Walmart ends long-standing resistance to Apple Pay and Google Pay
The retail giant will begin accepting major mobile payment platforms at select stores from 24 August 2026, marking a significant shift from its reliance on in-house solutions.
Walmart has announced it will begin accepting Apple Pay and Google Pay at its stores and Sam’s Club locations, a move that signals a strategic pivot in the company’s approach to mobile payments. The rollout is scheduled to commence at select locations on 24 August 2026, with the retailer expecting the feature to reach all stores and clubs by the end of the year.
This decision marks a departure from Walmart’s historical preference for in-house solutions, such as Walmart Pay and Scan-and-Go. For years, the company resisted adopting the ubiquitous tap-and-pay technology, a stance that drew criticism from customers who had long requested the availability of modern payment options.
The shift follows the failure of a previous joint venture. In past years, Walmart partnered with other major retailers to create an alternative mobile payment system called CurrentC, aimed at challenging the dominance of Apple Pay. That effort was ultimately shut down in 2016, leaving Walmart to rely on its proprietary tools while competitors increasingly adopted standard payment platforms.
The adoption of Apple Pay and Google Pay comes at a time when the former is already accepted at 85 per cent of retailers across the United States, including most larger stores. By integrating these platforms, Walmart aims to align its checkout experience with broader market standards and reduce friction for consumers.
The company frames the update as a way to provide greater choice at checkout. In its announcement, Walmart stated that Tap to Pay is a valuable addition to existing options like cash, credit cards, and Walmart Pay. The retailer described the move as part of a broader effort to make managing and using money easier for customers and members.
Following the initial rollout to stores and clubs, the company projects that all fuel stations will support the new payment methods by the middle of 2027. This timeline allows for a phased implementation across the company’s diverse range of locations.
