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Tap-to-pay rollout begins
Walmart said it will bring tap-to-pay capabilities to “select” Walmart and Sam’s Club locations starting August 24, then roll support out to all US stores by the end of 2026 and gas stations by mid-2027.
“starting August 24th”
The Verge reported that Walmart’s announcement frames the change as adding Apple Pay and Google Pay tap-to-pay to checkout, while Walmart Pay remains available alongside cash and credit card options.
Business Insider said Walmart will begin adding tap-to-pay options to its checkout stations at US stores and Sam’s Club warehouses starting August 24 through the remainder of the year, with fuel stations upgraded by mid-2027.
MacRumors wrote that Walmart plans to roll out tap-to-pay support to all of its U.S. stores by the end of 2026 and to its gas stations by mid-2027, after years of prioritizing Walmart Pay’s QR code approach at checkout.
Choice replaces NFC holdout
Walmart’s announcement emphasized choice, saying, “We want customers and members to have choice in how they pay, so they can check out in the way that works best for them,” as it adds tap-to-pay.
The Verge also noted that Walmart had previously backed CurrentC and then rolled out Walmart Pay in 2016, while a Walmart spokesperson told MacRumors last year the company offered “convenient solutions” like Walmart Pay instead of NFC-based payments.
Business Insider said the company confirmed tap-to-pay includes options like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and described shoppers being able to use their “eligible contactless card, phone, or smartwatch.”
TechCrunch characterized the decision as a surprise after Walmart refused to adopt the ubiquitous payment technology, instead promoting in-house solutions like Walmart Pay and Scan-and-Go, and said the company’s announcement stated, “Tap to Pay is a great addition to the other payment options already offered like cash, credit card or Walmart Pay…,”
What changes for shoppers
PCMag said tap-to-pay support will arrive at select Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations on Aug. 24, and then be extended to all US stores by the end of this year and to all fuel stations by the end of 2027.
“Tap-to-pay support will arrive at select Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations on Aug. 24.”
Modern Retail reported that by the end of this year shoppers will be able to use Apple Pay and Google Pay in Walmart stores, ending years of frustration that the retailer didn’t support what it called a nearly ubiquitous payment option.
MacRumors added that tap-to-pay support extends to physical credit and debit cards, and said existing payment options like Walmart Pay will remain available.
TechCrunch wrote that Walmart’s tap-to-pay rollout is intended to reach all stores and clubs by the end of the year and then roll it out to all its fuel stations by the middle of 2027, while the company’s announcement said the change is part of “a broader effort to make managing and using their money easier.”