Does Sonic take Apple Pay? If you’re going to Sonic for a quick bite, you’re probably hoping not just for fast food but also for a fast way of payment. And why not? Contactless Payments like Apple Pay are transforming how we make payments, especially at restaurants. Just tap and walla, and you’re done!

Apple Pay is a speedy and secure way for customers to pay directly from their Apple device, such as an Apple Watch or iPhone. It is easy and eliminates the digging out of cash or cards. And it’s fast becoming very popular in the food sector.

But what about Sonic, a popular drive-in for burgers, slushes, and carhop service? In this article, we will discuss everything that you need to know about using Apple Pay at Sonic in 2025. 

What is Sonic Drive-In?

Sonic Drive-In is a famous American fast-food chain founded in 1953 in Shawnee, Oklahoma. It is owned by the Inspire brand, which is the parent company of Baskin-Robbins and Dunkin. For the stores, you will find many of them across the country.

The charm of the place is in its retro theme. All you need to do is drive into a stall, order through a speaker, and in a couple of minutes, a smiling carhop delivers your food to the window. Sometimes, their team even wears roller skates to add fun and match with retro vibes.

Sonic is known for its tasty burgers, crispy tater tots, hot dogs, and cherry limeade-like fruit drinks. The ideal combination of classic service and advanced technology differentiates Sonic from the usual suspects and newcomers to the industry.

Does Sonic Take Apple Pay?

Time to reveal the most awaited answer. Yes, Sonic Drive-In takes Apple Pay at most of its outlets. They have made it easier for customers to use Apple Pay for seamless transactions while ordering at a drive-in stall or through a mobile device. 

The restaurant started accepting Apple Pay in November 2019. Plus, using Apple is an easy and secure payment method. Just hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the contactless payment reader. And, if you are ordering your favorite meal through a mobile app, you can opt for Apple Pay as a payment option at checkout. 

Having Apple Pay with you means you don’t need to hold cash or credit cards anymore. It is very convenient if you are in a rush or don’t want to touch payment machines. Don’t forget that not every Sonic takes Apple Pay. So, if you’re not sure, you should ask their employees or check their App on your phone before ordering. 

How to Use Apple Pay at Sonic?

Thinking of using Apple Pay at Sonic, then let me tell you it is pretty easy and quick. Here’s how you can do it: 

1. At the Drive-In Stall

• Firstly, park your car at an open stall. 
• Place your order using the touchscreen or speaker system.
• To pay, let the carhop know you would like to use Apple Pay. 
• Hold your Apple device near the contactless reader until a check mark appears on your screen. 

2. In the Sonic App

• Download the Sonic Drive-In app on your iPhone. 
• Sign up or log in.
• Next, add the items of food you would like to consume to your shopping cart.
• Select the pickup spot. 
• At checkout, click on Apple Pay as your preferred payment mode.
• Approve it with your Face ID, Touch ID, or Passcode. 

3. At the Drive-Thru (Some Locations)

• Please order as usual. 
• Once you reach the window, ask if they take Apple Pay. 
• Tap your device near the payment reader to pay. 

Note: You should double-check or ask the staff before placing an order, as some old locations might not accept Apple Pay even today. 

New to Apple Pay? Here’s How to Set It Up on Your iPhone

If you are a beginner and don’t know how to use Apple Pay, no worries. We are here to help you with all this. Below are steps that you can follow to make contactless payments at Sonic using Apple Pay: 

• Open the Wallet app (pre-installed on all iPhones) on your iPhone. 
• Click the “+” (plus) button in the top-right corner to add your card. 
• Now select the bank and the card you want to add – credit or debit.
• Scan your card by utilizing the camera or entering the card details manually. 

Follow the instructions from your bank or card issuer for confirmation. It can be in the form of an email, a phone call, or a text. 

Your card will be added to your Apple Wallet and will be ready to use after verification. 

Benefits of Using Apple Pay at Sonic

There are multiple benefits of using Apple Pay at Sonic to make a payment for your order. Below, we have mentioned some of them: 

1. Easy and Instant Checkout

Apple Pay is convenient when making payments. With just a tap of your Apple device, your payment is made instantly. It is a system that saves time and is useful in this fast age.

2. Safe and Contactless

The outbreak of COVID-19 has skyrocketed the value of contactless payments. Apple Pay allows you to pay without touching the buttons or handing a card to anybody. It is a good option for making payments if you do not have physical contact. 

3. Available in the App or at the Stall

Regardless of whether you are ordering using the Sonic app or drive-in stand, Apple Pay is accepted everywhere. The ease of use of the payment method makes it handy while you are on the move or tend to forget bringing cash or a card.

