Walmart Finally Adds Apple Pay and Google Pay Starting August 24
Walmart will add Apple Pay and Google Pay at select stores from August 24, reach all stores and clubs by year end, then expand to fuel stations by mid 2027.
Summary
On Friday, August 21, 2026, Walmart said it will begin accepting Apple Pay and Google Pay through Tap to Pay at select Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations on August 24. It plans coverage at all stores and clubs by year end, followed by all fuel stations by mid 2027. The options will join cash, credit cards, Walmart Pay and Scan and Go, which Walmart presents as broader checkout choice and easier money management for customers and members.
The reversal ends Walmart’s longstanding resistance to contactless wallets while Apple Pay is accepted at 85% of US retailers, including most large stores. One of the world’s largest retailers had prioritized its own payment tools and joined other major chains in CurrentC, an attempted Apple Pay rival that failed and closed in 2016. After customers repeatedly requested tap payments, Walmart’s concession removes a disadvantage created by its effort to steer shoppers toward in house systems.
Positives
- August 24 brings Apple Pay and Google Pay to select Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations.
- All Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations are scheduled to support Tap to Pay by year end.
- All Walmart fuel stations are expected to gain contactless payment support by mid 2027.
- Cash, credit cards, Walmart Pay and Scan and Go will remain available alongside the new options.
Risks & concerns
- Select locations receive Tap to Pay first, leaving other stores and clubs waiting until year end.
- Walmart fuel station customers must wait until mid 2027 for Apple Pay and Google Pay acceptance.
- Apple Pay already reaches 85% of US retailers, showing how far Walmart lagged most large stores.
- CurrentC, Walmart’s retailer backed attempt to challenge Apple Pay, failed and shut down in 2016.
