Why Walmart Refuses Apple Pay in the U.S. by 2026
Walmart currently does not accept Apple Pay in over 4,500 locations throughout the United States, and there’s no sign of change before 2026. Beyond Apple Pay, Walmart’s restrictions extend to other contactless payment methods, such as Google Pay and Samsung Pay. All NFC (Near Field Communication) capabilities on their payment terminals have been disabled.
Walmart’s Payment Policies Explained
This situation is not new. Despite numerous customer complaints, Walmart remains committed to its own payment options. A representative for Walmart confirmed last year that the retailer prioritizes its proprietary payment methods, including Walmart Pay and Scan & Go.
- Walmart Pay: Customers must integrate a payment card into the Walmart app and scan a QR code at checkout.
- Scan & Go: Available for Walmart+ members, this feature allows users to scan items while shopping instead of at a self-checkout.
Both methods aim to enhance user experience and facilitate data collection on customer shopping habits, a probable reason behind Walmart’s reluctance to adopt Apple Pay.
Privacy Concerns and Data Tracking
Apple Pay is designed with strong privacy protections, which include masking users’ actual credit card numbers. This functionality may hinder Walmart’s ability to gather customer data, thereby placing Apple Pay at odds with the retailer’s foundational strategies.
Since its launch over a decade ago, Apple Pay quickly became a staple in payment methods, with over 90% of U.S. retailers accepting it as of 2022. Recently, several major retailers that once resisted Apple Pay, such as The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Kroger, and H-E-B, have adopted the service.
International Acceptance
Interestingly, Walmart has allowed Apple Pay in its Canadian stores since 2020. However, the chain continues to refrain from extending this acceptance to its U.S. locations.
As consumer preferences evolve and demand for contactless payments rises, it remains to be seen whether Walmart will eventually adapt to this trend. For now, customers looking to use Apple Pay will need to seek alternatives. Keep checking Filmogaz.com for updates on this developing story.
