The Definitive 2024 Guide: 5 Things Crafters Need To Know About Hobby Lobby's Apple Pay Policy

Are you heading to Hobby Lobby with your phone ready to tap and pay? As of December 14, 2025, the answer to the popular question, "Does Hobby Lobby take Apple Pay?" is a nuanced one that every crafter and home decorator needs to know before they reach the checkout line. While the convenience of a digital wallet has become a standard in modern retail, the policy at Hobby Lobby stores remains surprisingly traditional, sticking to a classic set of payment options that may catch mobile-first shoppers off guard.

The short and definitive answer is that Hobby Lobby does not accept Apple Pay in its physical retail stores, meaning you cannot use your iPhone or Apple Watch for contactless payment at the register. However, for those who prefer shopping from home, the company does accept Apple Pay for purchases made through their official website, HobbyLobby.com, and their mobile app. Understanding this distinction is crucial to ensure a smooth and frustration-free shopping experience, whether you're buying yarn, frames, or seasonal decor.

The Current State of Payment at Hobby Lobby Stores (In-Store vs. Online)

The difference between Hobby Lobby’s in-store and online payment policies highlights a significant gap in their retail technology adoption. Many major retailers have integrated Near Field Communication (NFC) terminals to facilitate quick, secure mobile payments, but Hobby Lobby has held back. This decision impacts not only Apple Pay users but also customers who rely on other digital wallet services like Google Pay and Samsung Pay.

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In-Store Payment Methods: What You Can Actually Use

Since the tap-to-pay option is unavailable, shoppers must rely on traditional payment methods when visiting any of the hundreds of Hobby Lobby locations across the country. These methods are reliable and widely accepted, ensuring that you can still complete your purchase without issue, provided you have a physical card or cash. The accepted in-store payment entities include:

• Major Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
• Debit Cards: Any debit card associated with the major card networks listed above.
• Hobby Lobby Gift Cards: Both physical and e-gift cards issued by Hobby Lobby.
• Cash: Standard paper currency and coins.
• Personal Checks: In many locations, personal checks are still accepted, though this may require a valid photo ID for verification.

This list shows a preference for traditional forms of payment, which is a key reason why NFC-based mobile payment systems like Apple Pay are not supported at the Point-of-Sale (POS) system.

Online and App Payment Methods: Where Apple Pay Shines

The story changes entirely when you move your shopping experience to the digital realm. Hobby Lobby has embraced modern e-commerce payment solutions for its online platform, prioritizing customer convenience and security for remote purchases. When shopping on the Hobby Lobby website or through their mobile application, you can easily use your digital wallet.

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• Apple Pay: Available for a seamless, secure checkout process on Apple devices.
• PayPal: A widely used third-party payment processor offering buyer protection.
• Major Credit and Debit Cards: All the same major card networks accepted in-store.
• Hobby Lobby Gift Cards: Can be redeemed for online orders.

The acceptance of Apple Pay online confirms that the company has the necessary infrastructure to process these payments; the restriction is purely on the physical store side.

Why Does Hobby Lobby Not Accept Apple Pay In-Store?

The decision to bypass NFC technology for in-store transactions is a business choice rooted in several factors, primarily cost and strategic priorities. For a large retail chain, updating the Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals at every checkout counter across all locations represents a significant capital expenditure.

One primary reason for the lack of contactless payment is the need to upgrade existing hardware. Older credit card terminals often lack the necessary NFC chip readers required to communicate with a mobile device’s digital wallet. The cost of purchasing and installing new terminals, coupled with the ongoing maintenance and transaction fees associated with mobile payment systems, can be substantial.

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Furthermore, Hobby Lobby’s business model and target demographic may not show a high enough customer demand for mobile payments to justify the investment. While digital wallets are growing in popularity, a significant portion of their customer base may still prefer traditional payment methods like physical credit cards, debit cards, or even cash and personal checks. By sticking to these tried-and-true methods, the company avoids the complexity and expense of integrating new retail technology. This preference for traditional payment methods is a key entity in understanding their current policy.

3 Secure Alternatives to Apple Pay for Your Crafting Haul

If you arrive at Hobby Lobby without your physical wallet, you’ll need a plan B, as the coveted Apple Pay option will fail at the register. Fortunately, there are several secure and widely accepted alternatives that can save your shopping trip.

1. Use a Physical Credit or Debit Card

The most straightforward alternative is to use a physical card. Hobby Lobby accepts all major credit and debit cards—Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. These transactions are processed via the traditional chip-and-PIN method, which is a highly secure form of payment. Ensure you have your physical card ready, as the transaction cannot be completed by waving your phone over the terminal.

2. The Hobby Lobby Gift Card

If you are a frequent shopper, a Hobby Lobby Gift Card is an excellent alternative. These cards function like a prepaid debit card and are accepted both in-store and online. They are a convenient way to budget for your crafting supplies and bypass the entire mobile payment dilemma. This is a crucial entity for loyal customers seeking convenience.

3. Cash or Personal Check

For those who prefer not to use a card, cash is always accepted. Additionally, Hobby Lobby is one of the retailers that still accepts personal checks, a nod to its more traditional approach to commerce. If you choose to pay by check, be prepared to present a valid form of identification, as is standard procedure for check verification.

The Future of Contactless Payment at Hobby Lobby

While Hobby Lobby has resisted the NFC revolution thus far, the retail landscape is constantly evolving. Consumer expectations for mobile payment systems and digital wallet convenience are rising, especially among younger demographics. As competitors continue to adopt contactless payment methods, the pressure on Hobby Lobby to upgrade its Point-of-Sale (POS) infrastructure may increase.

For now, shoppers should plan to use a physical card or cash for all in-store purchases. The current policy, as of late 2024 and heading into 2025, remains clear: Apple Pay is for online purchases only. Keep an eye on the checkout terminals for any future signs of NFC or contactless payment logos, which would signal a major shift in the company’s retail technology strategy. Until then, remember to bring your physical wallet along with your creative inspiration to ensure a smooth checkout experience for your next crafting project.