I use Apple Pay for everything. It’s fast, secure, and best of all it gives me 2% cash back on my Apple Card. However, some stores don’t stop at 2% cash back—participating retailers offer 3%. So if you want to squeeze every cent of credit card rewards you can into your shopping, you might want to consider picking these stores over alternatives, when possible.
As a refresher, your Apple Card has three different tiers of cash back rewards: When using the physical card, you get 1% back everywhere; when using Apple Pay in person or online, you get 2% back; when using Apple Pay in person or online at one of the following retailers, you get 3% back. This money is automatically added to your Apple Cash card, which you can use towards other purchases, use towards your Apple Card bill, or put into a bank account.
Which stores give you 3% cash back when using Apple Pay with an Apple Card?
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Apple adds to this list every now and then, so we’ll keep it updated as things change. Currently, stories that give you 3% cash back for using Apple Pay with an Apple Card include:
Ace Hardware: Ace Hardware is the latest store to be added to Apple’s 3% cash back program. Earn an extra point of cash back when shopping at their stores versus the hardware competition.
Apple: It’s probably not surprising that Apple is one of the companies on this Apple Card list. Any Apple Pay purchase you make with the company, whether you buy an iPhone or an app, nets you 3% cash back.
ExxonMobil: Gas prices are high these days, and every cent saved helps. You’ll get 3% cash back when using your Apple Card at ExxonMobil gas stations, including both at the pump and when making purchases in attached convenience stores.
Nike: Like gas prices, Nike’s products are on the expensive side, so it’s a good thing you can pocket an extra 1% cash back when using Apple Pay with your Apple Card. Just know you can’t use this 3% cash back deal on Nike stores outside the US.
Panera: Panera gives you 3% back on its soups, salads, and sandwiches, but not in locations outside the US. It also doesn’t apply to orders through third-party apps, online purchases with plastic gift cards, as well as gift cards purchases through the “Bulk Gift Card” program.
T-Mobile: AT&T might have been the exclusive carrier of iPhones for a period, but T-Mobile is currently the exclusive carrier for 3% Apple Pay cash back. You can earn these rewards when shopping at T-Mobile stores or when paying your T-Mobile bill. This program doesn’t apply to T-Mobile authorized dealers though.
Uber/Uber Eats: You can earn more cash back by choosing Uber for your ride shares and Uber Eats for food delivery. Now that you have some extra money, make sure to tip your drivers well.
Walgreens: Funny enough, Apple actually advertises Walgreens most for its entire 3% cash back program. However, you won’t be able to get 3% back at Sprint Express and independent health service providers, which includes Walgreens Optical and Walgreens Hearing. You also won’t get the reward when using third-party delivery apps.