Here’s the thing: most of us have gotten used to walking into a store, tapping an iPhone, and moving on with our day. So when a retailer doesn’t take Apple Pay, it feels like getting dropped back into 2012. Hobby Lobby is one of those stores, and the gap between what shoppers expect and what the chain actually supports is big enough that some customers are literally abandoning full carts at checkout.
Let’s break down what Hobby Lobby accepts, why Apple Pay isn’t on that list in stores, and what your workarounds look like.
Table of contents
So… Does Hobby Lobby Take Apple Pay?
In-store? No.
Hobby Lobby does not accept Apple Pay at physical registers. No tap-to-pay. No Apple Watch checkout. Nothing.
Online? Yes.
If you’re shopping on HobbyLobby.com, you can use Apple Pay. It works the same as it does anywhere else online — quick, clean, and done.
That split experience is what catches people off guard. One shopper recently loaded up a basket, got to the counter, learned there was no Apple Pay, and walked straight out. The cashier even warned the next customer to be ready with a physical card.
What Payment Methods Does Hobby Lobby Accept?
In-store
- Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express
- Discover
- Hobby Lobby Gift Cards
- Cash (always a safe bet)
Online
- Everything above, plus
- PayPal
- Apple Pay
If you’re planning an in-store run, bring a physical card unless you enjoy surprise cardio back to your car.
Why Doesn’t Hobby Lobby Accept Apple Pay in Stores?
Hobby Lobby hasn’t given a public explanation, but the pattern across retail is pretty clear. Apple Pay requires updated POS hardware and participation in a platform that doesn’t give chains as much control over payment data or customer behavior.
Walmart, Sam’s Club, H-E-B, Bass Pro Shops, and a chunk of Amazon sellers have all held out for similar reasons. Walmart outright said it prefers shoppers to use Walmart Pay, because it keeps people inside the company’s app.
Hobby Lobby seems to be following that playbook: stick with card-only terminals, avoid outside wallet ecosystems, and skip the upgrade costs.
Workarounds for Apple-Only Shoppers
If you prefer life without a physical wallet, you’re not totally out of luck.
Option 1: Use your Apple Card or Apple Cash card number
Your Wallet app gives you a virtual card number for Apple Cash or Apple Card. It works anywhere that accepts a normal Visa online, but not in-store at Hobby Lobby. Still useful for online Hobby Lobby orders.
Option 2: Just shop online
You’ll get Apple Pay checkout, and Hobby Lobby often puts more items on its site than in its stores anyway.
Option 3: Carry a physical backup card
Not thrilling, but it’s the only guaranteed way to pay in person.
Will Hobby Lobby Ever Add Apple Pay?
It’s possible — Home Depot recently caved after years of pressure — but there’s no sign Hobby Lobby is close to flipping that switch. Until they overhaul their terminals, expect the current “cards only” reality to stick.
Bottom Line
No, Hobby Lobby doesn’t take Apple Pay in-store.
Yes, it takes Apple Pay online.
If you’re heading to a physical Hobby Lobby location, bring a card or be ready to walk away like a few frustrated shoppers already have. If you want the convenience of Apple Pay, shop from home and avoid the checkout surprise.
