No, Walmart does not take Apple Pay. If your primary question is "Can I use Apple Pay at Walmart," the answer is definitively no.
Why Walmart Doesn't Accept Apple Pay
Walmart has opted not to integrate Apple Pay or other third-party mobile payment systems like Google Pay or Samsung Pay. Instead, the retail giant developed its own proprietary mobile payment solution called Walmart Pay. This in-house system allows customers to make secure payments directly through the Walmart app, offering them more control over their transaction data and potentially streamlining the shopping experience within their ecosystem.
Accepted Payment Methods at Walmart
While Apple Pay is not an option, Walmart offers a wide range of other convenient payment methods for both in-store and online purchases.
Here are the primary payment options accepted:
- Cash: For in-store purchases.
- Credit Cards:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- Discover
- Debit Cards: Accepted with a PIN or as a credit transaction.
- Walmart Pay: Walmart's own mobile payment system accessible through the Walmart app.
- Walmart Gift Cards: Both physical and eGift cards.
- EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer): For eligible food and cash benefits.
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program Vouchers: For specific eligible items.
- Checks: Personal checks are generally accepted with valid ID, though policies may vary by store.
- Money Orders: Can be used for purchases.
Alternatives to Apple Pay at Walmart
The best alternative to Apple Pay when shopping at Walmart is to use Walmart Pay. It provides a similar level of convenience as other mobile payment options.
Here's how Walmart Pay works:
- Download the Walmart App: If you don't already have it, download the official Walmart app from your device's app store.
- Link Payment Method: Within the app, securely link your preferred credit card, debit card, or Walmart gift card to your Walmart Pay account.
- Scan and Pay: At checkout, open the Walmart app, select Walmart Pay, and scan the QR code displayed on the payment terminal. Your chosen payment method will be charged automatically, and an e-receipt will be saved in your app.
Using Walmart Pay can also offer additional benefits, such as tracking purchases and easily accessing digital receipts for returns or budgeting.
Payment Method Summary
To clarify the options available at Walmart versus Apple Pay, refer to the table below:
| Payment Method | Accepted at Walmart? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Pay | No | Walmart supports its own mobile payment system, Walmart Pay, instead. |
| Walmart Pay | Yes | Walmart's proprietary mobile payment solution, accessible via the Walmart app. |
| Credit Cards | Yes | Major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are widely accepted. |
| Debit Cards | Yes | Can be processed with a PIN or as a credit transaction. |
| Cash | Yes | Accepted for in-store purchases at regular checkout lanes and self-checkout. |
| Walmart Gift Cards | Yes | Both physical and digital gift cards issued by Walmart. |
| EBT/WIC | Yes | For eligible purchases, following program guidelines. |
| Checks/Money Orders | Yes | Accepted, though policies for personal checks may require valid identification. |
In summary, while Apple Pay is not an option, Walmart provides numerous other convenient and secure ways to pay for your purchases, with Walmart Pay being the most direct mobile alternative.