4. Extra Security 

Apple Pay makes use of cutting-edge security features, including two-step verification and iCloud security, to provide an additional safety level. When paying at Sonic, it never gives away your real card number. It is way more secure than paying directly via a card.

6. Convenience 

With Apple Pay, you no longer have to carry cash or a card everywhere you go. Your Apple device will become a source of payment for you while making your Sonic visit hassle-free, and the payment procedure will be easier. 

Other Payment Methods Accepted at Sonic

Paying for your order at Sonic is easier. Why? Because of the variety of payment options it offers to its users. If you are someone who doesn’t use Apple Pay, don’t worry. Below are some other methods to pay that you can use to grab your tasty meal at Sonic:   

1. Debit and Credit Cards

All major credit and debit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express, are accepted at most Sonic stores. They can use it to order from the stall, drive-thru, or through the Sonic app.

2. Cash

Cash is the oldest and best way to pay for your order. Why best? Because when everything stops, your Apple Pay or Cards, it shines out. All Sonic Outlets accept cash as a mode of payment. Simply inform the carhop and pay for your meal easily. 

3. Google Pay and Samsung Pay

For Android users, many Sonic locations accept Google Pay and Samsung Pay. You simply have to hold your phone near the payment scanner and enter your passcode or Face ID, and you are done. 

4. Sonic Gift Card

You can also use a gift card, either physical or digital, to pay at Sonic. They are an easy option for regular visits, and you can even add them to your account to check out instantly.

5. Sonic App Payments

The Sonic App allows customers to save a card or use a pay-in-advance feature with a digital wallet. It is a great option if you prefer a faster, touchless, and simple way of payment directly through your phone. 

Apple Pay Not Working at Sonic? Common Issues and Easy Fixes

Although using Apple Pay at Sonic is generally very easy and faster, you can experience a few issues here and there. Let’s have a look at some of them and how you can fix them: 

1. Apple Pay is Not Working

Sometimes, it might be possible that the contactless reader is not working properly, especially at older locations. In that case, ask the carhop or the staff to restart the terminal or try it on other contactless readers.

2. Payment Option Not Showing in the Sonic App

If Apple Pay is not shown as a payment option in the Sonic App, make sure that your Wallet is correctly configured and that your iPhone has the latest iOS. Try restarting the app. If it still doesn’t work, then reinstall the App.

3. Card Not Accepted

Not every bank allows using Apple Pay. If you have any issues with your card, then call your bank or try adding another card to your wallet.  

4. Sonic Location Doesn’t Accept Apple Pay

There are some Sonic stores that are owned by the franchise and might not accept Apple Pay even today. In such cases, you should call or check the Sonic app to see whether the location you’re visiting accepts this mode of payment or not. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. Do all Sonic locations accept Apple Pay?

A. No, not every Sonic accepts Apple Pay, particularly the ones that are owned by the franchises. That’s why it’s recommended to ask their staff or check on the Sonic App before you place the final order. 

Q2. Is using Apple Pay at Sonic safe?

A. Yes, you can use Apple Pay without worrying about privacy or safety. It does not share your card number while making a payment and creates a unique code for each purchase.

Q3. Can I make a payment using Apple Pay on the Sonic App?

A. Yes, you can pay with Apple Pay without sacrificing safety or privacy. It does not reveal your card number when you make a payment and generates a new code for every purchase.

Q4. Do I have to pay any fees for using Apple Pay at Sonic?

A. The good news is that you will not have to pay any fees to use Apple Pay at Sonic to get your favorite burger. It is almost as easy as using your physical debit or credit card.

Q5. Does Apple Pay require an internet connection to use at Sonic?

A. No, you don’t need an internet connection to pay using Apple Pay at Sonic. Some aspects of their App, such as pre-orders, do need a Wi-Fi or internet connection.

 

Q6. What do I do if my Apple Pay is not working at Sonic?

A. If your Apple Pay does not work at Sonic, then it may be that your Apple Pay has been set up incorrectly. In that situation, either restart your phone or use another bank to make the payment.

Conclusion 

Ultimately, it is quite certain that Sonic does take Apple Pay at the majority of its stores. In addition, this payment option is one of the simplest and fastest means to make a payment at Sonic Drive-In. Either you order through the Sonic App or drive-in booth, Apple Pay makes sure the transaction is smooth and safe. It is one of the default options for those who prefer touchless and do not feel like dealing with cash, especially when time is limited.

With more customers moving towards digital payments, Sonic keeps itself updated to align with customers’ needs and demands. From Apple Pay to other wallet options and even gift cards, the platform offers you a wide variety of payment options. So next time, whenever you feel like grabbing your favorite meal from Sonic, just go ahead and tap to pay. You can also read our other article, “ Does In-N-Out accept Apple Pay?

Also Read: Does In n out Take Apple Pay