Apple Pay is one of the most popular contactless payment methods, allowing users to purchase quickly using their iPhone, Apple Watch, or other devices. However, not all stores accept Apple Pay, and many customers wonder if they can use it at Walmart.
The short answer is no—Walmart does not accept Apple Pay in its stores, self-checkouts, or online. Instead, the retailer promotes its mobile payment system, Walmart Pay. Below, we’ll explain why Walmart doesn’t support Apple Pay, how you can still use your iPhone to pay, and what payment methods Walmart does accept.
Does Walmart Accept Apple Pay?
Walmart does not accept Apple Pay at in-store registers, self-checkout kiosks, or online. Even if your credit or debit card is linked to Apple Wallet, you won’t be able to tap your phone or Apple Watch to pay at Walmart.
Instead of Apple Pay, Walmart offers its mobile payment service linked to the Walmart app and allows customers to pay using a QR code.
Why Doesn’t Walmart Accept Apple Pay?
Walmart has strategic and financial reasons for not accepting Apple Pay. Here are the key causes:
- Walmart Pay & Mobile Payment Strategy: Walmart promotes Walmart Pay, its mobile payment system, instead of supporting third-party payment apps like Apple Pay. This ensures direct control over transactions and customer payment methods.
- Avoiding Apple Pay Transaction Fees: Apple Pay charges transaction fees for processing payments. By refusing Apple Pay, Walmart avoids extra costs and keeps more revenue from each transaction.
- Business Model & Customer Data Control: Apple Pay does not share customer purchase data with retailers. Walmart wants access to shopping trends and analytics, which is only possible when customers use Walmart Pay or direct card payments.
- Encouraging Direct Payment Methods: Walmart prefers customers to use debit/credit cards, Walmart Pay, or cash, eliminating dependency on third-party mobile wallets like Apple Pay.
- No NFC Payment Support: Apple Pay requires NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, which Walmart does not support at checkout. Instead, Walmart Pay uses QR codes, ensuring compatibility with all Walmart registers.
How to Pay with Your iPhone at Walmart Without Apple Pay
Even though Walmart doesn’t accept Apple Pay, you can still use your iPhone to make purchases through Walmart’s mobile payment system.
1. Use Walmart Pay
Walmart Pay is the only contactless payment option available at Walmart.
- Download the Walmart app from the App Store.
- Open the app and tap Walmart Pay.
- Add your credit, debit, or gift card to the app.
- At checkout, scan the QR code displayed on the register screen.
- Your payment will be processed instantly.
Walmart Pay works like Apple Pay, but instead of using NFC tap-to-pay, it scans QR code.
2. Link Your Card Directly to Walmart Pay
If you prefer digital payments, you can directly link your credit or debit card to Walmart Pay instead of relying on Apple Pay. Walmart Pay supports all major credit and debit cards, allowing users to store multiple cards in the Walmart app for quicker transactions. This method lets you pay using your phone at checkout without carrying physical cards.
3. Use PayPal or Venmo for Online Payments
If you’re shopping on Walmart’s website or app, you can use PayPal or Venmo instead of Apple Pay.
- Add your PayPal account as a payment method at checkout.
- If your PayPal account is linked to Apple Pay, you can indirectly use Apple Pay to make Walmart purchases.
- This workaround only works for online transactions, not in-store.
What Payment Methods Does Walmart Accept?
Even though Apple Pay is not accepted, Walmart supports a variety of payment options for both in-store and online purchases.
In-Store Payment Methods:
- Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
- Walmart Pay (via the Walmart app)
- Walmart Gift Cards
- Cash & Checks
- EBT/SNAP (for eligible purchases)
Online Payment Methods:
- PayPal & Venmo
- Walmart Gift Cards
- Major Credit & Debit Cards
Note: Apple Pay is not accepted for online or in-store purchases.
Will Walmart Accept Apple Pay in the Future?
As of now, Walmart has no official plans to accept Apple Pay.
- The company prefers Walmart Pay because it keeps transactions within Walmart’s ecosystem.
- Unless customer demand forces a change, Walmart is unlikely to support Apple Pay anytime soon.
However, as contactless payments become more popular, Walmart may reconsider its stance in the future.
Conclusion
Walmart does not accept Apple Pay, but customers can still use Walmart Pay to make contactless payments with their iPhones. If you prefer digital payments, Walmart Pay allows you to complete in-store purchases by linking your credit or debit card directly within the Walmart app. For online orders, PayPal and Venmo have supported payment options, providing alternative ways to check out without relying on Apple Pay.
Apple Pay users must now explore workarounds or alternative payment methods when shopping at Walmart. Should Walmart start accepting Apple Pay? Share your thoughts in the comments!