Can You Use Apple Pay at Walmart? Here’s the Answer
Apple Pay is one of the most popular mobile payment methods, allowing users to make secure, contactless purchases with their iPhones, Apple Watches, and other Apple devices. However, if you’re shopping at Walmart, you may wonder whether you can use Apple Pay at checkout.
The short answer is no. Walmart does not accept Apple Pay in stores, at self-checkout, or for online purchases. Instead, it encourages customers to use Walmart Pay, its own mobile payment solution.
This guide explains why Walmart doesn’t accept Apple Pay, how to pay with your iPhone at Walmart, and what alternative payment options are available.
Does Walmart Accept Apple Pay?
No, Walmart does not accept Apple Pay at any store or online. Unlike many major retailers that allow contactless NFC (Near Field Communication) payments, Walmart has not supported Apple Pay or other mobile wallets like Google Pay or Samsung Pay.
You cannot use Apple Pay at the register, self-checkout, or the Walmart app. Instead, Walmart has developed its payment system, Walmart Pay, which works differently from Apple Pay.
Why Doesn’t Walmart Accept Apple Pay?
There are two main reasons why Walmart does not support Apple Pay:
1. Walmart Wants Customers to Use Walmart Pay
Walmart has a mobile payment system called Walmart Pay, which allows customers to link their credit or debit cards and pay using QR codes. By promoting Walmart Pay instead of Apple Pay, Walmart keeps customers within its ecosystem and collects valuable consumer data.
2. Avoiding Apple’s Processing Fees
Apple Pay transactions involve third-party payment processors, which charge retailers transaction fees. By not accepting Apple Pay, Walmart avoids paying extra fees to Apple and card companies, keeping costs lower.
While Walmart’s decision may frustrate Apple Pay users, it aligns with the company’s strategy of controlling payment methods and reducing operational costs.
How to Pay with Your iPhone at Walmart Without Apple Pay
Even though Apple Pay is not accepted, you can still use your iPhone to make payments at Walmart through Walmart Pay:
- Download the Walmart App from the App Store.
- Create or log into your Walmart account.
- Tap the “Walmart Pay” option and add your preferred credit card, debit card, or gift card.
- Scan the QR code displayed on the payment terminal using the Walmart app at checkout.
- Your linked payment method will be charged, and the transaction will be completed.
Unlike Apple Pay, which uses NFC tap-to-pay, Walmart Pay requires scanning a QR code. While this may not be as seamless, it still allows for a mobile checkout experience.
Walmart Pay vs. Apple Pay: What’s the Difference?
While both Walmart and Apple Pay are digital payment methods, they work very differently.
| Feature | Walmart Pay | Apple Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Type | QR Code-Based | NFC Contactless Tap |
| Where It Works | Walmart Stores Only | Any Store That Accepts NFC Payments |
| Supported Cards | Credit, Debit, Walmart Gift Cards | Credit, Debit, Apple Cash |
| Security | Linked to Walmart Account | Encrypted & Tokenized Transactions |
| Speed | Requires Scanning a QR Code | Instant Tap-to-Pay |
Apple Pay is generally faster and more widely accepted, but since Walmart does not support NFC payments, Walmart Pay is the only mobile payment option available in its stores.
Alternative Payment Methods Walmart Accepts
Even though Apple Pay is not an option, Walmart does accept several other payment methods, including:
- Credit Cards – Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover
- Debit Cards – Including major bank-issued cards
- Walmart Pay – The store’s official mobile payment method
- Gift Cards – Walmart gift cards, eGift cards
- Cash – Accepted at checkout and self-checkout
- EBT (SNAP & WIC) – Available for eligible purchases
- Buy Now, Pay Later – Through services like Affirm and PayPal Credit
If you want to use Apple Pay indirectly, one option is to link your Apple Pay to PayPal or a Cash App Card, which Walmart does accept for online purchases.
Can You Use Apple Pay at Walmart Through Third-Party Apps?
While Walmart does not directly accept Apple Pay, there are workarounds:
- Use Apple Pay with PayPal – Walmart accepts PayPal for online orders, and you can link Apple Pay to your PayPal account to make purchases.
- Use Apple Pay with a Cash App Card – If you have a Cash App Card linked to Apple Pay, you can use it like a debit card at Walmart.
- Use Apple Pay to Buy a Walmart Gift Card: Purchase a Walmart gift card from another retailer that accepts Apple Pay and use it at Walmart.
These methods allow you to indirectly use Apple Pay for Walmart transactions, especially for online orders.
Does Walmart Accept Contactless Payments at Self-Checkout?
Walmart does not accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay at self-checkout kiosks. The only contactless payment option available is Walmart Pay, which requires scanning a QR code.
If you want a contactless payment method at self-checkout, your best bet is to link your card to Walmart Pay or use a contactless debit/credit card.
Will Walmart Accept Apple Pay in the Future?
Currently, Walmart has no plans to accept Apple Pay in its stores. The company is committed to Walmart Pay and does not support NFC-based payment options.
However, as digital payments evolve and consumer demand increases, Walmart may reconsider its stance in the future. Until then, customers must use Walmart Pay or other accepted payment methods.
Final Thoughts
If you were hoping to use Apple Pay at Walmart, unfortunately, it is not accepted now. Instead, Walmart encourages customers to use Walmart Pay, which works through QR code scanning rather than NFC tap-to-pay.
For those looking for alternative ways to pay with Apple Pay, using PayPal, Cash App, or purchasing Walmart gift cards from third-party retailers can be potential workarounds.
Would you like to see Walmart accept Apple Pay in the future? Let us know in the comments!
