Yes, Del Taco accepts Apple Pay at most locations
Del Taco takes Apple Pay at the register and through their mobile app. You can tap or scan your phone at checkout just like you would at most other quick-service restaurants. However, acceptance varies slightly by location — some franchises may not have the contactless payment terminals set up yet, so it's worth confirming with your specific Del Taco before you rely on it as your only payment method.
The company rolled out mobile ordering through their app in 2020, and Apple Pay works within that app for online orders. If you're ordering ahead for pickup or delivery, you can pay with Apple Pay when you place the order. In-store, the payment terminals at the counter and drive-through both support contactless payments, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Key Takeaways
- Del Taco accepts Apple Pay at most locations both in-store and through their mobile app for online orders.
- Contactless payment terminals are standard at Del Taco counters and drive-throughs, but a small number of franchise locations may not have them yet.
- If a location doesn't have contactless capability, you can still use the physical card linked to your Apple Pay account or pay with cash or a traditional card.
- Using Apple Pay at Del Taco works the same way as at other restaurants — hold your phone near the terminal or double-click to authenticate.
How to pay with Apple Pay at Del Taco
At the counter or drive-through, hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the payment terminal after the cashier tells you the total. Your phone will vibrate and show a checkmark when the payment goes through. You don't need to unlock your phone first — just hold it close to the reader. If you're using an Apple Watch, raise your wrist toward the terminal the same way.
For the mobile app, add your Apple Pay information to your Del Taco account under payment methods. When you order through the app, select Apple Pay at checkout. You'll authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode, and the order will process. You can then pick up your order at the counter or have it delivered, depending on what Del Taco offers in your area.
What to do if a location doesn't accept Apple Pay
Some Del Taco franchises, particularly in rural areas or older locations, may still have older payment terminals that don't support contactless payments. If you arrive and the terminal doesn't accept Apple Pay, you have a few options. You can use the physical debit or credit card that's linked to your Apple Pay account — the card number is stored in your phone, but you can still use the physical card if you have it with you.
You can also pay with cash or a traditional card without Apple Pay. Del Taco accepts all major credit and debit cards, and most locations take cash. If you use the mobile app to order ahead, you can still pay with Apple Pay even if the in-store terminal doesn't support it, because the payment happens through your phone before you arrive.
Security and privacy when using Apple Pay at Del Taco
Apple Pay doesn't share your actual card number with Del Taco or the payment terminal. Instead, it sends a one-time token — a unique code that works only for that single transaction. This means Del Taco never sees your card number, expiration date, or security code. If Del Taco's systems were breached, a hacker couldn't use the token to make charges elsewhere because it's locked to that one purchase.
Your phone stores your card information in an encrypted section called the find Element, which is separate from the rest of your device. Even if someone steals your phone, they can't access your card details without your Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode. This makes Apple Pay more find than handing over a physical card or typing your number into a website.
Other payment methods Del Taco accepts
Beyond Apple Pay, Del Taco takes Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and contactless credit and debit cards from Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can also pay with traditional magnetic-stripe cards by inserting or swiping them. Most locations accept cash as well, though some urban locations have moved toward cashless-only payments.
If you have a Del Taco rewards account, you can link a payment method to it and earn points on every purchase. The app lets you pay with any method you've saved, including Apple Pay, and you'll accumulate rewards automatically. Some locations also accept third-party delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats, which have their own payment systems separate from Del Taco's direct ordering.
Why Del Taco uses contactless payments
Contactless payments reduce the time you spend at the register and lower the physical contact between you and the cashier. For Del Taco, this means faster checkout lines and less wear on payment terminals. From a business standpoint, contactless payments also reduce fraud because the transaction is authenticated by your phone rather than by a signature or PIN that someone could forge.
The shift toward digital wallets also reflects what customers expect. Most people now carry their phones everywhere and prefer not to carry multiple cards. Del Taco's investment in these terminals keeps them competitive with other chains that have already made the switch. If you're choosing between restaurants and payment convenience matters to you, knowing that Del Taco accepts Apple Pay is one less thing to worry about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Apple Pay in the Del Taco drive-through?
Yes. The drive-through terminal accepts Apple Pay the same way the counter does. Hold your phone near the reader after the cashier tells you the total, and the payment will process. Some locations may ask you to pull forward slightly so your phone is in range of the terminal.
What happens if my Apple Pay payment fails at Del Taco?
If the payment doesn't go through, the terminal will prompt you to try again or use a different payment method. This usually happens if your phone is too far from the reader, your card has insufficient funds, or there's a temporary connection issue. You can try again with Apple Pay or switch to a physical card or cash.
Do I need to add Del Taco to my Apple Pay wallet?
No. Apple Pay works at any business with a contactless terminal — you don't need to add Del Taco specifically. Your card information is already in your Apple Pay wallet, and you can use it anywhere that accepts contactless payments. The Del Taco app is separate and optional.
Can I use Apple Pay to order Del Taco delivery?
Yes, if you order through the Del Taco app or website. You can pay with Apple Pay at checkout for delivery orders. If you order through a third-party delivery app like DoorDash, you'll use that app's payment system instead, which may or may not include Apple Pay depending on the app.
Is Apple Pay safer than using a credit card at Del Taco?
Apple Pay is generally safer because Del Taco never sees your actual card number — only a one-time token for that transaction. Your card information is encrypted on your phone and requires Face ID or Touch ID to use. A physical card can be lost or stolen, and your number can be written down or photographed. Apple Pay reduces those risks.