The world’s economy is gradually shifting to contactless, cardless and cashless payments due to smartphones and high internet speeds. According to Statista, 85% of American adults own a smartphone. 47% of these are iPhone users. So it’s no surprise that mobile wallets like Apple Pay and other contactless methods like Venmo, Zelle, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are becoming more popular by the day.
Per TechCrunch, Apple Pay leads the pack in the mobile payment landscape, with 43.9 million users choosing Apple Pay at thousands of stores that accept touch-free checkout. Although many retailers accept touchless payments, not all have integrated Apple Pay mobile payment options into their systems.
Walmart is the world’s largest brick-and mortar retailer. Millions of Americans visit Walmart to purchase stamps, buy food on a tight budget, or access check-cashing services.
Walmart is everywhere. There are nearly 6,000 stores across the United States and some superstores that are open 24 hours. You can find a Walmart store within 10 miles, so you don’t have to travel far to get alcohol or cheap wheel alignments.
Such convenience and proximity make customers want to know whether they can use Apple Pay at Walmart. Thus, it leads us to the big question:
Does Walmart take Apple Pay?
Short Answer: Unfortunately, Walmart doesn’t take Apple Pay at any of its stores or online. Apple Pay can’t be used for touch-free payments at self-checkout and registers.
Walmart instead uses its own mobile payment platform, WalmartPay. This wallet supports contactless payments at Walmart stores. If you want to pay online at Walmat.com or at Walmart stores using your iPhone, then you need to install the Walmart Pay mobile App.
Unlike other contactless payment methods that use Near Field Communication(NFC) to process touch-free payments at checkout, Walmart uses QR codes. Just like other mobile payment wallets, you can link major debit/credit with chips, prepaid cards, and Walmart gift cards to pay touch-free by scanning a QR code at the checkout register.
Walmart refuses to accept Apple Pay and other contactless methods of payment because it wants to promote the mobile payment wallet and avoid any processing fees from other contactless payment providers.
Walmart stores will accept all other payment methods including pre-printed checks and Visa, MasterCard, American Express, money orders, cash or All PIN-based ATM/debit cards, Walmart MoneyCards, Walmart gift cards activated Amex gift card, Walmart Credit Card and SNAP food stamps.
Chase Pay is accepted online at Walmart.
Also, Walmart is among the stores that accept Venmo for in-store and online purchases. Walmart doesn’t accept Apple Pay and Google Pay.
You can use Apple Pay at Walmart.
No, you can’t use Apple Pay at Walmart in-store, but you can use Walmart Pay and Venmo. While Apple Pay uses NFC-based technology to process in-store payments, Walmart’s payment system uses QR-based technology to support touch-free checkout.
Walmart has its own mobile payments wallet, Walmart Pay. They want their customers to use this instead of third party apps. Walmart has also made it a strategy to avoid processing costs, which can lower its slim profit margins.
Does it mean you can’t use your iPhone to make contactless Payments at Walmart?
Absolutely not. You can get around it. The Walmart Pay app is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. Walmart Pay is a way to shop online and in-store for items.
Download and install the Walmart App. To make contactless payments at the checkout, simply download and install Walmart’s app.
Walmart’s Pay App? What is WalmartPay App?
Walmart Pay app can be used to make mobile payments. The Walmart mobile wallet is different from other mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Only at Walmart
Walmart Pay works only in Walmart stores. Unlike other mobile wallets that work across retailers, Walmart Pay is designed for Walmart customers only. Walmart Pay can only be used to purchase Walgreens, Krogers, Aldi, Publix, and other brands. The app won’t work at Walmart franchisees, or any other brands owned by Walmart such as Jet.com and Art.com.
Payment technology
Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay use NFC-based technology to process contactless payments. Walmart Pay however uses QR-based technology to enable touch-free payment.
Just like other mobile payment apps you can also link accepted debit/credit card, Walmart gift and prepaid cards to the Walmart app. You can then securely make contactless payments at cashier or self-checkout.
You can use your debit cards without needing a PIN once the payment card have been linked. This helps to avoid PINless debit card fraud.
Walmart Does Not Accept Apple Pay
Walmart does not accept any other contactless mobile payments wallets, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay. These are the main reasons.
Walmart Pay
Walmart owns its mobile payment wallet, Walmart Pay. So, any other mobile payments technology is a challenge. Walmart does not accept Apple Pay to defend and promote its product.
