Walmart serves millions of shoppers across the United States every day. Its reputation for low prices, wide selection, and convenience has made it a household name. As mobile payment systems become more common, many customers expect fast and secure digital options at checkout. Apple Pay is among the most popular.
The question is simple: Does Walmart take Apple Pay at checkout? The answer is not what most expect. Understanding why Walmart doesn’t support Apple Pay reveals deeper strategies, technology preferences, and what it means for users looking for quick payment solutions in stores.
No, Walmart Does Not Accept Apple Pay
Walmart does not accept Apple Pay at any of its physical locations, online platforms, or self-checkout stations. This holds true across the country. Cashiers, QR codes, tap-to-pay sensors – none are compatible with Apple Pay inside Walmart stores.
Despite Apple Pay’s dominance in the contactless space, Walmart has consistently chosen other routes for digital transactions. The decision isn’t due to oversight. It is strategic.
Why Walmart Doesn’t Accept Apple Pay
Walmart has full control over its payment systems. By choosing not to accept Apple Pay, it avoids handing control to third-party digital wallets. Apple Pay processes payments through NFC (Near Field Communication), which Apple owns and restricts to its own ecosystem. Allowing it would limit Walmart’s control over data, promotions, and loyalty programs.
Instead of Apple Pay, Walmart promotes Walmart Pay, its in-house mobile payment system. Walmart Pay allows users to pay via QR code scanning using the Walmart app. It works differently from contactless systems and uses scanned barcodes instead of NFC taps.
This choice gives Walmart three things:
- Direct access to customer data
- Control over app engagement and loyalty integration
- Freedom from third-party transaction fees
These elements shape Walmart’s digital retail strategy.
Walmart Pay vs Apple Pay
The two systems aim for similar results – frictionless transactions – but take different paths.
| Feature | Apple Pay | Walmart Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | NFC (Tap to Pay) | QR Code via Walmart App |
| Device Support | iPhone, Apple Watch | iPhone, Android via Walmart App |
| Loyalty Integration | Limited | Full Walmart app support |
| Security | Biometric + Device Lock | PIN or Biometric via app |
| Usage Area | Broad across many stores | Only at Walmart |
Apple Pay prioritizes ease and speed, using device hardware and face/touch ID. Walmart Pay requires users to open the app, scan a QR code, and confirm the transaction. It adds a few steps, but in return, keeps users inside Walmart’s ecosystem.
Is Walmart Pay a Viable Alternative?
Walmart Pay offers a cashless checkout experience but demands more from the user. Unlike Apple Pay, which works with just a tap, Walmart Pay involves opening the Walmart app, navigating to the wallet, and scanning a code on-screen.
For frequent Walmart shoppers, it may be worth the effort. The app links to gift cards, e-receipts, and the rewards system. Users gain access to promotions, past purchases, and scan-and-go shopping. For those committed to the store, the benefits can outweigh the slight inconvenience.
What Payment Methods Does Walmart Accept?
Even though Apple Pay isn’t accepted, Walmart provides several other options both in-store and online.
In-Store Payment Options:
- Cash
- Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
- Debit Cards
- Gift Cards
- Walmart Pay
- EBT (for eligible items)
- Capital One Walmart Credit Card
- Walmart Rewards Card
Online Payment Options:
- Credit/Debit Cards
- Walmart Gift Cards
- PayPal
- Affirm (for financing)
- EBT Online (in select states)
- Walmart Rewards and Promo Codes
While Apple Pay doesn’t make the list, PayPal is a digital wallet option Walmart does accept for online orders. This gives some flexibility for users who prefer not to input card data directly.
Can Apple Card Be Used at Walmart?
Yes, the Apple Card – a physical credit card issued by Goldman Sachs – works at Walmart like any other MasterCard. However, using the Apple Card through Apple Pay is not possible in-store due to NFC restrictions.
To earn Apple Card cashback at Walmart, the physical card must be swiped or inserted. The 2% Daily Cash reward typically applies only to Apple Pay transactions. When the Apple Card is used manually at Walmart, the reward drops to 1%.
Online Walmart purchases also support the Apple Card if entered manually.
Workarounds for Apple Pay Users
While direct Apple Pay support doesn’t exist, some alternative paths exist for loyal Apple Pay users.
1. Use the Apple Card Manually
Apple Card can still be added to the wallet and used like a standard credit card. It requires inserting the physical card or entering details online.
2. Add Card to Walmart Pay
Though Walmart Pay doesn’t accept Apple Pay, it can link to the same credit or debit card tied to an Apple Wallet. This allows indirect use of the same source of funds.
3. Use PayPal Online
Apple users with PayPal accounts can still pay through this service on Walmart.com. Apple Wallet can’t directly fund PayPal, but PayPal supports Apple-linked cards.
These workarounds help bridge the gap for users invested in Apple’s payment system.
How to Set Up Walmart Pay
For those willing to switch from Apple Pay, Walmart Pay is fairly simple to activate.
Steps:
- Download the Walmart App: Available on both iOS and Android platforms.
- Create or Log into a Walmart Account: Connect it with store preferences, location, and shopping history.
- Add Payment Method: Include a credit card, debit card, or Walmart gift card.
- Activate Walmart Pay: From the menu, choose Walmart Pay and agree to the terms.
- Use at Checkout: Open the app, select Walmart Pay, and scan the QR code at the terminal.
There’s no tap required. The receipt gets sent digitally through the app.
Will Walmart Ever Accept Apple Pay?
At present, no official announcement suggests Walmart will accept Apple Pay soon. In fact, Walmart remains one of the few major retailers resisting NFC-based payment methods.
Past interviews with Walmart executives suggest the store’s focus will stay on improving Walmart Pay, not adopting external systems.
The idea is to maintain control over promotions, data, and customer loyalty programs. Apple Pay, while popular, would sideline Walmart’s direct access to shopper behavior.
Until internal policy shifts, Apple Pay will likely remain unsupported.
Apple Pay at Gas Stations Inside Walmart
Some Walmart locations include fuel stations. These are usually Walmart-branded or partnered with Murphy USA.
At Murphy USA stations, Apple Pay may be available, depending on location and pump technology. However, inside Walmart-operated fuel centers, Apple Pay remains unsupported.
Instead, Walmart suggests using the Walmart App’s fuel feature, which allows users to activate pumps and pay through Walmart Pay.
Mobile Wallets Accepted at Walmart
Only one digital wallet is accepted in physical Walmart stores – Walmart Pay. Others like Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Apple Pay are not supported.
Online, PayPal is accepted but not integrated at physical checkouts.
The company has resisted opening up to third-party mobile wallets, citing security, control, and app engagement.
What Customers Think
Consumer sentiment varies. Some appreciate Walmart’s digital loyalty tools and e-receipts. Others find the added steps of Walmart Pay frustrating, especially when Apple Pay offers a smoother option elsewhere.
Apple Pay adoption across the U.S. has surged. As of 2024, it’s accepted in over 90% of retail chains nationwide. Walmart stands as an exception, creating friction for customers used to tapping and going.
Final Thoughts
Walmart does not accept Apple Pay at checkout – in-store or online. Instead, it promotes Walmart Pay, its QR-based mobile payment system. This choice aligns with its data strategy and desire for in-house control.
While inconvenient for users expecting NFC support, workarounds exist, including using physical Apple Cards or linking the same cards to Walmart Pay.
Until policy changes, Apple Pay users shopping at Walmart must adapt. The move isn’t about tech limits – it’s about strategy.
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