Walmart to let shoppers use Apple Pay and other tap-to-pay methods

Walmart will soon let its customers make purchases using Apple Pay and other tap-to-pay methods, the retail giant said on Friday.

Beginning on Aug. 24, customers at select Walmart stores will be able to choose a tap-to-pay option at checkout, allowing them to make purchases with Apple Pay, Google Pay and other digital payment technologies. 

Walmart intends to roll out tap-to-pay at all Walmart and Sam's Club locations by the end of 2026, while the service will be available at the retailer's gas stations by mid-2027, the company said. 

"It all comes back to giving customers and members more choice and making everyday shopping a little easier — from how they manage their money to how they pay at checkout," the company said in a statement. 

Walmart held off on accepting commonly used digital payment methods to encourage customers to use its Walmart Pay system, which required QR codes. 

Walmart shoppers had often complained that they couldn't use Apple Pay, which is accepted at more than 85% of U.S. retailers, at the company's stores.