The Walmart Pay app is designed for Walmart customers only. It’s part the company’s digital strategy that aims to win customer loyalty. The retailer can track the buying habits of customers and tailor promotions to them.
QR codes
Apple Pay is not available at Walmart due to the differences in contactless payment technology. Apple Pay uses NFC technology to enable touch-free checkout. Walmart’s payment system uses QR codes for contactless payments.
Slash Transaction Fees
Walmart must carefully select its accepted payment methods to avoid paying extra processing fees and maintain its razor-thin margins.
WalmartPay on iPhone: How to use it?
Walmart Pay works on both Android and iOS devices. Walmart Pay is available via the Walmart app. You can therefore use your iPhone to make purchases with WalmartPay.
Download and install the app first on your iOS or Android phone. Set your touch ID or pin that you will use when checking out. Walmart Pay can be set up by linking your preferred debit/credit or store gift card.
Choose your preferred payment method by selecting one of the cards you have saved. Usually, Walmart uses your gift card value first, unless you switch it off. Walmart Pay requires that you use EBT/WIC balances to make payments.
After the app has been installed and you have chosen a payment method, follow these steps to make a purchase at Walmart using your iPhone.
- Shop at a Walmart store: Visit a Walmart store and shop for items of your choice. For example, you could buy protein powder or shakes with EBT, a Sunday newspaper, and cheap diapers.
- Checkout Go to the checkout lane, scan items at either the cash register or self-checkout counter. You will be given a QR code by the cashier or machine.
- Enter the QR code: Tap Walmart Pay and open the Walmart app to scan it.
- Confirmation Once your transaction has been scanned, you will hear a click to confirm.
- Collect your items and go: Since Walmart Pay doesn’t use paper receipts, there’s no need to wait for a receipt. Instead, you’ll receive a notification and e-receipt on your device.
Will Walmart Self-Checkout Accept Apple Pay?
Walmart self checkout doesn’t accept Apple Pay. This is because Walmart stores won’t accept Apple Pay or other contactless payment options like Samsung Pay and Google Pay. So if you want to use contactless payment at a Walmart store, your best bet is to use Walmart Pay or Venmo.
Download and install the Walmart app to use your iPhone at the self-checkout lane at a cash register. You can then link your Walmart gift card, prepaid or debit card to the app just like you do with your Apple Pay Wallet.
Alternately, you can use your Visa, MasterCard or Checks, PayPal, cash or any other payment option accepted by Walmart. When paying with a check, skip the self-checkout counter for regular checkout because the self-checkout machines don’t accept check payments nor cash third-party checks.
Walmart Pay does not give cash back. Walmart’s app doesn’t allow you to link with your checking account. You won’t also be able pay with linked cards at retailers like Costco or Sam’s Club.
Does Walmart Accept Apple Pay Online?
Walmart does not accept Apple Pay online, in-store or online. However, you can use Walmart Pay and Venmo to make in-store and online purchases. Walmart Pay can be used with debit cards, major credit cards and Walmart Gift Cards.
It doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t use the iPhone to pay Walmart. To pay with your iPhone at Walmart online or in-store, download and install the Walmart app. Once you have linked your payment cards, you can use the pay to check-out touch-free.
WalmartPay on Apple Watch
You cannot use Walmart Pay to purchase items with your Apple Watch. Walmart has now introduced an Apple Watch App that allows you to add items to your shopping cart without using your phone.
It could be a beta-test for something larger in the future, to allow Walmart to use an Apple Watch to check out with Walmart Pay. Apple sold more than 3 million smartwatches just in 2020. So there’s a large market of users who’d prefer contactless payments.
Walmart Will Accept Apple Pay for Money Purchases
Walmart doesn’t accept Apple Pay money orders and other types purchases. That said, Walmart is one of the best places to buy money orders. The retailer offers MoneyGram money orders for as low as 88 cents each. Walmart can only accept money orders paid by cash, debit card or Reliacard.
Walmart also accepts pre-printed, two-party personal checks as well as other types of government-issued check. But it isn’t among the places that can cash third party checks.
Walmart Gift Cards: Can you use Apple Pay?
You can’t use Apple Pay for Walmart gift cards at Walmart stores. Some retailers sell gift cards, and accept Apple Pay. CVS, for instance, sells Walmart gift cards. They also accept Apple Pay in-store or online.
