Walmart Finally Accepts Apple Pay and Google Pay
Walmart will add Apple Pay and Google Pay to select stores starting August 24, with a nationwide rollout expected by the end of 2026.
The update
Walmart is finally adding Apple Pay and Google Pay to its checkout counters. The retailer announced that tap-to-pay capabilities will launch at select Walmart and Sam’s Club locations on August 24. The company plans to expand support to all U.S. stores by the end of 2026 and to gas stations by mid-2027.
Why it matters
This marks a significant shift for a retailer that previously resisted Apple Pay and Google Pay in favor of its own Walmart Pay system. The move suggests a change in strategy to offer customers more payment choices at the register. Walmart had previously backed the short-lived CurrentC mobile payment service before launching Walmart Pay in 2016.
What to watch
Watch for the exact rollout timeline and any technical limitations on the new payment methods. The decision to add these options could signal a broader trend among major retailers to support standard tap-to-pay technology. Additionally, monitor whether this move affects Walmart’s investment in its own payment infrastructure and how it might impact the competitive landscape in mobile payments.
Sources
- theverge.com — Rollout timeline, locations, and company statement.
- techcrunch.com — Context on Walmart's previous resistance and competitive landscape.
