Apple Pay is becoming increasingly popular with over 2 million stores in the United States now accepting this mode of payment. However, since there is much confusion about which store take or don’t take it, here we will talk about does Walmart take Apple Pay or not.
What Will We Talk About Here?
1. Walmart does not accept Apple Pay but it lets you pay via other contactless payment alternatives.
2. Instead, you can use Walmart Pay by Apple Store> Install Walmart Pay App> Make an account > Link your debit or credit card with it > Scan the QR > Pay.
3. Apple Pay users can add Ibotta extension to complete payments at Walmart.
…and Much More!
Does Walmart Store Take Apple Pay?
iPhone users are habitual of clearing bills via Apple Pay as it is safe, quick, and saves them the hassle of getting into long queues.
Unfortunately, Walmart does not accept Apple Pay in any of its outlets. Customers are instead encouraged to use Walmart Pay, an app similar to Apple Pay for clearing bills at the checkout.
You might be interested in reading: Does Marshalls Take Apple Pay?
What About Online and Self-Checkout At Walmart?
Walmart also does not accept Apple Pay at the self-checkout or its online store.
You can use the Walmart app at the self-checkout section after you have linked it to an eligible debit card or credit card. This portal also lets you pay pay via PayPal, checks, Mastercard, Visa, or simple through cash.
Similarly, you can’t use Apple Pay while shopping at online Walmart store. You will have to resort to Walmart Pay or Venmo
Why Walmart Does Not Accept Apple Pay?
There is not just one reason to explain why Walmart chose to turn down a payment method as famous as Apple Pay. Many important factors came into play, some of which we have concisely talked about here.
- MCX as direct rival to Apple Pay
Walmart Pay works with MCX that employs QR codes. This technology is a direct rival to Apple Pay in the world of contactless payments. Since Walmart could not employ NFC-based technology on which Apple is structured, it had to let go of this option on their stores check-out.
- Apple Pay does not favor their Marketing strategy
The multinational cooperation was also hesitant to implement Apple Wallet payments as it would mean that it can not gather customer information which is vital for personalized recommendations that such stores rely on for growth.
- A way to slim down transaction charges
The multinational store had to keep in mind its thin profit margins when deciding over accepted payment methods. As it turns out, Walmart Pay guaranteed lesser payment processing fees as compared to going with NFC-based Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or Apple Pay.
Walmart Pay – Alternative To Apple Pay at Walmart
Customers can download and use Walmart Pay app, register for a free account, and then link your debit/credit card to make contactless payments at the store.
- Simply scan the QR code once the final amount appears and choose to pay via Walmart Pay.
You can download this app at Walmart.com. Besides linking your debit card or credit cards, Walmart Pay lets you link Walmart gift cards and prepaid cards as well for most convenient experience.
The only downside is that Walmart Pay won’t let you make use of any cash back offers neither can you directly link it with your checking account.
Note! While Walmart Pay isn’t as smooth as Apple Pay, it’s still a good alternative for customers who want to pay without having to carry around a wallet.
Download and Use Walmart Pay – Step by Step Guide
If you don’t already have the Walmart app, take these steps to get started!
- Open the Apple App Store and search for Walmart Pay.
- Choose the Walmart Pay App and install it.
- Then open the app and go to Services.
- Toggle to Walmart Pay.
- Register the card of your choice to purchase at Walmart.
- Scan the QR code. You are done!
You might be interested in reading: Walmart to Walmart Money Transfer
Other Acceptable Payment Methods
Just because Apple Pay is a “no-go” should not mean that your payment options at Walmart are restricted just to their own payment app.
The store accepts transfer of funds from plenty of other accounts. Some of these, we have listed below.
- American Express cards
- Amex gift cards
- Chase Pay
- Mastercard
- Money orders
- PayPal
- Pre-printed checks
- ReliaCard cash
- SNAP food stamps
- Walmart gift cards
- Walmart credit cards
- Visa
Attention! Walmart is also one of the few stores that accept Venmo.
Extra Reading
An Indirect Method To Use Apple Pay at Walmart
You can do so if you add the ibotta app as an extension. To utilize ibotta effectively, all you have to do is:
- Install the ibotta app.
- Add the ibotta extension on your phone.
- Choose to pay through Ibotta app in store or via the extension when shopping online.
- Furthermore, you can bag up to 2% cash back as reward when showing via Ibotta.
However, it is only valid for a limited number of products and in a limited number of retailers.
Financing Options At Walmart
Besides Walmart Pay and Ibotta extension, you can also choose to shop via Affirm financing.
This is an interesting method as it lets you purchase the products and pay later in form of installments therefore the burden on your pocket would be much less!
- However, you need to quality for the Affirm payment and that largely depends on how good your credit score is.
Typically, those with stable credit history may only have to pay 10% APR but a poor score would mean you are charged with as high as 30% interest on your purchases. The pay-back period is spread on 3 months to 12 months installment plan.
Which Stores Take Apple Pay?
Although Apple Pay is not accepted at Walmart, there are hundreds of other locations where you may pay with your iPhone including grocery stores, gas stations and speedway.
Some of the famous names include:
- Acme Markets
- Albertsons
- Best Buy
- Costco
- Disney
- Dunkin Donuts
- Etsy
- Fandango
- Food Maxx
- IKEA
- Lyft
- Panera
- Publix
- Safeway
- Save Mart
- Schnucks
- Sephora
- Shop N Save
- Super Value
- Target
- Walgreens
- Whole Foods Market
- Winn Dixie
The Bottom Line
Apple Pay comes with a lot of benefits like cash-back rewards and the opportunity to make your contactless shopping as safe as possible.
- Unfortunately, Walmart does not accept Apple Pay.
However, as we discussed in this guide there are a number of ways you can make payments here like Walmart Pay App itself or adding ibotta as an extension. Happy Shopping!
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Pay at Walmart
How do I pay with my iPhone at Walmart?
Open Walmart pay on your iPhone. Enter your passcode or use Touch ID. Your selected payment option will be shown at the bottom of the screen. Unless you turn off this function, if you have a gift card, the money on it will be used first for payment.
Can you get cash back when you use Apple Pay?
When you use an Apple Card and Apple Pay to make purchases, you may earn daily cash back on every transaction. On some purchases, you can get up to 3% cash back, and on all other transactions, you can get 2% cash back.
Does Apple Pay charge a fee?
No, there are no costs associated with using Apple Pay in shops, online, or in applications.
Jamie Johnson is very enthusiastic Kansas City – based freelance writer, and her core expertise are finance and insurance. She has been endorsed on several personal finance, insurance & business website to share her thoughts. Her publications can be found on famous sites like Bankrate, The Balance, Business Insider, Chamber of Commerce and many others.
From many years, she served more than 10,000 hours of research and writing to more than 2000 articles related to personal finance, credit building, mortgages, and personal and student loans.
