With so many new and evolving forms of payment being accepted at more and more places these days, it can make it complicated to figure out who accepts what.
Contactless payment has become the latest trend in payment methods and includes everything from chipped credit cards to tapping a smartphone onto a payment device.
Apple Pay involves inputting and storing your credit card information into your iPhone and allowing your phone to act as your card by simply tapping it on the checkout screen when making purchases.
Does Panda Express Take Apple Pay?
Yes, as of 2019, Panda Express accepts Apple Pay.
Though the rollout process started slow, with only a selection of locations accepting this form of payment initially, the fast-food restaurant has now installed and enabled Apple Pay at many of their physical locations.
Apple Pay is easy to use and adds to the list of convenient ways customers can purchase their food at the popular Chinese restaurant.
Currently, Panda Express has 2,200 locations in the United States and Asia.
To make sure your local Panda Express takes Apple Pay, find it in Apple Maps, click on the location, and scroll down to see what forms of payment are accepted there.
How Do You Use Apple Pay At Panda Express?
You can use Apple Pay at Panda Express the same way you can use it anywhere else.
First, you must set up your Apple Pay account by opening the Wallet app that comes standard on all iPhones.
Then hit the plus sign in the top right corner.
There should be an option to add a debit or credit card to your Wallet.
Either scan the card you wish to add or add the card’s information manually.
You should then be able to see your card in your Wallet.
Repeat this process for as many cards as you’d like to keep stored in your Wallet.
After ordering your food at Panda Express, tell the cashier you’d like to use Apple Pay.
Then, simply double-click the right side button on your iPhone and hold it near the reader.
It will automatically default to the card you have chosen, but you can easily change which card you want to pay with by scrolling through your stored options and clicking on your preferred card.
Wait until you see a checkmark and “Done” before moving your phone away from the card reader.
If you have Face ID set up on your iPhone, you won’t even need to input your password before opening Apple Pay.
If you don’t, you may need to input your iPhone passcode or use Touch ID to unlock it.
What Other Forms Of Payment Does Panda Express Accept?
Besides Apple Pay, Panda Express currently accepts cash, credit cards, debit cards, plus other forms of industry-standard Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, such as Samsung Pay and Google Pay.
Not all Panda Express locations accept Samsung Pay and Google Pay yet, so check with your local restaurant before making purchases.
Credit and debit cards that are accepted include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and Diners Club.
You can also pay with Panda Express gift cards—both physical and digital.
Is It Safe To Use Apple Pay At Panda Express?
Yes, it’s very safe to use Apple Pay anywhere, including Panda Express.
Apple goes through great efforts to protect its customers’ data and privacy.
In fact, Apple developed Apply Pay technology specifically with safety and privacy in mind.
Apple is strategic in how they store your personal information and credit card data and works to ensure their payment option is safer than using physical credit cards.
Apply Pay uses innovative built-in hardware and software technology that protects its customers during transactions.
The technology makes it so Apple never has access to the original credit, debit, or prepaid card information that is inputted, nor does it store it in your device.
Instead, it encrypts the information and keeps it that way on the Apple servers.
Apple states, “When you use Apple Pay with credit, debit, or prepaid cards, Apple doesn’t retain any transaction information that can be tied back to you—your transactions stay between you, the merchant or developer, and your bank or card issuer.”
When adding cards to your Wallet, Apple decrypts your information, verifies your payment network, and then re-encrypts it.
Your payment network then sends Apple a Device Account Number which is only partially stored on Apple servers.
Your final payment transaction information is only shared between you, the merchant, and your bank or payment network.
What Are The Advantages Of Using Apple Pay At Panda Express?
There are a number of advantages of using Apple Pay at Panda Express.
Safety and convenience are the main advantages.
As we’ve learned, Apple Pay is safe to use and is even safer than using physical cards, which contain your whole credit card number, a security code, and an expiration date.
It’s easy for someone to use your physical credit card to make purchases in-store or online.
Since your information is not stored on your Apple device, even if you were to lose it, someone would have to be able to unlock your phone before making a purchase.
Using Apple Pay also removes the need to carry around physical cards, eliminating the possibility of losing them or having them stolen.
You don’t need to remember to bring your cards or switch cards out in your wallet when they are accessible in your iPhone Wallet.
