7 Surprising Ways Culver's Has Upgraded Its Payment System In 2025 (Plus: Does Apple Pay Work?)

The digital wallet revolution has finally swept through the fast-casual dining world, and as of late 2025, the answer to the most-asked question by tech-savvy diners is a resounding yes. You can now leave your physical wallet at home and still enjoy your favorite ButterBurger and a scoop of Fresh Frozen Custard.

For years, a common frustration for customers at many beloved regional chains was the lack of modern, contactless payment options. However, in a major update to its customer experience, Culver's has widely embraced mobile payment technology. This comprehensive guide, updated for the current date, December 17, 2025, breaks down exactly how and where you can use Apple Pay and other digital methods at Culver's locations across the country, ensuring your next visit is as smooth and quick as possible.

The Definitive 2025 Guide: Apple Pay and Contactless Payments at Culver's

The good news is that the vast majority of Culver's locations are now fully equipped to handle a variety of digital transactions. This is a significant shift from previous years where acceptance could be hit-or-miss, depending on the specific franchise location and the age of its point-of-sale (POS) terminals. Today, thanks to a system-wide upgrade, the experience is largely uniform.

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1. Yes, Culver's Takes Apple Pay In-Store

If you are paying for your order at the counter or the drive-thru window, you can absolutely use Apple Pay. The process is simple: look for the contactless payment symbol (four curved lines) on the card reader. This symbol indicates the terminal is equipped with Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which is what Apple Pay uses. Simply hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the reader to complete the transaction securely. This convenience is now standard at most locations that have updated their terminals post-2024.

2. Culver's App Now Supports Apple Pay for Mobile Ordering

One of the most valuable updates for regular customers is the integration of Apple Pay directly into the official Culver's mobile app. When placing an order for CurdSide pickup or carryout, you can bypass manually entering your credit or debit card details. At the checkout screen within the app, Apple Pay appears as a seamless, one-tap payment option, making pre-ordering your meal faster and more secure. This feature significantly enhances the mobile ordering experience.

3. Beyond Apple Pay: All Major Mobile Wallets Are Accepted

The commitment to modern payment flexibility extends beyond just Apple Pay. Culver's has adopted a payment infrastructure that supports the full spectrum of popular mobile wallet services.

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• Google Pay: Android users can easily pay using their Google Pay app, linking their preferred card for quick, contactless transactions.
• Samsung Pay: Devices that support Samsung Pay, which uses both NFC and Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) technology, are also fully compatible at Culver's terminals.
• Other Contactless Cards: Any physical credit or debit card with the contactless symbol (tap-to-pay feature) can be used directly on the POS machine without the need for a mobile device.

Why The Shift to Contactless Payment Matters for Your Next Visit

The widespread adoption of mobile and contactless payment technology is not just about convenience; it’s a strategic move by Culver's to improve customer service, speed, and security. Understanding these benefits can help you decide why you should switch to using your mobile wallet for your next purchase of Wisconsin Cheese Curds.

Increased Transaction Speed

In a quick-service environment like Culver's, speed is paramount. Tapping your phone or watch is significantly faster than swiping a card, waiting for the chip reader, or fumbling for cash. This reduced transaction time helps to keep the drive-thru line moving efficiently, especially during peak lunch and dinner rushes. The improvement in throughput is a major win for both the customer and the restaurant staff.

Enhanced Data Security and Privacy

One of the core advantages of using mobile wallets like Apple Pay is the superior data security they offer. When you pay with Apple Pay, your actual credit card number is never transmitted to the Culver's POS system. Instead, a unique, encrypted Device Account Number and a dynamic transaction-specific security code are used. This process, known as tokenization, drastically reduces the risk of your payment information being compromised, offering a much safer alternative to traditional card swipes.

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The Convenience of a Digital Wallet

The ability to pay with a device you already carry everywhere—your smartphone or smartwatch—is the ultimate convenience. Whether you're making a quick stop for a Value Basket or picking up a massive family order, the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a secure payment option, even if you forgot your physical wallet, is invaluable. This is especially true for CurdSide pickup orders where you want to minimize physical contact and maximize speed.

Troubleshooting and Backup Payment Options

While acceptance is now widespread, it is important to remember that Culver's operates on a franchise model. This means that, in rare instances, a specific, older location may still be in the process of updating its equipment. Knowing your backup options is key to a stress-free visit.

What to Do If Apple Pay Fails

If you encounter a rare terminal that doesn't seem to accept your mobile wallet, here are the best steps to take:

1. Try a Different Mobile Wallet: If Apple Pay fails, try Google Pay or Samsung Pay, as the underlying NFC technology may still be functional.
2. Use a Contactless Card: If you have a physical credit or debit card with the tap-to-pay symbol, try tapping the card instead of your phone.
3. Swipe/Insert the Card: All locations accept traditional credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover). This is the most reliable backup.
4. Cash: Cash is, of course, always accepted.
5. Culver's Gift Cards: You can use a physical or digital Culver's gift card for payment.

Checking Acceptance Before You Go

To ensure a smooth experience, especially if you are visiting a new location, you can quickly verify payment options. A simple call to the restaurant beforehand is the most reliable method. Alternatively, check the restaurant's listing on Apple Maps or Google Maps, as these services often display payment icons (like the Apple Pay logo) if the location has been verified to accept them.

Future of Payments at Culver's: What's Next?

The move to full contactless support is indicative of a broader trend in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. As customers increasingly value speed and security, digital transactions are becoming the standard. For Culver's, this foundation opens the door for even more advanced features in the near future:

• Loyalty Integration: Expect deeper integration between the payment process and the MyCulver's rewards program, allowing customers to automatically earn and redeem points with a single mobile tap.
• Order Customization: The mobile app will continue to be a focus, offering more robust customization options for items like ButterBurgers and Concrete Mixers, tied to a seamless Apple Pay checkout.
• Kiosk Payments: As more locations introduce self-service ordering kiosks, the ability to pay via Apple Pay on these terminals will become a standard feature, further reducing wait times at the main counter.

In conclusion, the days of wondering if you can use your iPhone to pay for your favorite Culver's meal are over. With a modern, secure, and fast system now in place, you can confidently tap, pay, and enjoy your meal knowing that Culver's has fully embraced the future of payment technology in 2025.