Mobile payments have shifted how physical purchases are handled. Contactless checkouts are no longer a luxury. They are the standard. Retail chains have responded, updating their payment infrastructure to accommodate digital wallets.
Among these wallets, Apple Pay and Google Pay dominate. Consumers rely on them for fast, secure transactions. For frequent shoppers at Ross Dress for Less, the question arises is – does Ross accept Apple Pay or Google Pay?
The answer, as of 2025, is yes. Ross Dress for Less now supports both Apple Pay and Google Pay in its physical stores. However, the online checkout process is handled differently.
Ross Dress for Less: Business Model and Technology Adoption
Ross Dress for Less ranks among the top off-price retail chains in the United States. With over 1,700 locations, Ross is known for offering discounted apparel, home goods, and accessories. The company operates on a lean model. Its stores focus more on inventory turnover than visual appeal or technological innovation.
For years, Ross resisted upgrading its point-of-sale (POS) terminals. While competitors embraced NFC-compatible systems, Ross lagged. The decision aligned with the brand’s cost-saving philosophy.
However, rising demand for contactless payments and consumer expectations have altered that course. By 2025, Ross has gradually adopted mobile wallet-friendly payment hardware.
Does Ross Accept Apple Pay?
Yes, Ross accepts Apple Pay at all physical store locations as of 2025.
Customers can now use iPhones or Apple Watches to complete transactions without handling cards or cash. NFC readers are installed across all Ross POS terminals. Apple Pay now integrates seamlessly with the existing checkout system, ensuring faster and more secure transactions.
Upgrading to support Apple Pay reflects the broader retail trend toward frictionless transactions. While Ross arrived later than some competitors, the infrastructure is now in place across stores nationwide.
How to Use Apple Pay at Ross
The Apple Pay experience at Ross stores mirrors its use elsewhere. Each transaction follows a simple sequence:
- Open the Wallet app and select a linked payment card.
- Hold the iPhone or Apple Watch near the contactless reader.
- Authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode.
- Wait for the confirmation beep or vibration.
Each transaction uses tokenized card information, not the actual number. That makes Apple Pay safer than swiping or inserting a card. No personal payment data gets shared with the merchant. The system also prevents unauthorized transactions without biometric authentication.
Does Ross Accept Google Pay?
Yes, Ross accepts Google Pay in all its physical retail locations.
Android users can now check out at Ross stores using Google Pay, provided their devices support NFC. The upgrade enables tap-and-go payments using smartphones, tablets, or watches connected with Google Wallet.
Ross’s decision to support Google Pay aligns with the shift toward contactless infrastructure. Google Pay functions similarly to Apple Pay but supports Android-based ecosystems. It also uses tokenized credentials to protect card details.
How to Use Google Pay at Ross
For Google Pay users, completing a payment at Ross is straightforward:
- Ensure Google Pay is set up and linked to a payment method.
- Unlock the phone or activate the smart device.
- Hold the device near the contactless reader.
- Authenticate with fingerprint, face unlock, or PIN.
Once authenticated, the system completes the payment securely and silently. Each interaction takes less than two seconds, reducing wait times and improving checkout efficiency.
Online Shopping at Ross: Does Apple Pay or Google Pay Work?
No, Ross does not currently accept Apple Pay or Google Pay for online purchases.
Ross lacks a robust e-commerce platform. While the website displays products and offers limited online availability, transactions are not fully supported through mobile wallets. Instead, customers must rely on traditional payment methods such as:
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Ross gift cards
There is no integration yet with Apple Pay or Google Pay in Ross’s online checkout workflow. That limits the use of contactless payment methods to in-store shopping experiences.
Why Ross Finally Adopted Apple Pay and Google Pay
Several factors contributed to Ross’s recent support for contactless payment options:
- Consumer Demand: Mobile wallets are no longer niche. As millions shifted toward contactless options post-pandemic, retailers had to respond.
- Security Advantages: Apple Pay and Google Pay offer stronger fraud protection. That reduces chargebacks and boosts trust.
- Speed at Checkout: Tap-to-pay transactions take less time than swipes, improving customer flow during peak hours.
- Industry Pressure: Competing retailers have widely adopted contactless systems. Ignoring that shift risks falling behind in customer satisfaction metrics.
By updating payment terminals, Ross modernized its in-store experience without compromising its discount-first model.
What Devices Work With Apple Pay at Ross?
Apple Pay is compatible with a wide range of Apple devices. Supported options for use at Ross include:
- iPhone SE (1st generation or later)
- iPhone 6 or newer
- Apple Watch Series 1 and above
- iPad models with Face ID or Touch ID
- Mac models with Touch ID or linked iPhones
Apple Pay uses NFC and requires iOS devices with wallet functionality. Customers must also ensure their cards are linked and verified inside the Wallet app.
What Devices Work With Google Pay at Ross?
Google Pay functions on Android smartphones and tablets equipped with NFC and running Android Lollipop (5.0) or later. Supported hardware includes:
- Pixel phones
- Samsung Galaxy series
- OnePlus devices
- Smartwatches with Wear OS 2.0 or higher
The device must have Google Wallet installed and a linked debit or credit card to initiate payments. Authentication via biometric or PIN is required before the transaction completes.
Benefits of Using Apple Pay and Google Pay at Ross
Using mobile wallets at Ross stores delivers several advantages:
- Speed: Payments process within seconds, reducing wait times.
- Hygiene: Fewer touchpoints promote cleanliness during checkout.
- Security: Tokenized credentials reduce data exposure.
- Convenience: No need to carry multiple cards or handle physical wallets.
- Integration: Loyalty and reward cards stored in the Wallet app can streamline discount applications.
These benefits enhance the in-store shopping experience while minimizing common retail friction points.
What About Contactless Cards?
In addition to mobile wallets, Ross POS terminals support contactless credit and debit cards. These cards come with the contactless symbol and work via the same NFC technology.
Customers can simply tap the card near the reader, without needing to swipe or insert it. Contactless cards offer similar benefits in speed and hygiene but lack biometric authentication and app integration found in Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Can Customers Earn Rewards Using Apple Pay or Google Pay at Ross?
Apple Pay and Google Pay themselves do not offer rewards for Ross purchases. However, the payment method linked to the wallet may still accrue points or cashback. For instance:
- A credit card offering 2% cashback on retail purchases will still deliver the benefit when used via Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- Digital wallets do not interfere with third-party loyalty program tracking.
Ross does not operate a traditional points-based loyalty system. Therefore, the main reward structure depends on the card issuer and the associated offers.
What To Do If Apple Pay or Google Pay Fails at Ross
Occasional hiccups can occur. If Apple Pay or Google Pay fails during checkout, the issue may stem from:
- NFC reader malfunction
- Device not properly aligned with the terminal
- Wallet not authenticated
- Bank decline or network issue
In such cases, customers should switch to the physical card version of the same payment method. Ross staff are trained to assist with alternative transactions in these scenarios. Restarting the phone or checking for software updates can also solve intermittent wallet issues.
Final Verdict
Ross Dress for Less now accepts Apple Pay and Google Pay across all physical store locations. The company upgraded its payment systems to support contactless checkouts, offering a modern, secure experience for shoppers. Both iPhone and Android users can pay using their devices, reducing transaction times and avoiding physical touchpoints.
Online transactions remain limited to standard cards and gift cards. While mobile wallets have transformed in-store purchases, Ross’s digital checkout system has not yet caught up.
Support for Apple Pay and Google Pay aligns Ross with broader payment trends in 2025. With this upgrade, Ross balances its cost-first model with modern expectations.
Also Read:
