Sometimes you walk into Walmart with your iPhone in hand, ready to pay using Apple Pay just like you do at other stores. But when you get to the checkout and try to tap your phone, nothing works. If this happened to you, don’t worry — you’re not alone. Many people ask the same question — does Walmart take Apple Pay?
This guide will help you understand the answer clearly, and also what you can do instead if Apple Pay isn’t working there.
Does Walmart Accept Apple Pay?
The straight answer is No, Walmart does not accept Apple Pay at any of its store locations or at self-checkout machines. If you try to use Apple Pay by tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch at the card reader, it won’t respond because the system is not set up to support it.
Even though many stores like Target, CVS, and Walgreens accept Apple Pay, Walmart has chosen not to use it in their payment systems. But that doesn’t mean you cannot pay from your phone at all. Walmart has its own payment method which you can use instead of Apple Pay.
Why Walmart Does Not Use Apple Pay?
Walmart has its own mobile payment system called Walmart Pay. This is one big reason why they didn’t add Apple Pay to their checkout options. Walmart wants customers to use their own app to complete purchases so that they can keep control over the process.
Also, when people use Apple Pay, the payment goes through Apple’s system and Walmart doesn’t get much customer data. But with Walmart Pay, they can track receipts, shopping behavior, and offer personal discounts to the user. It’s a business choice made for saving on fees and managing customer engagement.
So, it’s not about Apple being bad — it’s just that Walmart wants to keep things within their system.
What Is Walmart Pay and How It Works
If you still want to pay from your phone, then Walmart Pay is what you need to use. It works a bit differently than Apple Pay, but it’s easy once you get used to it.
Here’s how to use Walmart Pay:
- First, download the Walmart app from the App Store or Play Store
- Open the app and go to Walmart Pay section
- Add your credit, debit, or gift card inside the app
- When you check out at Walmart, scan the QR code at the register using your phone
- The payment will be done, and the receipt will be saved in your app
It doesn’t work by tapping like Apple Pay. Instead, you scan a QR code that appears on the screen at checkout.
Can I Still Use My iPhone to Pay at Walmart?
Yes, you can — but only by using Walmart Pay through the Walmart app. Your iPhone itself can’t send payments via Apple Pay at the store. But if your card is linked in Walmart Pay, then you can open the app on your iPhone and scan the code to pay. So, you are still paying from your phone — just not using Apple Pay.
Other Payment Methods That Work at Walmart
If you don’t want to use Walmart Pay, you still have other options at checkout. Here are the ways you can pay at Walmart stores:
- Credit or Debit Cards – Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover
- Cash – Always accepted
- Walmart Gift Cards – Swipe or scan at checkout
- EBT – Available for eligible items (in-store only)
- Walmart Capital One Card – Gives extra benefits and rewards
So, even without Apple Pay, you can still pay easily.
Can I Use Apple Pay on Walmart Website or App?
No, Walmart’s website and app also do not accept Apple Pay. When checking out online or on the app, you will see payment options like credit card, gift card, and sometimes PayPal. Apple Pay won’t show up as a choice even on Apple devices.
Walmart wants you to use their system completely, both in stores and online.
Will Walmart Add Apple Pay in the Future?
Right now, Walmart has not said anything about accepting Apple Pay in the future. They are still focusing on growing Walmart Pay. But many customers keep requesting Apple Pay support, so there’s a small chance it might change later.
If more stores switch and customer demand keeps rising, Walmart might think about adding Apple Pay. But as of now, there is no update on that.
Conclusion
Walmart does not accept Apple Pay — not at stores, not online, and not in the app. But you can still pay with your iPhone using Walmart Pay, which is their own digital method for fast checkout.
If you want to pay contactless at Walmart, just download their app and set it up one time. After that, you can keep paying by phone without needing your wallet.
If you’ve tried to use Apple Pay at Walmart or seen someone try it and get confused, let us know in the comment section. We’d love to hear your story or questions.