No, Walmart does not accept Apple Pay in U.S. stores, as of 2025. No U.S. (and all other) Walmarts do not take Apple Pay whether at physical Walmart locations or using the app, Walmart.com, or via the Walmart app. Walmart instead has Walmart Pay, a QR-code-based mobile payment system that is built into its app.
As mobile wallets continue to go mainstream, you would think that Apple Pay is now universally accepted. But Walmart is holding out in a big way. Here’s how Walmart Pay works and what you can do instead.
Is Apple Pay Available at Walmart?
You can’t use Apple Pay’s tap-to-pay NFC function at the U.S. physical Walmart stores. Walmart made clear in prior statements that they do not take NFC payments.
Source: MacRumors
Apple Pay is also not offered as a checkout option on Walmart’s website or within its app under current U.S. policies, according to the Apple site.
Source: dealnews
Note: Walmart Canada has been accepting Apple Pay since around 2020.
Source: MacRumors
So, no, if you tap your iPhone or Apple Watch at the A.T.M., it won’t work at Walmart in the United States.
Here’s Why Walmart Doesn’t Accept Apple Pay (Or Many Other NFC-Based Systems)
Walmart’s official line is that it deliberately shuns NFC (tap-to-pay) technology and has its own app-based tech, Walmart Pay and Scan & Go.
Sources: MacRumors, AppleInsider
Common Reasons Discussed by Analysts
- Domination of customer data and transaction flows: Routing payments through its own systems provides Walmart a richer view of who’s buying what.
- Less reliance on third-party infrastructure: As it’s not using Apple’s (or any wallet) tap infrastructure, Walmart doesn’t need to deal with integrating that into its terminals.
- Cost and fee implications: Retailers cover fees, but Walmart may prefer not to deal with margin erosion associated with third-party wallet services.
These are some valid reasons based on industry commentary, but Walmart’s official statements focus around “convenience,” effectively cutting out the middleman and maintaining direct control.
How Walmart Pay Works: Step-by-Step
Here’s how to use Walmart Pay (in-store) – the contactless choice that Walmart accommodates:
- Download the Walmart app (iOS or Android)
- Sign up or sign in to a Walmart account
- Add a payment method
- You can connect most AVMs (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
Sources: Walmart.com, Bankrate - You can also upload Walmart gift cards
Source: Walmart.com
- You can connect most AVMs (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
- At checkout, tap “Walmart Pay” in the app and scan the QR code displayed at the register or self-checkout station
Sources: MacRumors, AppleInsider - Check the payment in the app – a receipt or notification appears instantly.
This process is contactless – you’re not swiping or inserting a card, but it’s done through QR scanning rather than NFC tap.
Walmart Pay vs. Walmart Plus
| Feature | Walmart Pay | Walmart Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | Mobile payment instrument using QR in the app | Subscription-based service with added benefits |
| Cost | Free to all Walmart app shoppers | Monthly/annual fee |
| Key Features | Pay with registration in the app at checkout | Extras such as free delivery, fuel discount, “Scan & Go” |
| Access | Open to anyone with the Walmart app | Exclusive for paying Walmart Plus members |
A crucial difference: Scan & Go (scanning items while you shop) is a Walmart Plus perk. It pairs with Walmart Pay for the actual checkout.
Sources: MacRumors, AppleInsider
Walmart (U.S.) Other Payment Methods
If you can’t pay with Apple Pay, Walmart also allows these payment options:
- Credit / Debit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover
Sources: Walmart.com, dealnews - Walmart gift cards
Sources: Walmart.com, dealnews - EBT/SNAP (for eligible items) – Walmart.com
- Cash (in-store) – Walmart.com
- Buy-Now-Pay-Later financing (Affirm, switching to Klarna in 2025)
Sources: Walmart.com, The Wall Street Journal
Walmart is said to be dropping Affirm in favor of Klarna as its only BNPL provider in the U.S. starting 2025.
Security & Privacy Claims
Walmart Pay uses encryption and standard digital wallet security practices, ensuring that raw card data isn’t transmitted to merchants.
Walmart explains that Walmart Pay “accepts any major credit, debit, prepaid, or Walmart Gift Card,” which implies tokenization or encrypted storage.
Source: Walmart.com
However, Walmart doesn’t disclose detailed technical specs – so, as with any payment system, trust depends on both design and operational execution.
Will Walmart Ever Take Apple Pay?
As of mid-2025, Walmart has not announced any policy change regarding Apple Pay or NFC support.
Sources: MacRumors, AppleInsider
Walmart continues to refuse NFC-based payment systems and focuses on app-based solutions like Walmart Pay for in-store transactions.
While Apple Pay adoption continues to rise across the retail sector, Walmart remains resistant – at least for now with no confirmed plans to integrate it.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard to believe, but Walmart is still refusing to accept Apple Pay and other NFC-based mobile wallets in its U.S. stores even in 2025. Instead, it channels mobile convenience into Walmart Pay, a QR-based system within its own app.
The good news: many of the same cards you use with Apple Pay – including Visa, Mastercard, and even Apple Card – can also be added to Walmart Pay, giving shoppers a similar contactless checkout experience through Walmart’s ecosystem.
FAQs
Q1. Can I use Apple Pay at Walmart.com or in the Walmart app?
A: No, You cannot check out online or in-app with Apple Pay in current Walmart stores in the U.S.
Source: dealnews
Q2. Can you use Google Pay or Samsung Pay at Walmart?
A: No, Walmart blocks tap-to-pay via NFC (Google Pay, Samsung Pay, etc.).
Sources: AppleInsider, MacRumors
Q3. Is it possible to pay with my iPhone at Walmart?
A: Yes, but only by using Walmart Pay in the Walmart app (scan QR). Apple Pay’s tap feature does not work.
Q4. Can I use my Apple Card with Walmart Pay?
A: Yes, you can manually add your Apple Card (a Mastercard) as a payment method in Walmart Pay, then pay via QR. This differs from using Apple Pay’s NFC function.
Q5. Is Walmart Pay safe?
A: Yes, it uses standard mobile payment encryption and hides your raw card number during transactions, though Walmart does not publicly release full technical details.
