As of 2026, Walmart has yet to adopt Apple Pay across its U.S. locations, making it one of the few major retailers without support for Apple’s contactless payment system. This limitation is gaining attention on social media once again.
Walmart’s Stance on Apple Pay
Importantly, Walmart does not accept any form of NFC payment in the United States, not just Apple Pay. This includes Google Pay and Samsung Pay, along with physical contactless cards. However, many Walmart stores in Canada do support Apple Pay.
Walmart’s Alternative: Walmart Pay
Walmart has introduced its own contactless payment system, Walmart Pay, which was launched in 2016. Unlike Apple Pay, Walmart Pay operates through QR codes rather than a tap-to-pay method. Users must add a debit or credit card to the Walmart app and scan a QR code at checkout, making it less convenient than Apple Pay.
Scan and Go Option
Walmart also features a Scan and Go service for Walmart+ members, allowing shoppers to scan items as they shop and finalize their purchase at self-checkout. However, Apple Pay is not accepted in this process either.
The Data Collection Factor
A significant reason for Walmart’s refusal to accept Apple Pay could be its reliance on data collection to create customer profiles based on shopping habits. Using Walmart Pay facilitates easier data tracking compared to Apple Pay, which prioritizes user privacy and complicates such efforts.
Walmart’s Position
In a recent statement, Walmart asserted that it believes Walmart Pay offers a more convenient experience for shoppers compared to Apple Pay. They emphasize that their services, such as Scan & Go, contribute to a seamless shopping journey.
Critique from 9to5Mac
Many view Walmart’s refusal to accept Apple Pay as a user-unfriendly move, primarily for the sake of data control over customer convenience. Social media sentiments reveal growing frustration among customers about this limitation, and while several retailers have embraced Apple Pay, Walmart remains resistant.
