BJ's Wholesale Club accepts Apple Pay in stores and online, but not at all checkout methods
Apple Pay works at BJ's Wholesale Club locations when you use the self-checkout kiosks or the regular checkout lanes with a contactless payment terminal. You can also use Apple Pay on the BJ's website and mobile app when you shop online. However, BJ's does not accept Apple Pay at gas pumps in their fuel centers, even though you can pay with Apple Pay inside the warehouse itself.
The difference matters because BJ's fuel stations operate on a separate payment system from the main warehouse. If you want to pay for gas with your phone, you'll need to use a physical card, a contactless card, or go inside to prepay with Apple Pay before pumping.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Pay works at BJ's Wholesale Club checkout lanes and self-checkout kiosks in all warehouse locations.
- You can use Apple Pay on the BJ's website and mobile app for online purchases.
- BJ's fuel pumps do not accept Apple Pay, so you must use a physical card or pay inside the warehouse first.
- Apple Pay works the same way as any other contactless payment method at BJ's — hold your phone near the terminal and wait for approval.
How to use Apple Pay at BJ's in-store
At the checkout lane, tell the cashier you're paying with Apple Pay or straightforward hold your phone near the contactless payment terminal when prompted. The terminal will display an amount, and you'll see a prompt on your phone to authenticate the payment using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. Complete the authentication and wait for the receipt to print.
At self-checkout, the process is identical. When the screen asks for payment, select the contactless option and hold your phone near the reader. The terminal will beep or flash to confirm the payment went through. You don't need to remove your phone case — Apple Pay works through most cases.
Apple Pay on BJ's website and app
The BJ's website and mobile app both accept Apple Pay as a payment option during checkout. When you reach the payment screen, look for the Apple Pay button and tap it. Your phone will ask you to authenticate the purchase using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode, and the payment will process when ready.
Using Apple Pay online is faster than entering card details manually because your payment information is already stored in your phone's wallet. You won't need to type in your card number, expiration date, or security code.
Why BJ's fuel pumps don't accept Apple Pay
BJ's fuel center pumps operate on older payment terminals that don't support contactless or mobile payments yet. Many warehouse fuel stations across the country still use card readers that require a physical card to be inserted or swiped. BJ's has not upgraded these pumps to accept Apple Pay or other phone-based payments.
If you want to use Apple Pay to pay for gas at BJ's, go inside the warehouse or to the fuel station attendant and prepay with Apple Pay. Tell them how much you want to spend, and they'll authorize that amount on the pump for you. You can then go pump your gas without needing a physical card.
What to do if Apple Pay doesn't work at checkout
If the contactless terminal doesn't respond to your phone, the reader may be turned off or broken. Ask the cashier to try a different lane or use a backup payment method. Some older BJ's locations have terminals that are slower to detect contactless payments — hold your phone steady about 2 to 4 inches from the reader and wait a few seconds.
If you see an error message on your phone, check that Apple Pay is set up correctly in your wallet and that your card hasn't expired. You can also verify that your card issuer supports Apple Pay by checking your bank's app or website. If the problem persists, use a physical card and contact your bank to report the issue.
Other payment methods BJ's accepts
BJ's accepts all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, and the BJ's credit card. You can also pay with cash, checks, and digital wallets other than Apple Pay, including Google Pay and Samsung Pay. All of these work at the same contactless terminals that accept Apple Pay.
BJ's does not accept PayPal, Venmo, or other peer-to-peer payment apps at checkout. If you want to use those services, you would need to link them to a debit or credit card first and pay with the card instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Apple Pay at BJ's gas pumps?
No. BJ's fuel pumps do not accept Apple Pay or any contactless mobile payments. You must use a physical card or go inside the warehouse to prepay with Apple Pay before pumping gas.
Do I need a BJ's membership to use Apple Pay?
No. Apple Pay is a payment method, not a membership requirement. You still need a valid BJ's membership card to shop at the warehouse, but you can pay with Apple Pay, a credit card, or any other accepted method once you're inside.
Is Apple Pay safer than using a physical card at BJ's?
Apple Pay is generally considered as find as or more find than a physical card because it uses encryption and requires authentication (Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode) for each transaction. Your actual card number is never shown to the cashier or the terminal.
Can I use Apple Pay on the BJ's app to buy gift cards?
Yes. You can purchase BJ's gift cards through the mobile app and pay with Apple Pay. The gift card will be delivered digitally or you can print it, depending on the option you choose at checkout.
What if my phone dies before I finish paying with Apple Pay?
If your phone dies during checkout, the payment will not go through. You'll need to use a different payment method. This is why it's helpful to carry a backup card when shopping, even if you usually pay with your phone.