A major tap-to-pay holdout is finally ready to roll out the technology to its retail stores.
About Walmart’s Tap-to-Pay Rollout
Walmart has announced that it will soon be updating its Walmart and Sam’s Club stores to accept tap-to-pay. In turn, customers will be able to use mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay as well as tapping NFC-equipped credit cards. This rollout will begin on August 24th, with all U.S. store locations expected to be updated by the end of the year. Additionally, support for these payments at fuel station locations is anticipated by mid-2027.
Prior to this announcement, Walmart was one of the few major retailers not to offer tap-to-pay as an option. Instead, the company introduced its own Walmart Pay in 2015. With this option, shoppers can use their mobile device to scan a QR code displayed on checkout terminals. After doing so, they can complete their transaction in the Walmart app. Similarly, at Sam’s Club locations, the Scan-and-Go feature enables members to add items to their cart by scanning them and then using the app to check out before exiting the club. A version of Scan-and-Go was also introduced to Walmart stores with the debut of Walmart+, although with this variant, users need to scan the barcode that will appear on their phone in order to complete their transaction.
What They’re Saying:
In their press release announcing the big news, Walmart wrote, “When we think about convenience, we think about a lot of things, but making shopping feel simpler and more seamless from start to finish is a big part. And one of the moments where that matters most is at checkout.” They added, “Tap to Pay gives customers and members another familiar and convenient way to pay at checkout using contactless payment methods. Whether picking up groceries, gifts or everyday essentials, they can check out using eligible contactless card, phone, or smartwatch.”
My Thoughts:
The fact that Walmart didn’t accept Apple Pay has actually become a bit of a meme in recent years. So make no mistake that this is indeed big news. While I personally use Scan-and-Go at both Sam’s Club and Walmart, I really don’t think that many people are using Walmart Pay overall. So, it makes sense why now might be the right time to swallow their pride and make this update.
I will also say that, anecdotally, I imagine that this switch will lead to faster checkout times. Even if using chip cards only takes a few extra seconds, those can quickly add up when you’re talking about stores as busy as Walmart and Sam’s Club. With that, I highly doubt that Walmart will regret this decision. And, as for customers, I’m sure they’re already celebrating.
