Walmart Surrenders to Tap-to-Pay

Walmart, the US retail giant, has announced that it will start accepting Google Pay and Apple Pay as part of its tap-to-pay options in its US stores and Sam's Club locations. The rollout will begin on August 24 at select locations, with all US stores and Sam's Club locations expected to have tap-to-pay options by the end of 2026. Fuel stations will also have tap-to-pay options by mid-2027.

The move marks a significant shift in Walmart's payment strategy, as the company had previously resisted supporting Apple Pay in favor of its own in-house payment tools. Walmart had backed CurrentC, a rival mobile payment venture intended to undercut Apple Pay, but the project collapsed and closed in 2016.

Customers will be able to pay using contactless cards, phones, or smartwatches, and can also add eligible Walmart, Sam's Club, and OnePay cards to their digital wallets. Walmart's existing payment options, including Walmart Pay, will remain available.

The rollout of tap-to-pay options is part of Walmart's effort to expand customer choice and make everyday shopping easier. The company had faced criticism for its limited payment options, with many customers preferring the convenience of tap-to-pay methods.

## Why it matters The move is significant, as Apple Pay is now accepted at 85% of US retailers. Walmart's decision to accept tap-to-pay payments is a concession that its own in-house payment solution was not sufficient to meet customer demand. The company's change of heart is likely to make shopping easier for its customers, who will now have more payment options available to them.

## What happens next The rollout of tap-to-pay options will begin on August 24, with all US stores and Sam's Club locations expected to have tap-to-pay options by the end of 2026. Fuel stations will follow suit by mid-2027. As the rollout progresses, customers can expect to see tap-to-pay options become increasingly available at Walmart and Sam's Club locations across the US.