In the retail world, there’s a name that resonates globally – Walmart. With a market presence spanning across 27 countries and around 11,000 stores under its wings, Walmart remains a household name known for its dedication to customer service and convenience. A significant contributor to its success is the corporation’s continuous effort to embrace modern technology, particularly in the area of customer transactions.
Another prominent name in the tech sphere is Apple Pay. In 2014,Apple Pay was introduced by Apple Inc. This mobile payment and digital wallet service turned Apple devices into powerful payment tools, opening up a world of convenience and heightened security for users. With this, the way we handle transactions was transformed, stepping into a new era of digital payments.
In this article, we will discussing whether Walmart take Apple Pay payments in their stores or not.
What is Apple Pay?
Apple Pay, brought to life by Apple Inc., is a transformative mobile payment and digital wallet service.
Apple Pay has revolutionized the way we conduct transactions by granting users the power to make payments effortlessly using their Apple devices, including popular devices like the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac. With this innovative payment method, the process of making payments has been completely transformed, offering users unmatched convenience and simplicity.
With Apple Pay, convenience and seamless transactions are quite literally at your fingertips.
How Does Apple Pay Work?
A marvel of modern financial technology, Apple Pay uses NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to facilitate contactless payments. So, how does this work in real life?
Imagine not having to rummage through your bag or wallet for your credit or debit card. Instead, your Apple device becomes your payment tool. To make a payment, all you need to do is bring your device close to the seller’s payment terminal. Then, a quick verification using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode wraps up the transaction.
Not only is this process a time-saver, but it also ramps up the security. It lessens the chances of your crucial data falling into the wrong hands, providing a significant edge over traditional card payments.
Online and In-App Purchases
Apart from physical stores, Apple Pay can also be used for online and in-app purchases. If you’re shopping with a retailer that accepts Apple Pay, you have the option to select it as your preferred payment method. To seal the deal and authenticate your purchase, you simply need to use Face ID, Touch ID, or input your device’s passcode. It’s that straightforward and secure.
Does Walmart Take Apple Pay?
In a word, No. Despite Apple Pay’s rising popularity and the undeniable convenience it offers, Walmart has made the strategic decision not to accept this form of payment in their stores.
This may raise eyebrows among some consumers who are more and more accustomed to the ease of digital wallet payments.
Why doesn’t Walmart Accept Apple Pay?
1. Favoring Walmart Pay
The main reason Walmart doesn’t accept Apple Pay is tied to their own mobile payment solution, Walmart Pay. This homegrown solution directly competes with Apple Pay. By promoting Walmart Pay, the corporation can focus on developing and optimizing its payment system to meet its customers’ unique needs.
2. Control Over Data
Another likely reason for Walmart not embracing Apple Pay is data control. With Walmart Pay, transactional and customer data stays with Walmart. This information is incredibly valuable as it helps Walmart understand purchasing behaviors and tailor their services accordingly. If they accepted Apple Pay, this valuable customer data would be shared with Apple.
3. Interchange Fees
Every time a credit or debit card is used for a transaction, the retailer pays a small fee known as an interchange fee to the bank and the card network. These fees can add up and have a substantial impact on a retailer’s bottom line. By promoting its own payment system, Walmart can avoid these fees, as transactions through Walmart Pay are treated as card-not-present transactions, which often have lower interchange fees.
History of Mobile Payments at Walmart
Walmart’s journey with mobile payments began in 2016 with the launch of Walmart Pay, making it one of the earliest major retailers to pioneer its own mobile payment system. The app allows customers to pay for their purchases using their smartphones, streamlining the checkout process and integrating smoothly with other Walmart services.
Walmart’s Payment Options
Walmart has always been about customer convenience, and this is reflected in their wide array of accepted payment options:
- Cash: The traditional method, always accepted.
- Debit and Credit cards: Including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
- Walmart Gift Cards: A perfect gift for any occasion.
- Walmart Credit Card: Offering potential savings and rewards.
- Walmart Pay: An innovative, in-app mobile payment solution.
- EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer): For customers receiving government benefits.
How to Use Walmart Pay at Walmart Store?
Walmart Pay, Walmart’s proprietary mobile payment system, was created to streamline and enhance your shopping journey. It provides a swift, effortless, and contactless payment solution right within the store, adding an extra layer of convenience to your Walmart shopping experience.
Here’s a detailed guide on how to use Walmart Pay:
Step 1: Download the Walmart App
The first step is to have the Walmart app on your smartphone. If you don’t have it yet, it can be downloaded for free from the App Store for iOS devices or from Google Play for Android devices.
Step 2: Create a Walmart Account or Sign In
- After downloading and opening the app, you need to create an account if you don’t already have one.
- You can do this by clicking on “Account” at the bottom right of the screen,
- Then selecting “Sign In” followed by “Create Account.” If you already have an account, simply sign in.
Step 3: Set Up Walmart Pay
Once you’re signed into your account, you can set up Walmart Pay.
- Click on “Services” at the bottom left of the screen, then select “Walmart Pay”.
Step 4: Add a Payment Method
To use Walmart Pay, you need to link it to a payment method.
- You can link any credit card, debit card, prepaid card, or Walmart Gift Card.
- To add a payment method, click on “Payment Methods” under your account.
