Retail giant starts rolling out contactless payments at select stores, with nationwide expansion expected by the end of 2026
After nearly 12 years, the wait is beginning to end for millions of Walmart shoppers across the United States. The retailer has started rolling out contactless payments at its stores, allowing customers to use digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
The move is significant because Apple Pay has been available in the United States since October 2014. Throughout that time, Walmart had not officially adopted the payment system at its U.S. checkout lanes.
As contactless payments became increasingly common at supermarkets, restaurants, and other major retailers, Walmart continued with its own payment strategy. In 2015, the company launched Walmart Pay, a feature integrated into the Walmart app that allows customers to pay for purchases using a QR code. The service became available nationwide in 2016.
Now, that is beginning to change.
Starting August 24, 2026, Walmart began rolling out Tap to Pay at select stores across the United States. The technology is also beginning to arrive at Sam’s Club locations.
With the new system, customers can simply tap an iPhone, Apple Watch, another compatible smartphone, or a contactless card on the payment terminal to complete a purchase.
The rollout will be gradual. According to Walmart, the company expects to make contactless payments available at all Walmart and Sam’s Club locations in the United States by the end of 2026.
At gas stations operated by the two chains, the transition will take longer. Contactless payments are expected to become available there by mid-2027.
Walmart Pay will remain available to customers, but it will now share the checkout experience with contactless payment options that have already become part of everyday life for many Americans.
Source: Walmart and Apple.
