Today, people have an increasing number of options when they’re checking out during a shopping trip. However, not every payment mechanism works at every retailer. As a result, you may be wondering, “Does Walmart take Apple Pay?” If so, here’s what you need to know.
Does Walmart Take Apple Pay?
While many major retailers do accept Apple Pay, Walmart doesn’t. The primary reason is that Walmart stores aren’t outfitted with near-field communication (NFC) technology at their registers. Apple Pay relies on NFC through your smartphone to communicate. Since that’s the case, you can’t use your phone to pay in this manner.
It also seems that Walmart doesn’t have plans to introduce NFC technology at its registers at this time. Doing so would be a costly venture, as Walmart would have to replace all of its payment terminals to support the change.
Additionally, there’s an existing agreement that involves the Merchant Customer Exchange (MCX) Walmart uses. While Walmart Pay doesn’t incur extra services fees that Walmart would have to pay, accepting Apple Pay would result in fees. That can significantly increase Walmart’s costs. As a result, Apple Pay may not be an option there for quite some time, or potentially ever.
Does Sam’s Club Accept Apple Pay?
Sam’s Club is operated by the same parent company as Walmart, and like Walmart, Sam’s Club doesn’t accept Apple Pay. Since they’re two stores effectively under the same umbrella, the reasoning is the same as you’d find with Walmart. As a result, Sam Club likely won’t accept Apple Pay in the near future, suggesting it does at all.
Why Does Walmart Pay Work If Apple Pay Doesn’t?
Since that’s the case, you may wonder why Walmart Pay works when Apple Pay doesn’t. Walmart Pay is an option because it doesn’t use NFC to complete transactions at the register. Instead, Walmart Pay relies on your smartphone camera to make the initial connection.
When you approach the register, you scan a QR code that’s connected to your order instead. That doesn’t rely on NFC technology, allowing this smartphone-based option to work when Apple Pay doesn’t.
Can You Use Google Pay or Samsung Pay at Walmart?
Like Apple Pay, mobile wallets like Google Pay or Samsung Pay also rely on NFC technology. Since that isn’t implemented in Walmart stores, essentially all mobile wallets aside from Walmart Pay aren’t options when you’re shopping at Walmart.
What Payment Options Are Available at Walmart
While you can’t use Apple Pay or other mobile wallets outside of Walmart Pay, that doesn’t mean you don’t have options. Most Walmart stores accept a wide variety of payment types.
In stores, you can use the Walmart Pay app, cash, debit cards, credit cards, gift cards, EBT, and WIC. Online you have the option of using debit, credit, and gift cards, as well as PayPal and Affirm. You can even complete qualifying online transactions using EBT.
How to Set Up and Use Walmart Pay
If you simply prefer a mobile device payment option over alternatives, getting started with Walmart Pay is easy. Simple download and install the Walmart app and create an account. Next, add a payment method to the app that Walmart Pay can use during the checkout process.
When you prepare to check out in-store, open the Walmart app and choose Walmart Pay. You can find Walmart Pay by tapping your name in the upper left-hand corner of the app and going to your Wallet. Under the “Tools to shop in-store section,” you’ll see the Walmart Pay option.
Once you tap Walmart Pay, scan the QR code displayed at the register on the terminal. That will connect your smartphone, allowing you to select your preferred payment card and complete the transaction. For added convenience, you’ll also get an e-receipt that’s connected to your account, making it easier to access later should the need arise.
Is There a Workaround to Use Apple Pay at Walmart?
If you use Ibotta, you technically have a workaround available that lets you use Apple Pay when checking out at Walmart in-store. You simply need to use the option in Ibotta that allows you to pay for purchases through that app instead.
Ibotta lets you list your Apple Pay wallet as a payment mechanism. Add your account and make Apple Pay the default. Then, when you prepare to check out at Walmart, open Ibotta and head to the “Pay with Ibotta” tool, and select Walmart.
Enter the amount you owe at Walmart into the Ibotta app and submit it. By doing so, you essentially buy an instant-delivery gift card for Walmart that matches your shopping total. Show the cashier the barcode that appears in Ibotta, have them scan it, and you’ve completed your purchase using a workaround that lets you use Apple Pay at Walmart.
What Stores Accept Apple Pay?
While Walmart isn’t accepting Apple Pay, that doesn’t mean other retailers won’t, including many stores that offer similar products to what you’d get at Walmart.
One prime example is Target, which is a main Walmart competitor. Target does accept Apple Pay, as well as a few other mobile wallet payment options.
For groceries, Albertsons and Safeway are two examples of stores that welcome Apple Pay. You can also use your Apple mobile wallet at Aldi, Meijer, Trader Joe’s Whole Foods, and even Costco. If you’re looking for a pharmacy that accepts Apple Pay, CVS, Duane Reade, Rite Aid, and Walgreens are all options.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg, too. If you’re wondering if a store you frequent accepts Apple Pay, check the retailer’s website. You can also simply ask a cashier during your next shopping trip. If you go that route, just make sure to have another payment option available, just in case they’re like Walmart and don’t accept Apple Pay.
Do you wish you could use Apple Pay when shopping at Walmart without a workaround? Why or why not? Do you think another payment option is a better fit? If so, which one? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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