Does Walmart Take Apple Pay? Everything You Need to Know in 2025
In today’s fast-paced digital world, mobile payment options are more popular than ever. Apple Pay, does walmart take apple payone of the most widely used mobile wallets, is accepted at millions of stores globally. But one common question that shoppers often ask is: Does Walmart take Apple Pay?
If you’re an iPhone user who loves the ease of contactless payment, and you shop at Walmart regularly, this guide is for you. In this article, we’ll answer this question in-depth, explore Walmart’s accepted payment methods, explain why Apple Pay isn’t supported, and look at smart alternatives you can use instead.
Quick Answer: Does Walmart Take Apple Pay?
Whether you’re shopping in a physical location or using the Walmart app or website, Apple Pay is not a supported payment option.
Why Doesn’t Walmart Accept Apple Pay?
Many shoppers find it surprising that does walmart take apple pay one of the largest retail chains in the U.S. does not support Apple Pay. The main reasons come down to business strategy, data control, and loyalty to their own payment system.
1. Walmart Pay Strategy
Instead of supporting third-party payment systems like Apple Pay or Google Pay, Walmart has chosen to push its own Walmart Pay app. Launched in 2015, Walmart Pay is a digital wallet integrated into the Walmart app, allowing customers to pay using their smartphones.
By encouraging shoppers to use Walmart Pay, the company retains control over consumer data, reduces transaction fees, and keeps users inside their ecosystem.
2. Lower Processing Fees
Apple Pay works through credit card networks and charges merchant fees. By avoiding Apple Pay, Walmart minimizes these costs. Walmart Pay links directly to your debit, credit, or gift card, cutting out the middleman.
3. Data and Analytics
Using Apple Pay limits the customer data Walmart can collect. But with Walmart Pay, the company gathers valuable data on spending habits, shopping frequency, and product preferences, which helps improve its marketing and customer experience.
What Is Walmart Pay and How Does It Work?
If you’re looking for a seamless digital payment option at Walmart, Walmart Pay is the official alternative to Apple Pay.
How to Set Up Walmart Pay:
- Download the Walmart App (available on iOS and Android).
- Open the app and tap on Walmart Pay.
- Add your credit card, debit card, or Walmart gift card.
- Use the app to scan a QR code at checkout.
Walmart Pay doesn’t use NFC (Near Field Communication) like Apple Pay. Instead, it uses QR code scanning, which is accepted at all Walmart checkout stations, including self-checkout.
Even though Walmart doesn’t directly support Apple Pay, there are a few workarounds that iPhone users can try:
1. Buy Walmart Gift Cards Using Apple Pay
You can use Apple Pay to purchase a Walmart gift card from third-party sites or apps that accept Apple Pay, such as:
- Raise
- Gift Card Granny
- Gyft
- PayPal
Then, simply redeem the gift card on Walmart’s website, app, or in-store.
2. Use Apple Card at Walmart
While it is designed to work best with Apple Pay, you can still use the physical Apple Card to make purchases at Walmart just like any other credit card.
Note: You won’t get 2% cashback (like you do with Apple Pay), but you will still receive 1% Daily Cash when using the physical Apple Card.
What Payment Methods Does Walmart Accept?
Here are the current accepted payment methods at Walmart (in-store and online):
In-Store:
- Credit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover)
- Debit Cards
- Walmart Gift Cards
- Walmart Pay (via Walmart App)
- Capital One Walmart Rewards Card
- EBT/SNAP (at select locations)
- Cash
- Checks (with valid ID)
Online (Walmart.com):
- Credit/Debit Cards
- Walmart Gift Cards
- PayPal
- Affirm (buy now, pay later)
- EBT/SNAP (on eligible items)
As of mid-2025, Walmart has not announced any plans to adopt Apple Pay. While customer demand remains strong, Walmart continues to double down on its own payment solution.
However, consumer habits evolve, and pressure from tech-savvy shoppers may eventually prompt a change. If competitors like Target, CVS, and Walgreens can support Apple Pay, it’s possible that Walmart could shift course—but nothing is confirmed.
Alternatives to Walmart That Accept Apple Pay
If using Apple Pay is a top priority for your shopping experience, here are some major retailers that do accept Apple Pay:
- Target
- Best Buy
- Walgreens
- CVS
- Costco
- Whole Foods
- Trader Joe’s
- Staples
- 7-Eleven
These retailers accept Apple Pay both in-store and often in their mobile apps, giving you full flexibility.
Pros and Cons of Using Walmart Pay
If you’re considering using Walmart Pay instead of Apple Pay, here are some advantages and drawbacks:
✅ Pros:
- Works with all smartphones (not just Apple devices)
- Secure, with PIN and Face ID options
- Allows digital receipt storage
- No physical card needed at checkout
❌ Cons:
- Only usable at Walmart
- Doesn’t offer Apple Pay’s instant cashback perks
- Fewer loyalty or bank-linked features
Final Verdict: Does Walmart Take Apple Pay?
To wrap it all up—Walmart does not take Apple Pay at any of its locations or online platforms. This is due to a strategic decision to promote Walmart Pay, save on fees, and retain customer data control.
While this may be inconvenient for iPhone users who rely on Apple Pay, there are several alternatives and workarounds, like using Walmart gift cards purchased with Apple Pay or using the physical Apple Card.
If Apple Pay is essential to your lifestyle, you may prefer shopping at other retailers that support it. But if you’re a frequent Walmart shopper, getting familiar with Walmart Pay could be a smooth transition.
FAQs About Walmart and Apple Pay
Q: Is Walmart Pay available for iPhone users?
A: Yes, the Walmart app and Walmart Pay feature are available for iPhone users and work seamlessly.
Q: Can I add Apple Pay to the Walmart App?
A: No, Apple Pay cannot be added as a payment method within the Walmart app.
Q: What mobile payment app can I use at Walmart?
A: Walmart Pay is the only official mobile wallet accepted at Walmart stores.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever asked, “Does Walmart take Apple Pay?”—now you know the full story. While the answer is no, there are still convenient options available for mobile users. As technology continues to evolve, perhaps Walmart’s payment preferences will too. Until then, Walmart Pay remains your go-to option for digital payments in-store.
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