Walmart will finally accept mainstream contactless payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay at its stores and Sam’s Club locations, according to a company press release issued on Friday. The retail giant announced it will begin rolling out Tap to Pay at select stores starting Monday, August 24, with plans to cover all U.S. locations by the end of the year and all fuel stations by mid-2027.
Walmart Tap to Pay Rollout Timeline and Expansion Plans
The new contactless payment rollout begins on August 24 at select Walmart and Sam’s Club locations, according to the company’s official announcement. By the end of the year, the retailer expects to offer Tap to Pay across all of its U.S. stores and clubs. Fuel stations operated by the company will receive the technology by the middle of 2027, as detailed in the corporate press release.
For years, U.S. shoppers faced limited in-store payment methods. According to company statements, customers could use traditional options like cash, checks, gift cards, credit cards, EBT cards, or an app-based Scan & Go feature. In the past, the company even collaborated with other major merchants to develop a proprietary mobile payment alternative named CurrentC in a bid to completely block Apple Pay. The effort failed and was shut down back in 2016.
Did you know? Walmart’s Canadian stores have accepted Tap to Pay since 2020, while U.S. customers waited nearly a decade for similar support.
Why Walmart Resisted Apple Pay and Google Pay for Years
Walmart resisted adopting NFC-based payment technology for years to promote its own proprietary mobile solutions. Since 2016, the retailer has offered Walmart Pay, a contactless payment option exclusive to its mobile app that relies on scannable QR codes rather than near field communication chips. Walmart generally did not support any NFC payments, blocking Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and even simple contactless credit card taps.
The decision to finally adopt the technology was a defeat for the retail giant. Management originally assumed patrons would migrate toward the corporation’s exclusive checkout methods despite the widespread adoption of Apple Pay and comparable services. Apple Pay is now accepted at 85% of retailers across the U.S., including most larger stores. Consumer frustration grew over the years, with shoppers flooding social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, as well as Reddit communities, to demand Apple Pay support, according to the company’s release and user forums.
Comparison of Retailer Contactless Payment Adoption
| Retailer | Contactless Payment Status |
|---|---|
| Walmart (U.S.) | Rolling out August 24; complete by end of year (Source: Walmart) |
| Other Major Retailers (Home Depot, Lowe’s, Kroger, H-E-B) | Held out before finally accepting Apple Pay (Source: Cult of Mac) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Walmart start accepting Apple Pay and Google Pay?
Walmart will begin accepting Tap to Pay at select Walmart and Sam’s Club stores on Monday, August 24, with a full rollout to all U.S. stores by the end of the year, according to the company.
Can I use Apple Pay at Walmart fuel stations?
Yes, but not immediately. Walmart plans to expand Tap to Pay support to all of its fuel stations by the middle of 2027.
What payment methods did Walmart accept previously?
Prior to this update, U.S. shoppers were limited to cash, check, gift cards, credit cards, and EBT cards, or an app-based Scan & Go feature, according to company disclosures.
Join the Conversation
Are you excited to finally use Apple Pay or Google Pay at your local Walmart? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts on this long-awaited checkout update!