UNITED STATES — Walmart shoppers are getting a major new checkout option. The retail giant is officially rolling out tap-to-pay technology, allowing customers to use popular digital payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Payat its U.S. stores.
The rollout begins August 24, 2026, at select Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations. Walmart says it plans to expand the technology to all of its U.S. stores and clubs by the end of 2026.
Once the technology is available at a location, shoppers will be able to complete purchases by tapping an eligible smartphone, smartwatch or contactless credit or debit card at checkout. Apple Pay and Google Pay are among the digital wallet options supported by the new system.
The change is significant because Walmart had resisted adopting standard NFC tap-to-pay technology for years. Instead, the company encouraged customers to use Walmart Pay, which allows shoppers to make payments through the Walmart app using a QR code.
Walmart Pay isn’t going away. Customers will still be able to use it alongside traditional payment options such as cash and credit cards. Sam’s Club members can also continue using Scan & Go, which allows shoppers to scan merchandise and pay through the app without using a traditional checkout lane.
The company says the expansion is about giving shoppers more flexibility and making checkout more convenient. Eligible Walmart, Sam’s Club and OnePay cards can also be added to customers’ digital wallets for contactless purchases.
The rollout won’t stop inside stores. Walmart plans to bring tap-to-pay technology to its fuel stations by mid-2027, giving customers another way to make contactless payments while filling up.
For shoppers who have been waiting to use Apple Pay or Google Pay at Walmart, the change brings the retailer in line with many other major stores that already offer contactless checkout options.
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
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