Apple Pay seems to be everywhere nowadays. But I was wondering, does USPS accept Apple Pay?
We looked into it and this is what we found…
Does USPS Accept Apple Pay?
Apple Pay is one of two select forms of payment accepted by USPS, with the second select form being Click-to-Pay. There is a range of other payment options for USPS purchases, and also a number of payment forms which are not acceptable.
This article takes a look at using Apple Pay for USPS services and products. Then we’ll look at the other forms of payment you can use at USPS both instore and online.
How Do I Know If I Can Use Apple Pay At USPS?
Apple Pay has its own distinctive icon (the outline of an apple next to the word “Pay”). This symbol will always be displayed at physical checkout systems (instore) or at checkout or billing (if you’re online). If this icon isn’t there, you won’t be able to finish the transaction with Apple Pay.
If the icon is there, you’ll be promoted to select Apple Pay, both online and instore, and then to confirm a payment card. If you’re online, and this is your first purchase from the company you’re shopping with, you may have to enter shipping information.
Then confirm your payment according to your device, or if you’re instore, hold your phone close to the checkout reader and wait for the tick and the word “done” to appear on your screen.
USPS advise that you’ll need to be using either Safari Desktop (v10 or higher) or iOS Safari web browsers in order to be presented with the Apple Pay option at checkout.
Which USPS Tools And Services Accept Apple Pay?
USPS has a range of services and platforms including the physical USPS Postal stores, and you can use Apple Pay for all of these:
- The Postal Store (all outlets)
- PO Box Online
- Every Door Direct Mail
- USPS Package Intercept / USPS Delivery Instructions
- Pickup On Demand
- Click-N-Ship
- USPS Tracking Plus
You’ll need to make an online USPS account to access most of these services.
How Do I Make An Apple Pay Account?
If you have an Apple device, you’ll already have Apple Pay set up, and there’s no need to download an app.
All you need do is to add your credit or debit cards to the Apple Wallet app on your phone. You do this by opening the Wallet app, tap on Add, tap the type of card you want to add, and then follow the prompts.
You’ll need an Apple ID signed in to iCloud, and you may have to verify your information with your bank.
What Other Payments Does USPS Accept?
If you don’t have Apple Pay, there are a number of more traditional ways you can pay at USPS, and these include:
- Cash
- Visa card (except when purchasing money orders or for Collect on Delivery)
- Mastercard, Discover, and American Express
- Debit cards (if pin not required)
- Click to Pay (this option will be displayed next to the Apple Pay option at checkouts)
- PayPal (only in Postal Stores and with Click-N-Ship)
- Personal and business checks made out to “Postmaster” – and if presented along with an accepted form of photo ID. Note that Checks cannot be accepted if they are written for more than the exact amount of purchase (or for the purchase of money orders).
What Forms Of Payment Are Not Accepted By USPS?
USPS won’t accept certain forms of payment at all, and there are restrictions on other payment options, and it’s important to take note of these restrictions.
You can use personal and business checks but only with acceptable forms of ID and only if the check it written out to match the purchase.
USPS won’t accept Money Orders, and Traveller’s/Cashier’s Checks. They also won’t accept virtual Mastercard or gift cards as payment.
USPS won’t accept PayPal except for Click-N-Ship (you’ll need a USPS online account to do this) and for Postal Store purchases.
Problems With Using Apple Pay For USPS Purchases?
There are two ways to solve Apple payment problems when you’re online at USPS. The first thing you need to identify is when the problem occurred.
If the problem occurred anywhere on the payment page but before clicking on the Apple Pay button, then contact USPS for support.
However, if the issue occurs after clicking on Apple Pay (while paying for the order or something to do with your personal card) then you’ll need to contact Apple Pay Support.
Unfortunately, USPS can’t help with issues related to personal credit or debit cards, expiry dates, credit limits, and so on.
Want to learn more about USPS? Check out our related posts to learn if USPS buys back unused stamps, does USPS ask for ID, and can a USPS tracking number be fake?
Conclusion..
It’s great that USPS has now added Apple Pay to its list of payment options. This means you can use your Apple device (including watches) to complete USPS transactions, either instore or online.
If you don’t have an Apple device, there are still plenty of other digital and traditional ways available to make your purchases.