Walmart Inc. announced Friday that it will make contactless payments, including support for Apple Pay, available in all U.S. stores by the end of 2026. The retailer said it will begin enabling Tap to Pay at select Walmart and Sam's Club locations starting Aug. 24.
The company said the new contactless options will also be accepted on Walmart's websites and mobile apps. Shoppers will be able to complete purchases using eligible contactless cards, smartphones or smartwatches. Walmart noted that its fuel stations are slated to receive the contactless payment capability by mid-2027.
Customers and members will be able to add eligible Walmart, Sam's Club and OnePay cards to digital wallets, the company said. The newly announced payment acceptance will join the retailer's existing checkout methods, which include cash, credit cards and Walmart Pay. Walmart Pay enables customers to pay via the Walmart app, view purchases and receipts, and access Walmart+ fuel savings.
Sam's Club members retain access to Scan & Go, which allows them to scan items and pay while shopping, bypassing traditional checkout lanes. Members also continue to have Sam's Cash and Sam's Club credit options, with ways to earn Sam's Cash through qualifying purchases and programs.
Walmart said its suite of financial services is intended to help customers manage everyday financial needs through options to save, build credit and pay over time. The company characterized the contactless payment rollout as part of a broader initiative to make managing and using money easier for customers and members.
Context and scope
The retailer is phasing in tap-to-pay hardware and software across its brick-and-mortar footprint, digital channels and fueling locations according to the timelines described above. The rollout covers multiple customer touchpoints, including in-store terminals, the e-commerce checkout experience and payment options stored in mobile digital wallets.
Implementation details
- Tap to Pay will begin at select stores and Sam's Club locations on Aug. 24.
- All U.S. Walmart stores are expected to accept contactless payments by the end of 2026.
- Walmart fuel stations are scheduled to receive contactless payment capability by mid-2027.
The company did not provide additional operational details beyond the timelines and the set of supported payment methods.