the card you want from your list.
Swipe your phone near the POS system at a casual pace.
It does not matter what direction the phone is facing.
However, the phone should be awake with the app open.
If you run into problems connecting your phone to the credit card terminal, ensure that you’re close enough and try again, especially if you’re new to the process.
It can take a couple of tries to get the movements down and feel confident while you pay, but it will soon become second nature.
If your phone connects, but you get an error regarding a card you know is valid, verify that you properly completed the verification process when you entered the credit card information.
Keep in mind that disconnected cards and expired cards will no longer work.
If the transaction goes through successfully, you should see a green checkmark to indicate the completion of the purchase.
Tracking Apple Pay Transactions
Are you curious about your recent spending habits?
Do you need to access a particular transaction for verification purposes or to report a problem?
You can easily access all transactions made using Apple Pay through the Apple Wallet app.
Open the app and select the card in question.
You will have a list of all transactions.
When you find the right transaction, you can click on it to see more details and report a problem.
Only the transactions made via mobile wallet will show up.
If you used the physical card, you won’t have access to the transaction through the Apple Wallet app (although you can probably find it via your bank app).
You can also view a detailed list of your transactions through your phone’s settings.
Under settings, select Apple Wallet and proceed to select the transactions to view them.
Apple Pay On Your Apple Watch
You can set up Apple Pay on your Apple Watch and use your watch to make payments so that you don’t even need to take your phone out of your pocket.
Keep in mind that you will need to add your preferred card to your Apple Watch separately.
The information does not transfer from one device to another, and the system doesn’t even have the capability.
To add a card to your Apple Watch’s mobile wallet, you will first open the Apple Watch app on your phone.
From there, you’ll be able to enter your credit card details.
You will pay using your Apple Watch in a very similar fashion as you did with your phone.
Simply swipe your watch near the credit card terminal and look for verification that the transaction was successful.
Is Apple Pay Safe?
Yes.
Apple Pay is completely safe.
First, you need standard security on your phone (the same way you unlock it so many times every day), whether that is a fingerprint, facial recognition, passcode, pattern, or PIN.
No one can use your mobile wallet if they can’t enter your phone.
What about after you pay?
Do wireless payments leave your information susceptible to hackers?
Hackers cannot get your information when you use Apple Pay (or any mobile wallet).
In fact, it’s safer than using your actual card since the information is encrypted.
Even if a hacker does gain access to the credit or debit card information, they won’t have your card information since IHOP never gets your actual card information.
You can feel completely safe when you are using Apple Pay.
With that being said, your card security only goes as far as you let it.
Keep yourself safe by sticking to the following tips:
- Limit users on your phone to the bare minimum.
- Don’t make payments you aren’t completely familiar with.
- Keep your physical card secure as often as possible.
- Set up safeguards through your financial institution.
IHOP also increases its own security by never possessing your actual card details.
If they get hacked, they won’t find themselves liable for customer data getting stolen.
Not only could there be restitution expenses and the cost of upgrading security, but it puts a stain on the brand in the mind of consumers.
Customers won’t want to spend their money somewhere they fear getting hacked.
Can You Tip When Paying With Apple Pay At IHOP?
Yes.
You can tip your server when you pay with Apple Pay at IHOP.
A receipt will print out, and you will fill out the receipt with a pen, including the tip line.
If concerned about contracting germs, use hand sanitizer beforehand.
You also have the option to leave cash at the table (which is always preferred by the server as they don’t have to claim the tip).
How Much Does Apple Pay Cost?
Apple Pay is a completely free service.
You do not pay to utilize your mobile wallet.
Restaurants won’t charge you more when you use Apple Pay, either.
You will never experience hidden fees or fees of any kind when using Apple Pay.
Why IHOP Benefits From Accepting Mobile Payments
It’s expensive to upgrade the POS system at about 1,800 restaurants across the country.
Why would IHOP incur such a cost instead of using the old systems until they require replacement?
See the following ways IHOP benefits from accepting mobile payments.
1. Convenience
Anyone who has worked in restaurants knows just how fast-paced things can get.
It can hold up other guests if a waitress must wait for you to search for your card in your purse while food slowly gets cold under the warmer.
Mobile payments move quickly, allowing employees to tend to customers in a more timely manner, thus improving the customer experience.
2. More Payment Options
Customers like options, including payment options.
The more options provided to the customer, the more people can eat at the restaurant.
It broadens your customer base.
Modern payment options also speak to a younger audience, which is an important demographic for IHOP.
3. Stay Competitive
Almost all new POS systems sold these days include NFC technology.
Customers are now expecting the option, and they may need to go somewhere else if they can’t use the latest payment method trends.
Not only does the upgrade keep IHOP competitive technology-wise, but it also demonstrates the company’s commitment to new technologies and change.
Denny’s and Waffle House, two of IHOP’s main competitors, do not accept Apple Pay, sending all of those customers to IHOP.
Troubleshooting Support
If you experience trouble using Apple Pay, you may not feel sure where to turn for support.
If the phone doesn’t seem to connect to any credit card terminals, you may want to speak with Apple support.
Before you spend a lot of time on hold, check that you have NFC payments activated in your phone’s settings.
If you are struggling to verify a card you want to add to your mobile wallet, you should call your financial institution for support if you can’t log in to the app or you’re not receiving texts/emails with your verification code (don’t forget to check your spam folders).
If the problem exists on your phone, ask Apple for support.
You may have certain popups blocked or one of the numerous other possibilities.
Talk to your bank if the card is properly added to your mobile wallet but it keeps coming up declined.
You may have a hold on your account or a lack of funds.
Conclusion
There are a number of reasons Apple Pay comes in useful.
Whether you appreciate the additional security or you just like having the backup payment option for when you forget your card, set up your mobile wallet before you need it.
