If you’re wondering, does 5 Below take Apple Pay—the answer is yes. As someone who covers retail payment systems and digital checkout technology, I’ve researched and verified how Apple Pay works at Five Below, both in-store and through the mobile app.
In this article, I’ll explain exactly how to use Apple Pay at 5 Below, the benefits, security features, alternative payment methods, and practical tips for first-time users.
This matters more than ever as digital wallets continue to replace traditional card swipes, especially at fast-checkout retailers like Five Below where speed and convenience are key. Understanding how these payment methods integrate into modern retail will help you shop more efficiently and securely.
Does 5 Below Take Apple Pay In-Store?
Yes, every Five Below location accepts Apple Pay at checkout. Their POS terminals are NFC-enabled, meaning you can simply tap your iPhone or Apple Watch near the contactless reader to complete your purchase.
Here’s how to use it:
- Open Apple Pay or double-click the side button
- Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode
- Hold your device near the payment reader
- Wait for confirmation and you’re done
This makes checkout almost instantaneous, which is perfect for quick, small-item purchases that Five Below is known for.
Does 5 Below Take Apple Pay in the App?
Yes. If you’re checking out using the Five Below mobile app, you can select Apple Pay as an express payment option. When you reach the checkout screen, you’ll see:
- Credit/debit card
- Apple Pay
- PayPal
- Gift cards
Apple Pay is the quickest of these because it autofills billing and shipping details and bypasses manual entry fields.
Why Using Apple Pay at 5 Below Is Smart
From both a consumer-security and convenience perspective, Apple Pay has distinct advantages:
- No physical card number is shared with the store
- Transactions are tokenized and encrypted
- Authentication requires Face ID / Touch ID
- Faster checkout than cash or chip-insert cards
- No need to carry a wallet
- Works even if cards are frozen or replaced
Using Apple Pay means fewer friction points during checkout and a dramatically lower chance of fraud or card skimming.
All Payment Methods Accepted at 5 Below
Here’s a clean comparison for clarity:
| Payment Method | In-Store | Online/App | Notes |
| Apple Pay | Yes | Yes | Fastest and most secure |
| Google Pay / Android Pay | Yes | Yes | Alternative NFC payment |
| Samsung Pay | Yes | No | In-store only |
| Visa / Mastercard / AmEx | Yes | Yes | Standard card checkout |
| Discover | Yes | Yes | Fully accepted |
| Debit Cards | Yes | Yes | Works like credit |
| Cash | Yes | No | Store checkout only |
| PayPal | No | Yes | Online/app checkout |
| Five Below gift cards | Yes | Yes | In-store and digital gift cards |
Can You Use Apple Pay at Self-Checkout at 5 Below?
Many Five Below locations have fast checkout stations. The good news: these also support Apple Pay. If you see the contactless symbol on the terminal, you’re good to go.
Does Apple Pay Earn Rewards or Cash Back at 5 Below?
That depends on your card connected to Apple Pay. For example:
- Some Apple Pay-linked cards offer 2–5% cashback
- Reward-linked credit cards earn points
- Apple Card earns Daily Cash
Using Apple Pay does not negatively impact rewards—if anything, it enhances them through digital-payment incentives.
Security: Is It Safe to Use Apple Pay at 5 Below?
Very safe. Apple Pay includes:
- Randomized transaction tokens
- Encrypted authentication
- No visible card number
- No magnetic stripe data
- No physical card handling
Even Five Below employees never see or touch your card information, which greatly reduces the risk of card duplication or identity theft.
Common Apple Pay Problems at 5 Below (and how to fix them)
Terminal not recognizing the phone
Try moving your device closer or adjusting position over the reader. NFC sensors work at short range.
Apple Pay not opening automatically
Use the side button to manually activate.
Card declined
Usually caused by:
- Expired card
- Bank security check
- Temporary freeze
Apple Watch not working
Ensure wrist & passcode detection are enabled.
Does 5 Below Take Apple Pay for Online Orders Without the App?
Yes, if you’re using Safari on Mac, iPhone, or iPad, Apple Pay may appear as a browser-based checkout option. If you’re using Chrome or Android browser, Apple Pay will not appear.
To summarize:
- iPhone Safari: Yes
- Mac Safari: Yes
- PC or Android browser: No
Can You Use Apple Pay Inside Apple Wallet to Store Five Below Gift Cards?
While you can’t store Five Below gift cards natively in Apple Wallet, you can manually input card numbers into Notes or a third-party wallet app. However, Five Below does not currently offer official Apple Wallet integration for its gift cards.
Should You Use Apple Pay or a Physical Card at 5 Below?
For convenience and security, Apple Pay is generally superior.
Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Feature | Apple Pay | Physical Card |
| Speed | Instant | Slower |
| Security | Higher | Lower |
| Card number exposed | No | Yes |
| Requires carrying wallet | No | Yes |
| Authentication | Face ID/Touch ID | Signature/PIN sometimes |
You’ll spend less time at checkout, reduce physical contact, and significantly increase transaction privacy.
FAQs
1. Does 5 Below take Apple Pay at every location?
Yes, all Five Below stores accept Apple Pay at their registers.
2. Does 5 Below take Apple Pay for online purchases?
Yes, through the Five Below app, and sometimes through Safari-based checkout on iPhone or Mac.
3. Does Apple Pay work with Face ID at 5 Below?
Yes, you authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode.
4. Can I use Apple Pay with rewards cards or cashback cards?
Yes. If your linked card earns rewards, you’ll still earn them.
5. Does 5 Below accept other mobile wallets like Google Pay or Samsung Pay?
Yes, Google Pay and Samsung Pay are supported in-store. Google Pay also works online through the app.
6. Does 5 Below accept PayPal?
Yes, but online/app only—not in physical stores.
Final Thoughts
So, does 5 Below take Apple Pay? Absolutely—they accept it in-store via NFC terminals and online through the Five Below app. It’s one of the fastest, safest, and most convenient ways to pay, especially for quick, budget-friendly shopping trips.
As contactless payments continue to become the norm, using Apple Pay isn’t just modern—it’s financially smart, hygienic, and secure.
Whether you’re stocking up on candy, toys, décor, or tech accessories, Apple Pay streamlines the experience from start to finish.
In a world moving rapidly toward wallet-free purchasing, Five Below is fully aligned with that trend, making checkout simple and seamless.
