Publix just made a change to pay by app. What it means for shoppers
Publix is ending its pay-by-app feature on March 19.
An email sent to app users and Club Publix members Tuesday apologized “for any inconvenience this may cause.”
“This change allows us to focus on enhancing and expanding other features that provide value and convenience for our customers,” Publix spokeswoman Lindsey Willis said in an email to the Miami Herald.
Willis didn’t give details on coming features.
Can you still use the Publix app?
Willis said customers can still pay using gift cards stored in their wallet, as well as use Apple Pay and Google Pay on your phone at the register.
If you have a gift card on the app, navigate to payment methods at the checkout aisle’s screen, tap on the gift card on your phone, and scan the bar code that appears, Publix’s email said.
Publix perks on the app
Other perks aren’t disappearing from the app, Willis said.
Those perks include the two birthday offers for Club Publix members. On their birthday, members receive an offer for a free container of Publix, Publix Premium or GreenWise ice cream or frozen yogurt, or a Publix Bakery bar cake. At the half birthday date, the offer includes half off the price of those items.
In addition to paying without having to pull a credit card out of your wallet, the app lets customers “clip” digital coupons, link them to a Club Publix account and — until March 19 — automatically redeem them at checkout and pay via the app.
There’s a workaround.
“When you shop, enter your phone number at checkout to ensure that any perks or digital coupons in your Club Publix account are applied to your purchase,” Willis said.
Remaining features
The app shows weekly ads and deals. You can browse BOGOs and other sales of the week. Create and save shopping lists. Scan barcodes to add items. Add sale items and coupons and purchase-history items. Order Pub Subs and other items from the deli. And decide if you want in-store pickup, delivery via Instacart or curbside pickup.
The app also lets you see aisle locations. This feature may be more helpful than it sounds. With Publix adding stores, the produce or frozen food aisles may be in different positions.
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This story was originally published March 10, 2026 at 6:17 PM.
