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Does Dollar General Take Apple Pay? The Truth About Payment Options in 2025
July 1, 2025
If you've ever reached Dollar General's checkout counter expecting to tap your iPhone and pay, you've likely encountered an unpleasant surprise: most Dollar General locations don't accept Apple Pay. But the answer isn't completely straightforward—and understanding why can help you shop smarter and earn more rewards.
With over 20,000 Dollar General stores nationwide and Americans spending billions annually on everyday essentials, knowing which payment methods work (and which credit cards maximize your rewards) can add hundreds of dollars to your pocket each year. Let's clear up the confusion and show you exactly how to save money on your next Dollar General run.
The Short Answer: Does Dollar General Accept Apple Pay?
No, the majority of Dollar General stores do not accept Apple Pay or other NFC contactless payment methods like Google Pay or Samsung Pay. Instead, Dollar General promotes its proprietary DG GO! mobile app, which is integrated into their main Dollar General app for scanning and paying.
However, here's where it gets confusing: a small number of Dollar General's newer concept stores (DGX and pOpshelf locations) in urban areas may accept Apple Pay because they have more modern payment terminals. These are the exception, not the rule.
Bottom line: When shopping at a standard Dollar General, assume Apple Pay won't work. Always bring a backup payment method.
Why Doesn't Dollar General Accept Apple Pay?
Dollar General's decision to skip Apple Pay isn't about being behind the times—it's a strategic business choice shared by other major retailers like Walmart and Kroger. Here's why:
1. They want you using their app instead. Dollar General's DG GO! feature (built into their main app) allows them to track your shopping habits, serve targeted promotions, and keep you in their ecosystem. Third-party payment apps like Apple Pay don't give them this data.
2. Transaction fees matter. Apple Pay transactions come with processing fees. For a discount retailer operating on thin margins, every penny counts. Their own app eliminates these middleman costs.
3. Limited infrastructure investment. Upgrading 20,000+ stores with NFC-enabled terminals requires significant capital investment—money Dollar General would rather spend on inventory and expansion.
What Payment Methods DOES Dollar General Accept?
While Apple Pay is largely off the table, Dollar General offers plenty of alternatives:
In-Store Payment Options:
- Cash – Accepted at all locations
- Credit cards – Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
- Debit cards – All major networks
- EBT/SNAP – For eligible food items
- Personal checks – With valid ID at most locations
- Dollar General gift cards – Physical and eGift cards
- DG GO! app – Scan-and-pay feature at select stores
Online Payment Options (DollarGeneral.com):
- Credit/debit cards – All major networks
- PayPal – For online orders only
- DG Pickup – Credit or debit cards only (no PayPal)
What DOESN'T work:
❌ Apple Pay (at most locations)
❌ Google Pay (at most locations)
❌ Samsung Pay (at most locations)
❌ Cash App Card at some locations
❌ Venmo cards at some locations
The 5 Best Credit Cards for Dollar General Shopping
Since you'll need to use a physical credit or debit card at Dollar General, why not maximize your rewards? Here are the top cards that earn you the most when shopping for household essentials:
1. Citi Double Cash® Card – Best Overall for Dollar General
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "580", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Everyday Spenders", "headerHint": "No Annual Fee"} ]]
✅ Apply if:
- Dollar General is your primary shopping destination
- You want simple, automatic rewards
- You prefer cash back over points
2. Chase Freedom Flex® – Best for Rotating Categories
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2883", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "No Annual-Fee Card Seekers", "headerHint" : "No Annual Fee" } ]]
✅ Apply if:
- You're willing to track quarterly categories
- You shop at multiple retailers beyond Dollar General
- You want flexibility to convert cash back to Chase points
3. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card – Best for Grocery Crossover
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "430", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Credit Builders", "headerHint": "Straightforward Cash Back"} ]]
✅ Apply if:
- You split shopping between Dollar General and traditional grocers
- You value dining and entertainment rewards alongside essentials
- You want a straightforward, no-annual-fee card
4. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card – Best for Strategic Spenders
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "188", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Cash Back Seekers", "headerHint": "2% on Grocery Stores, Wholesale Clubs"} ]]
✅ Apply if:
- You have (or can open) a Bank of America checking/savings account for bonus rewards
- You shop online at DollarGeneral.com frequently
- You want flexibility to change your category quarterly
5. Discover It Cash Back Credit Card – Best for First-Year Bonuses
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "821", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Cash Back Seekers", "headerHint": "0 Annual Fee"} ]]
✅ Apply if:
- You're opening your first rewards card (great for building credit)
- You can strategically time purchases during categories
- You want a guaranteed doubling of rewards in year one
How to Use Dollar General's DG GO! Feature (Your Apple Pay Alternative)
Can't use Apple Pay? Dollar General's DG GO! feature—now integrated into their main app—offers a mobile payment alternative. Here's how it works:
Step 1: Download the Dollar General app
Available free on iOS and Android. Search for "Dollar General – Digital Coupons."
Step 2: Find a participating store
Not all Dollar General locations support DG GO!. Use the app's store locator and filter by "DG GO!" to find participating stores near you.
