CVS/pharmacy, Rite Aid confirm they are not accepting Apple Pay

CUPERTINO, Calif. — It has only been a week since its launch and the list of retailers supporting Apple Pay just got a little shorter as Rite Aid and CVS/pharmacy confirmed reports that they no longer accept Apple Pay.



As initially reported by the New York Times, Rite Aid and CVS/pharmacy disabled the mobile wallet over the weekend. The reason for the move was not immediately clear.



In a statement sent to Drug Store News, Rite Aid spokesperson Ashley Flowers said, “Given that we are still in the process of evaluating our mobile payment options, Rite Aid does not currently accept ApplePay. We are continually evaluating various forms of mobile payment technologies, and are committed to offering convenient, reliable and secure payment methods that meet the needs of our customers.”



Meanwhile, CVS/pharmacy spokesperson Mike DeAngelis sent a statement to Drug Store News that stated, “At this time, CVS/pharmacy cannot accept Apple Pay or other mobile payments that use NFC technology. We are in the process of evaluating mobile payment options for our customers.”



The New York Times reported that analysts believe that the move is related to the launch of a rival system being deployed by the Merchant Customer Exchange consortium of merchants. Both Rite Aid and CVS are part of that consortium.



Apple Pay works with iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and the upcoming Apple Watch. Customers hold their iPhone near the contactless reader at checkout to easily pay.