Walmart will begin accepting Apple Pay and other tap-to-pay methods at select U.S. stores starting August 24, the company announced Friday. The retailer plans to roll out the feature at all Walmart and Sam’s Club locations by the end of 2026, with gas stations to follow by mid-2027.
Customers will be able to use eligible contactless cards, phones, or smartwatches at checkout, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, according to a company statement. The move marks a shift from Walmart’s previous reliance on its proprietary Walmart Pay system, which required QR codes for contactless payments.
Why the change?
Walmart cited customer convenience as the primary reason for the update. “It all comes back to giving customers and members more choice and making everyday shopping a little easier,” the company said in a statement. The decision follows years of customer complaints about the lack of Apple Pay support, which is accepted at more than 85% of U.S. retailers.
Background on Walmart’s payment history
Walmart had long resisted NFC-based tap-to-pay systems, instead promoting its own digital payment solutions. The issue gained broader attention last year when YouTuber MrBeast highlighted the absence of tap-to-pay options in a viral video. Industry analysts noted that younger consumers increasingly expect contactless payment options like Apple Pay.
Rollout timeline
- August 24, 2024: Tap-to-pay begins at select Walmart and Sam’s Club stores.
- End of 2026: Full rollout to all Walmart and Sam’s Club locations.
- Mid-2027: Tap-to-pay available at Walmart gas stations.
Walmart did not provide additional details on whether the change would affect its Scan & Go app or other in-store payment methods.