Apple Pay is one of the most popular mobile wallets, letting people pay quickly with an iPhone or Apple Watch. Many shoppers expect to use it at checkout in large stores, such as Walmart.
But Walmart has its own rules for payments. If you’re wondering whether Apple Pay works at Walmart registers or on the Walmart app, here’s the complete answer.
Does Walmart Accept Apple Pay In-Store?
The direct answer is no. Walmart does not accept Apple Pay in any of its physical stores. Although Apple Pay utilizes near-field communication (NFC) technology, Walmart registers are not set up for NFC-based payments.
That means you cannot use your iPhone or Apple Watch for payment at checkout. Instead, Walmart directs customers to its own mobile wallet system called Walmart Pay.
Does Walmart Accept Apple Pay Online or in the App?
Walmart also does not take Apple Pay on Walmart.com or inside the Walmart shopping app. When checking out online, you won’t see Apple Pay as an option. Instead, you must use cards, gift cards, PayPal, or Walmart Pay through the app.
What Is Walmart Pay and How Does It Work?
Walmart Pay is Walmart’s official digital payment method. Unlike Apple Pay, which uses NFC, Walmart Pay relies on QR codes. This allows Walmart to control the checkout process inside its own app.
Steps to use Walmart Pay:
- Download the Walmart app on iPhone or Android
- Add a credit card, debit card, or Walmart gift card
- At checkout, open the app and select Walmart Pay
- Scan the QR code shown on the register screen
Payment is confirmed instantly, and you get a digital receipt in the app.
Payment Methods Walmart Does Accept
Even though Apple Pay isn’t supported, Walmart accepts a wide range of payment options both in stores and online:
- Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover
- Debit cards linked to major banks
- Walmart gift cards and eGift cards
- EBT for eligible grocery purchases
- PayPal for Walmart.com orders
- Cash and money orders in-store
- Walmart Pay through the app
This ensures customers still have multiple ways to pay without needing Apple Pay.
Why Doesn’t Walmart Take Apple Pay?
There are two main reasons. The first is business. Walmart created Walmart Pay to keep customers inside its own ecosystem instead of using third-party wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay. This gives Walmart more control over data and checkout flow.
The second reason is technical. Walmart Pay is built on QR code scanning, not NFC. Apple Pay requires NFC terminals, which Walmart has chosen not to install across its stores.
Alternatives to Apple Pay at Walmart
If you rely on mobile payments, you still have options:
- Walmart Pay for in-store checkout
- PayPal for Walmart.com orders
- Credit, debit, or gift cards at any register
- Cash for quick in-store payments
While Apple Pay is not an option, Walmart’s own system works similarly for fast, touch-free checkout.
Final Thoughts
Walmart does not accept Apple Pay in stores, online, or in the Walmart app. Instead, it pushes shoppers to Walmart Pay, which works through the Walmart app and QR codes.
For now, if you shop at Walmart, you’ll need to use Walmart Pay, PayPal, cards, or cash. Apple Pay works at many other major retailers like Target, Costco, and Walgreens, but Walmart continues to focus on its own payment system.
