Walmart Finally Accepts Apple Pay and Google Pay Starting This Sunday

Summary

After more than a decade as the most prominent US retailer blocking NFC payments, Walmart is launching tap-to-pay support this Sunday, August 24. The rollout begins at select Walmart and Sam’s Club locations and expands to all US stores and clubs by the end of 2026, with fuel stations following in mid-2027. Customers can pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and any eligible contactless card, phone, or smartwatch. Walmart and Sam’s Club cards can be added to Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. As recently as January 2026, Walmart had reiterated that it had no plans to adopt NFC payments, preferring its own Walmart Pay and Scan and Go systems.

Why it matters

Walmart is the last major US retailer to accept tap-to-pay after years as a notable holdout, while Target, Costco, and most grocery chains moved on. For anyone who has been using an iPhone or Android phone as their wallet everywhere else, Walmart just closed the gap. This is relevant to everyone who shops at either chain.

HTD Says

Walmart is finally accepting Apple Pay this Sunday, ending more than 10 years as the biggest NFC holdout in American retail, and if you have been waiting to go fully wallet-free, that last obstacle has just been removed. I have to say that tap-to-pay, in general, is an incredible convenience. Armed with just your device (smartphone or smartwatch), that friction to payment is even easier.

I’m pretty surprised that Walmart lasted this long. I remember recently when my local Home Depot finally allowed contactless payments. It made things a lot easier. Now that massive retailer Walmart has added this convenience, it’s hard to imagine other retailers holding out. Cash-only boutiques are great, and I fully support those, but who carries cash anymore? And being able to leave my wallet at home (with my digital ID on my device) is super helpful.

Source:

MacRumors