- Then click on “Add a new card,” and follow the instructions to link your card to Walmart Pay.
Step 5: Making a Purchase
Now that you’ve set up Walmart Pay, you’re ready to use it for making purchases in Walmart stores.
- Once you’re done selecting your items and are ready to checkout, get your phone out.
- Navigate to and open the Walmart app.
- Tap on the option that says “Walmart Pay.”
Step 6: Scan the QR Code
There will be a QR code at the register specifically for Walmart Pay users. You’ll need to scan this code with your phone’s camera through the Walmart app. Simply aim your camera at the QR code, and Walmart Pay will connect to the register to process your payment.
Step 7: Confirm the Payment
After successfully scanning the QR code, your connected payment method will be billed, and a digital receipt will be sent to you via the app. This receipt can be viewed at any time in the “Purchase History” section of the Walmart app.
That’s it! You’ve successfully made a purchase using Walmart Pay. It’s worth mentioning that Walmart Pay is completely touch-free and a safer payment method amid concerns about physical contact and hygiene. Plus, it’s quick and convenient – you don’t have to fumble around for cash or cards.
Walmart Pay Vs. Apple Pay
While Walmart Pay and Apple Pay are both mobile payment solutions, they offer different benefits. Walmart Pay is more tightly
integrated with Walmart’s services, such as the Savings Catcher and eReceipts. In contrast, Apple Pay’s benefit lies in its wide acceptance. It’s usable not just in the United States, but in millions of stores worldwide.
Other Retailers Accepting Apple Pay
While Walmart has yet to jump on the bandwagon, numerous other major retailers have embraced Apple Pay. These include
Supermarkets and Grocery Stores
- Whole Foods
- Trader Joe’s
- Aldi
- Publix
Drugstores and Pharmacies
- Walgreens
- Duane Reade
- CVS
Fast Food and Restaurants
- McDonald’s
- Subway
- Starbucks
- KFC
Clothing Retailers
- Gap
- Bloomingdale’s
- Macy’s
- Levi’s
Electronics Stores
- Apple Store
- Best Buy
- RadioShack
Transportation and Gas stations
- Chevron
- Texaco
- Uber
- Lyft
Online Retailers
- Etsy
- Groupon
- Airbnb
- Uber Eats
Please note that this is just a small selection of the retailers that accept Apple Pay. Many more businesses, both large and small, all kinds of business – retailers, fashion stores, pharmacies, supermakets and gas stations take apple pay as one of their primary payment method.
How to Use Apple Pay at Stores That Accept It?
Using Apple Pay is straightforward:
- At the checkout, look for either the Apple Pay symbol or the contactless payment symbol.
- To initiate payment, unlock your Apple device and hold it near the payment terminal.
- The device will prompt you to confirm the transaction. This can be done using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
Pros and Cons of Using Apple Pay
Like any technology, Apple Pay has its share of pros and cons. The service is lauded for its ease of use, speed, and security. Through tokenization, Apple Pay secures sensitive card information, making transactions safer.
On the flip side, Apple Pay isn’t universally accepted, and its functionality is exclusive to Apple devices. For some shoppers, these limitations might eclipse the conveniences it offers.
Future of Mobile Payments at Walmart
While there’s no official word from Walmart about whether they will start accepting Apple Pay, the dynamic nature of the retail industry means nothing is set in stone.
As more and more shoppers gravitate towards digital wallets and touch-free payments, it’s quite plausible to imagine a future where Walmart expands its payment horizons. They might even end up incorporating a wide array of payment platforms, Apple Pay potentially being one of them.
Also Read: Does Marshalls Take Apple Pay?
FAQs on Walmart and Apple Pay
Can I use Apple Pay on Walmart’s website?
No, Walmart’s website does not accept Apple Pay.
Can I Add Multiple Cards to Apple Pay or Walmart Pay?
Absolutely. Both Apple Pay and Walmart Pay allow users to add multiple credit or debit cards. You can switch between these cards as per your convenience while making transactions.
What if I Lose My Device That Has Walmart Pay or Apple Pay?
If you lose your device, both Apple and Walmart have measures to secure your information. For Apple Pay, you can use the Find My iPhone service to suspend payments from your device. With Walmart Pay, you can remove or suspend the lost device from your Walmart.com account.
Can I Use Walmart Pay for Online Purchases?
Presently, Walmart Pay exclusively caters to in-store purchases, offering a seamless payment experience within Walmart’s physical locations.
Does Using Apple Pay or Walmart Pay Affect My Credit Card Rewards?
No. You won’t miss out on any credit card rewards. Just like with physical card transactions,you can still earn and enjoy the rewards and benefits associated with your credit cards when utilizing these mobile payment methods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Walmart currently doesn’t accept Apple Pay, they offer their customers a wide variety of other payment options, including their own Walmart Pay.The future remains uncertain as to whether Walmart will extend its range of payment options to include Apple Pay.
One thing is crystal clear: Walmart is resolute in its commitment to meet the evolving needs and preferences of its cherished customers. With a firm dedication to staying at the forefront of the industry, Walmart continually adapts and enhances its services. Their ultimate goal is to deliver an unparalleled shopping experience that meets the demands of the contemporary consumer landscape.
