Walmart is one of the largest retailers in the US, and many customers wonder if they can use Apple Pay for their purchases. Unfortunately, Walmart does not accept Apple Pay as a payment method at their stores.
However, there are alternative payment options available. According to Walmart's website, customers can use their credit or debit cards, as well as cash, for their transactions.
One of the most popular alternatives to Apple Pay is Walmart's own mobile payment service, Walmart Pay. It allows customers to pay for their purchases using their smartphones, and it's accepted at all Walmart stores.
Additionally, customers can also use other digital wallets like Google Pay or Samsung Pay to make their purchases at Walmart.
Does Walmart Accept Apple Pay?
Walmart accepts Apple Pay at most of its stores, but not all.
You can use Apple Pay at self-checkout lanes and checkout counters, but not at Walmart's pharmacy or optical services.
To pay with Apple Pay at Walmart, simply hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the contactless payment terminal, and follow the on-screen instructions.
Walmart has over 4,700 stores in the US, but it's best to call ahead and confirm that your local store accepts Apple Pay.
As of 2022, Walmart has been gradually phasing out its own mobile payment service, Walmart Pay, in favor of Apple Pay and other contactless payment options.
Using Apple Pay at Walmart
To use Apple Pay at Walmart, you'll need to add your Apple Wallet card to Walmart Pay. Open the Walmart app and log in to your account, then find the section for Wallet or Payment Methods.
You can scan your physical card with your phone's camera instead of manually typing the information, which can save you some time. To do this, choose "Credit/Debit Card" as the payment type and enter your card details from your Apple Wallet.
Once you've added your card, you can pay using Walmart Pay at checkout. Open the Walmart app and access the Walmart Pay section, where you might see a barcode or QR code on your phone screen.
To complete the payment, scan the Walmart Pay barcode using the store scanner, either at the self-checkout kiosk or with a cashier. If you have added multiple cards to your Apple Wallet, select the one you want to use.
Here are the steps to follow in a concise list:
- Add Your Apple Wallet Card to Walmart Pay
- Pay Using Walmart Pay at Checkout:
- Open the Walmart app and access the Walmart Pay section.
- Scan the Walmart Pay barcode using the store scanner.
- Select the card you want to use from your linked Apple Wallet cards.
- Confirm the payment and complete your purchase.
Alternatives to Apple Pay at Walmart
Walmart has a payment solution of its own, Walmart Pay, which you can use at checkout. This is a strategic move to retain control over transaction data and reduce dependency on third-party payment systems.
You can also use cash, credit cards, and debit cards at Walmart. These traditional payment methods are widely accepted and easy to use.
If you're looking for alternative mobile payment options, you can consider using Google Pay or Samsung Pay, but keep in mind that Walmart's priority is promoting its own payment solution, Walmart Pay.
Why Doesn't Walmart Accept Apple Pay?
Walmart doesn't accept Apple Pay, and it's not because they're trying to be difficult.
The primary reason is to promote its own payment solution, Walmart Pay, which allows the company to retain control over transaction data and reduce dependency on third-party payment systems.
Walmart has a huge volume of transactions, both online and in-store, and integrating Apple Pay would come with transaction fees that they'd rather avoid.
By not accepting Apple Pay, Walmart can save earnings and avoid raising prices, which is essential for a retailer that offers low-price items.
Walmart launched its own e-wallet, Walmart Pay, in 2016, which was designed for contactless payments at physical locations and online shopping.
The company predicted that its app would surpass Apple Pay, but that didn't happen. Despite this, Walmart is still not willing to add new mobile payment methods, including Apple Pay.
Walmart officials have stated that the payment processing would hamper the business, and the merchant's obligations with MCX, the Merchant Customer Exchange, play a role in this decision.
By not accepting Apple Pay, Walmart can avoid a clash between different vendors, and its own mobile payment system, MCX, can continue to offer benefits to customers, such as waiving the 2% credit card fee.
Walmart's own mobile payment system allows shoppers to scan a QR code for quick payments, save e-receipts for future shopping and returns, and link their app to their phone for in-store purchases.
Alternative Payment Methods at Walmart
If you're looking for alternatives to Apple Pay at Walmart, you're in luck because the retail giant offers a variety of payment methods.
You can use the Walmart app to make purchases using Walmart Pay, which is connected to your credit or debit card. Simply link your card and scan a QR code at checkout to complete your transaction.
Walmart also accepts Affirm, a financing option that allows you to spread out the cost of larger purchases over time with set monthly payments.
Credit and debit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover, are also widely accepted at Walmart. Many cards offer contactless payments, making checkout quick and easy.
The Walmart Credit Card offers exclusive financing opportunities and cashback incentives on purchases made at Walmart and its affiliated businesses.
Gift cards are another option, and they can be loaded with a predetermined amount and used until the balance is depleted. They're a great way to budget and give gifts.
If you're looking for a prepaid card, the Walmart MoneyCard is a reloadable option that's accepted everywhere Visa and MasterCard are accepted.
For online transactions, Walmart accepts PayPal, which allows you to use credit cards, linked bank accounts, or your PayPal balance for safe transactions.
If you're using food assistance programs, Walmart also accepts Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) for qualifying items.
And, of course, cash is always an option for in-store purchases, accepted at both standard checkout counters and self-checkout kiosks.
Here's a quick rundown of the alternative payment methods available at Walmart:
Sources
- https://www.saasant.com/blog/does-walmart-accept-apple-pay/
- https://rates.fm/payment-systems/does-walmart-take-apple-pay/
- https://www.finder.com/banking/does-walmart-take-apple-or-google-pay
- https://www.dancingnumbers.com/does-walmart-take-apple-pay/
- https://www.pinoybisnes.com/finance/does-walmart-take-apple-pay-reasons-and-alternatives/
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