CVS shops accept EBT, sell-money orders, and cash back upto $35. CVS stores can make photocopies for a fraction of the cost, purchase stumps, as well as access cheap faxing services while you are on a prescription.
Raize.com is the best site to buy discounted Walmart gift cards. They buy and resell unwanted gift cards at huge discounts.
Raise offers discount Walmart gift card coupons that can be used to save even more. Click our link to get $5 off your first purchase
Apple Pay Available at Walmart Gas Station
Apple Pay cannot be used at Walmart gas stations. However, you can use Walmart Pay on an iPhone to purchase fuel. Participating gas stations will offer fuel prices up to five dollars per gallon. Members can also purchase fuel at Walmart, Murphy gas stations or Sam’s Club fuel center locations.
This is how the Walmart App can help you find participating fuel stations:
- Walmart’s Fuel Map can be used to locate the closest discount fuel stations.
- Sign in to the app by opening it.
- Tap, use Walmart Pay, and select your preferred payment method.
- Launch the QR code scanner and hover your iPhone over the pump’s screen.
- Select your grade and begin fueling at a discount, up to 5 cents per gallon.
Other Stores that Take Apple Pay
Although you can download the Walmart Pay app and use it, not everyone will be able to use it. Some people will still find it convenient to use their Apple Pay. Walmart won’t accept Apple Pay in that situation. So you know which stores accept Apple Pay before you shop, it’s a great idea.
Apple Pay can be used at Target, Whole Foods stores, Meijers, Best Buys, Panera, Chick-fil- and El Pollo Loco restaurants.
What are the Pros and Con’s of Walmart Pay ?
If you are looking for a mobile payment method specifically for shopping at Walmart, then you should look into using the Walmart Pay app on your smartphone.
Here are some quick facts about the benefits and drawbacks of using Walmart Pay App:
The pros and cons of the Walmart Pay app
- Enhanced Security
A digital wallet is extremely difficult to hack so you won’t be at risk of your credit card being stolen while in a shop. Digital wallets like Walmart Pay don’t get swiped — they only scan a QR code which can only be used once.
- Avoid touching money or germs
Many people are becoming more conscious about what they touch in public places and want to avoid getting germs. Contactless digital payment options are growing in popularity. Your credit card pin can be inserted without the need for you to touch or deal with cash. Only one thing you will need to touch to scan QR codes on products that you’re purchasing is your phone.
- You Don’t Need to Carry Cards With You
Your phone can be used as a digital wallet, so even if you lose your credit card or debit cards at home, you can still use the app to shop for what you need. Most people take their phone everywhere.
- It’s Fast and Convenient
When you pay via an app, you don’t have to wait for a cashier to give you change or process your card details, which can save lots of time. It’s also easier to pay for your purchase and leave the store. Walmart Pay App saves you the transaction fee that other contactless payment companies may charge.
The Cons of Walmart Pay App
- You Need a Smartphone, Enough Battery, and Mobile Data or Wifi
Most people now have access and use mobile data, but not all. For those who have mobile phones, you may not have enough power to finish your digital transaction.
- Only Walmart can use the app
It can be frustrating to have multiple apps or store cards for every shop you shop at. It is annoying to have an application that only works at Walmart.
- Information about You
Many people are concerned about privacy and don’t like the idea that their purchases can be tracked and monitored by an app.
Walmart Pays Apple Pay Summary
Walmart’s vast reach and numerous conveniences are what make it so appealing to millions of shoppers. For example, customers can buy money orders, cash checks, sell crushed ice, access Walmart carpet cleaner rentals services and Coinstar machines.
Walmart does not accept Apple Pay. You can however use Walmart Pay, Venmo or other standard payment methods. Walmart is not planning to accept any other contactless mobile wallets (e.g., Samsung Pay or Google Pay).
Walmart’s mobile payment wallet allows for lower transaction fees and the capture of customer data for marketing purposes. Walmart Pay, which uses QR codes, is an alternative to Apple Pay, which uses NFC-based payment processing technology.
Walmart Pay can also be used at Murphy gas stations, gas pumps and participating Sam’s Club fuel center. Apple Pay isn’t available at the Walmart self checkout counter nor online. Apple Pay cannot be used to purchase Walmart gift cards and money orders.
That said, iPhone and Android users can use the Walmart app to pay touch-free at the self-checkout and cash register lanes. Simply download the app. Then, link your payment cards. Next, scan the QR code located at the checkout counter and complete your purchase.