In a major update for shoppers, Walmart has announced that it will enable the use of Apple Pay and Google Pay in its stores. This marks a significant shift for the retail giant, which has previously resisted adopting these popular contactless payment options.
Gradual Implementation of Contactless Payments
Starting from 24 August, Walmart will introduce contactless payments in selected Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations. The company’s goal is to expand this service to all U.S. outlets by the end of 2026, and subsequently to its fuel stations by mid-2027. This phased rollout will allow customers greater flexibility with payment methods.
Walmart’s Statement on Payment Choices
A representative from Walmart emphasized the importance of offering diverse payment options, stating that customers should be able to choose how they pay at checkout according to their preferences. This announcement confirmed that eligible contactless cards, smartphones, and smartwatches will be supported, explicitly including Apple Pay.
Google Pay Integration
In a statement on Google’s website, Stavan Parikh, the vice president and general manager of payments for Google, confirmed that Google Pay would also be part of this initiative. He noted that the update builds upon Google and Walmart’s existing partnership, enhancing convenience and security for Walmart customers. Previous collaborations between the two companies include AI shopping solutions and drone delivery trials with Google’s sister company, Wing.
Past and Current Payment Methods
Walmart has traditionally focused on promoting its own payment systems, such as Walmart Pay and OnePay Wallet, even after Apple Pay launched in 2014. At present, Apple Pay is available at over 85% of U.S. retailers, a trend Walmart is now aligning with. Past efforts to collaborate with other retailers on a mobile payment system, CurrentC, were discontinued in 2016. Despite the new options, Walmart will continue to support its app-based payment method, Walmart Pay, and the Scan & Go service at Sam’s Club.
Reporting based on coverage first published by modernretail.co.