Publix is ending its in-app payment feature on March 19, 2024

Publix Super Market will shut down the payment option inside its mobile app starting March 19. If you currently use the Publix app to pay for groceries at checkout, you will need to switch to a different payment method before that date. The company has not announced plans to bring this feature back.

This change affects only the in-app payment system — you can still use the Publix app to browse sales, clip digital coupons, and check your account. You simply will not be able to tap your phone to pay at the register through the app itself.

Key Takeaways

  • The Publix app's payment feature stops working on March 19, so you should update your payment method before that date.
  • You can still use your phone to pay at Publix by adding your card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay instead.
  • All other app features — coupons, shopping lists, and account information — will continue to work normally.
  • If you have a Publix loyalty card linked to the app, your rewards and personalized offers will not be affected by this change.

Payment methods that still work at Publix checkout

You have several ways to pay with your phone at Publix after the in-app payment shuts down. The most direct replacement is adding your debit or credit card to Apple Pay (if you use an iPhone), Google Pay (if you use an Android phone), or Samsung Pay (if you use a Samsung device). These digital wallet systems work the same way — you hold your phone near the payment terminal and the transaction completes.

You can also pay the traditional way: bring a physical card, use a contactless credit or debit card at the terminal, or pay with cash. Publix accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and EBT. If you use a Publix gift card or store credit, those methods remain unchanged.

How to set up Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay before March 19

Adding your card to a digital wallet takes about five minutes. Open the wallet app on your phone (Apple Wallet, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay depending on your device), select the option to add a card, and follow the prompts to enter your card details. Your bank may ask you to verify the card with a code sent to your phone or email.

Once your card is added, you can use it at any store that accepts contactless payments — not just Publix. At checkout, hold your phone near the card reader (usually marked with a contactless symbol) and wait for the confirmation. You do not need to open the app or unlock your phone on most devices; the payment processes automatically.

If you are not sure whether your bank's card supports digital wallets, check your bank's website or call customer service. Most major banks now offer this feature, but some smaller regional banks do not yet.

What happens to your Publix app account and rewards

Your Publix loyalty account, digital coupons, and personalized offers will work exactly as they do now. The only thing changing is the payment button inside the app. You can still log in, clip coupons, build shopping lists, and track your rewards — you just will not be able to pay through the app at the register.

If you have a Publix loyalty card number linked to your app account, make sure you are still using that card (or your phone number) at checkout so your purchases count toward your rewards. Switching to Apple Pay or Google Pay does not affect this; the cashier will still scan your loyalty card or you can provide your phone number.

Timeline and what to do now

Publix announced this change in early 2024, giving customers several weeks to transition. The feature will stop working on March 19, so you should set up an alternative payment method before then. If you wait until after that date, the in-app payment button will no longer appear in the app.

Start by deciding which digital wallet works with your phone: Apple Pay for iPhone, Google Pay for Android, or Samsung Pay for Samsung devices. Add your card to that wallet this week if you have not already. If you prefer to keep using a physical card or cash, no action is needed — those methods continue to work at every Publix location.

Why Publix is discontinuing this feature

Publix has not publicly stated the reason for removing in-app payments. The company may have decided that the feature was not widely used, that maintaining it was costly, or that digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay now offer a better experience. Many retailers have moved away from custom in-app payment systems in favor of standard digital wallets that work across multiple stores.

This does not mean Publix is moving away from mobile payments — it is simply directing customers to use the payment systems that are already built into their phones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my Publix app after March 19?

Yes. The app will continue to work for everything except the payment feature. You can still use it to clip coupons, view your loyalty rewards, check sales, and build shopping lists. Only the ability to pay through the app at checkout will be removed.

Will I lose my Publix rewards or coupons if I switch payment methods?

No. Your rewards and coupons are tied to your Publix loyalty account, not to how you pay. As long as you provide your loyalty card number or phone number at checkout, your purchases will count toward your rewards regardless of whether you pay with Apple Pay, a physical card, or cash.

What if I do not have a smartphone or do not want to use a digital wallet?

You can continue to pay with a physical debit or credit card, a contactless card, or cash. Publix accepts all of these methods and will continue to do so. The in-app payment feature was optional; removing it does not change any other payment options.

Can I still use the Publix app to find coupons and check prices?

Yes. All features except the payment function will remain active. You can browse weekly ads, clip digital coupons, check product availability, and manage your account through the app as usual.

Do I need to do anything with my Publix account before March 19?

If you use the in-app payment feature, set up Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay on your phone before March 19. If you pay with a physical card or cash, no action is needed. Your loyalty account and app will continue to work normally.