Having only one payment method to worry about is a relief, especially when that method is included in a device you are already carrying around everywhere.
Using contactless technology is also healthier and leads to less germ spreading.
This is a major bonus for many customers because it enables them to touch one less thing in public.
Without a physical exchange, you’re likely to stay physically safer and healthier.
Plus, it’s much faster to use NFC technology than it is to swipe or insert your card chip, as it reads faster and you don’t need to spend time searching for your cards.
Using Apple Pay is more efficient than other methods.
Plus, there are no additional fees when using Apple Pay.
Apple does not charge percentages or any hidden fees when you opt for Apple Pay.
Panda Express should not charge any user or convenience fees on their end either.
It’s worth double-checking with your bank to ensure they do not charge any unexpected fees when using Apple Pay.
What Other Devices Support Apple Pay?
Apple Pay is only available on Apple products.
This includes iPhones, Apple Watches, iPads, and Mac Books.
Using Apple Pay works the same on each device, but accessing it is a little different.
Only Apple Watch Series 1 and later versions are available to use with Apple Pay.
When using your Apple Watch to use Apple Pay, double-click the button on the right side and hold your wrist over the card reader.
Like with an iPhone, you’ll see the checkmark and “done” and you’ll feel a vibrating tap through the watch.
Only Mac models with Touch ID, models that were developed in 2012 or later and used with an Apple Pay-enabled iPhone or Apple Watch, and models that have Apple silicon that are paired with a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID can be used with Apple Pay.
To use Apple Pay on a Mac, click on the Apple icon in the top right corner of the screen and then click System Preferences and Wallet and Apply Pay.
After signing into your Apple ID, click on Add Card and add your card’s information.
When making an online purchase, click on Apple Pay as your payment method and choose the card you wish to use.
Then, just use your Touch ID to complete the purchase.
iPad models that can use Apple Pay include iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, and iPad mini models with Touch ID or Face ID.
To set up Apple Pay on an iPad, go to Settings and then Wallet and Apple Pay.
Select “add card” or you can choose cards already listed under your Apple ID.
When completing a purchase, select Apple Pay and the card you want to use.
Can You Use Apple Pay On The Panda Express App?
In addition to many of the physical Panda Express locations, you can also use Apple Pay to check out on the Panda Express App.
Simply download the Panda Express app from either the Apple App Store or Google Play on Androids.
Open an account on the app by inputting your name and contact information.
Then find the location you want for either pickup or delivery and make your order selections.
When you go to check out, you’ll have the option to use Apple Pay, add a credit card, or add a gift card.
Click on “Check out with Apple Pay” and you’ll be all set.
You’ll already be paid up when you pick up your order or when it’s delivered to you.
How Do Gift Cards Work At Panda Express?
Gift cards are another great payment method to use at Panda Express and can be purchased using Apple Pay, either in stores or online.
Gift cards can either be purchased for others or yourself if you’re so inclined.
Panda Express sells both physical gift cards and digital gift cards (eGift cards).
eGifts can be purchased online and you can choose a specific delivery date.
The recipient won’t receive their email notification until the selected date.
You can also purchase a physical gift card online and have it shipped to the recipient.
If you choose this option, standard shipping is free.
You can also print out an eGift notification if you send it to your email address, and then print it from home.
Gift cards can be used at any location and never have an expiration date.
Panda Express uses a security company called CashStar that specializes in digital gift cards and allows customers to securely transfer gift cards over the Internet.
CashStar provides a secure payment technology platform to help ensure the privacy and safety of digital gift card purchases.
What Kinds Of Things Can You Buy At Panda Express With Apple Pay?
You can purchase anything on the Panda Express menu when using Apple Pay.
This includes their signature bowls, plates, and bigger plates, in which you can mix and match proteins, rice, and vegetables.
You can also purchase family meals or cub meals, aka kid’s meals.
There are also a number of appetizers, drinks, and a la carte items to choose from.
Panda Express also offers catering options for which Apple Pay can be used.
Panda Express accepts Apple Pay, along with Shop Pay, PayPal, and Meta Pay, in addition to credit cards for purchases made at their online swag shop.
The swag shop sells clothing items like socks, t-shirts, and baby onesies.