Step 3: Start scanning as you shop
Tap the "DG GO!" button at the top of the app screen. Scan each item's barcode as you add it to your cart.
Step 4: Pay in the app
Once you're done shopping, complete payment directly in the app using a credit/debit card. Show the QR code confirmation to staff on your way out.
Important limitations:
- Only available at ~3,000 stores (out of 20,000+)
- Requires a stable internet connection
- Doesn't work with cash, EBT, or some gift cards
- Can't be combined with traditional checkout
The Hidden Dollar General Stores That Accept Apple Pay
Remember those exceptions we mentioned? Here's where you MIGHT be able to use Apple Pay:
DGX Stores: Dollar General's urban small-format stores (about 30 locations nationwide) feature more modern point-of-sale systems. These often accept contactless payments including Apple Pay.
pOpshelf: Dollar General's newer concept stores (targeting suburban shoppers with $5-and-under items) typically have updated payment terminals that support NFC payments.
How to confirm: Call ahead or look for the contactless payment symbol (four curved lines) at the checkout terminal. If you see that symbol, Apple Pay will likely work.
Maximize Your Dollar General Rewards with Kudos
Here's the problem with shopping at Dollar General: you're focused on finding deals, not remembering which credit card earns the most rewards. That's where Kudos comes in.
Kudos automatically tells you which card to use at Dollar General (and 15,000+ other retailers) to maximize your rewards on every purchase. Instead of mentally calculating "Is this my 5% quarter? Does Dollar General code as grocery?"—Kudos does the work for you.
Real-world example: You're checking out at Dollar General with $50 worth of cleaning supplies. Kudos notifies you: "Use your Citi Custom Cash® Card for 5% back ($2.50 rewards) instead of your debit card (no rewards)."
Do that 10 times a month, and you've earned $25/month = $300/year just by swiping the right card.
Plus, Kudos tracks your credit card perks—like statement credits, travel benefits, and purchase protections—so you never miss out on benefits you're already paying for.
Dollar General vs. Competitors: Where Can You Use Apple Pay?
If Apple Pay compatibility is a dealbreaker for you, here's how Dollar General stacks up against competitors:
Dollar stores that ACCEPT Apple Pay:
- Family Dollar – Full Apple Pay support
- Dollar Tree – Accepts Apple Pay at most locations
Dollar stores that DON'T accept Apple Pay:
- Dollar General – No Apple Pay at standard stores
- 99 Cents Only – Does not accept Apple Pay
Grocery/discount stores accepting Apple Pay:
- Target, Walgreens, CVS, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Aldi, Publix, Kroger (select locations)
Major retailers NOT accepting Apple Pay:
- Walmart (uses Walmart Pay), Home Depot (some locations), Lowe's (varies by location)
If mobile payments are essential to your shopping experience, Family Dollar and Dollar Tree offer similar products with full Apple Pay support.
Should You Get a Credit Card Just for Dollar General?
Short answer: Only if you're already in the market for a new rewards card AND you spend $200+/month at Dollar General or similar discount stores.
Important credit considerations:
- Opening a new card creates a hard inquiry (5-10 point temporary score decrease)
- Chase follows the "5/24 rule"—if you've opened 5+ cards in 24 months, you'll likely be denied
- Don't open a new card if you're applying for a mortgage or car loan within 6 months
FAQ: Dollar General and Apple Pay
Can I use Apple Pay at Dollar General?
Most standard Dollar General stores do not accept Apple Pay. However, some newer concept stores (DGX, pOpshelf) in urban areas may support contactless payments. Always bring a backup payment method.
Why doesn't Dollar General accept Apple Pay?
Dollar General promotes its own DG GO! mobile app for payments, which allows them to track shopping data and reduce transaction fees associated with third-party payment processors like Apple Pay.
Does Dollar General accept Google Pay or Samsung Pay?
No. Dollar General does not support Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or other NFC contactless payment methods at standard locations.
Can I use Apple Pay at Dollar General online?
No. DollarGeneral.com does not accept Apple Pay for online purchases. You can use credit/debit cards or PayPal.
Does Dollar General's DG GO! app work like Apple Pay?
Sort of. DG GO! (integrated into the main Dollar General app) lets you scan items and pay from your phone, but it only works at participating stores and requires adding a credit/debit card to the app—you can't link Apple Pay to it.
Bottom Line: Skip Apple Pay, Maximize Rewards Instead
While Dollar General's lack of Apple Pay support is frustrating for iPhone users, the real money-saving opportunity isn't in how you pay—it's in which card you use.
The difference between using a debit card (no rewards) and the right credit card (5% cash back) is $240/year for someone spending $400/month at Dollar General. Over five years, that's $1,200+ just by swiping a different card.
Action steps:
- Bring a physical credit card to Dollar General (Apple Pay won't work)
- Use the highest-earning card for your shopping pattern—likely Citi Custom Cash® at 5% or Chase Freedom Flex℠ during bonus quarters
- Track rewards automatically with Kudos so you never leave money on the table
- Download the DG GO! app if your local store supports it for faster checkout
Ready to maximize your Dollar General rewards? Kudos tracks all your card benefits and recommends the best card for every purchase—including those Dollar General runs.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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