You can’t use Apple Pay or Google Pay if you’re shopping in-store at Walmart.
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Walmart is actively blocking Apple Pay and Google Pay across its 4,600+ US stores, forcing shoppers to use its proprietary payment systems so the retail giant can avoid third-party transaction fees and track customer purchase history.
Leaving the house without a physical wallet is rarely an issue these days, as most retail outlets seamlessly accept digital wallets. However, if you stop by Walmart on your way home from the gym with nothing but your smartphone, you will quickly run into a checkout roadblock.
To complete a contactless transaction in-store, Walmart requires you to use either Walmart Pay via their official app or OnePay, a digital wallet offered by OnePay, a fintech company majority-owned by the retailer. Standard credit and debit cards remain accepted for both physical and online transactions.
The Rise of Digital Wallets vs. Retail Exclusivity
Mobile wallets like Apple Wallet and Google Wallet have surged in popularity, allowing consumers to consolidate credit cards, boarding passes, concert tickets, and hotel keys in one secure location. These platforms also enhance security by keeping physical card details hidden during transactions.
In contrast, the OnePay Wallet can hold up to 20 debit or credit cards but is strictly limited to Walmart stores and its online platform. It cannot store other digital passes or documents. Alternatively, you can configure a digital wallet directly inside the Walmart app, though this requires installing yet another application on your device.
Why Walmart Refuses to Support Apple and Google Pay
Operating over 4,600 locations nationwide, Walmart remains one of the largest retail holdouts refusing to integrate popular contactless methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Notably, while you can swipe a physical Apple Card at checkout, you still cannot use it through Apple’s mobile payment system.
By steering customers toward its own mobile payment ecosystem, Walmart successfully bypasses the processing fees associated with third-party digital wallets. Additionally, keeping payments in-house allows the company to easily track and analyze customer purchasing behavior. While highly lucrative for the retailer, this strategy compromises convenience for shoppers who rely entirely on standard mobile wallets.
How to Pay Using OnePay at Walmart
If you want to make a contactless purchase using the OnePay wallet, follow these steps:
- Download the OnePay application and set up your account.
- Link any credit or debit card to your OnePay Wallet. If you hold a OnePay debit card, it will be added automatically.
- At the register or self-checkout screen, scan the displayed QR code to complete your purchase.
You can also register for OnePay during the checkout process by adding a card to set it as your default payment option for future visits.
Frequent Walmart shoppers may find financial incentives in using this method. The platform allows users to earn reward points on purchases, which can be converted into cash back if you possess a OnePay Cash account. Furthermore, new users registering for the OnePay Wallet can secure a $15 cashback bonus after spending $15 or more on Walmart.com or in physical stores.
How to Set Up and Use Walmart Pay
To use Walmart Pay, download the official Walmart app, navigate to Account Settings, and add your preferred payment methods to your wallet. The application supports a wide array of options:
- Major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express)
- Direct bank accounts
- Walmart gift cards
- Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)
- HSA and FSA healthcare benefit cards
- PayPal
When checking out in-store, open the app, launch Walmart Pay, and scan the QR code on the register screen. Once processed, your digital receipt will immediately populate within the app.
Alternative Payment Methods at Walmart
If you prefer not to download Walmart-specific apps, you can still complete your purchases using traditional methods. In-store checkout lanes accept cash, standard credit or debit cards, Walmart gift cards, EBT, HSA/FSA cards, and PayPal at select locations.
To use PayPal at a physical register, open the PayPal app, select the “In-person & QR code” option, and choose “Show to pay.” The cashier can then scan the generated QR code to finalize the transaction. PayPal is also fully supported for online orders at Walmart.com, which serves as an excellent security workaround if your local store does not support PayPal scans at the register.
Finally, you can technically use the cards stored in your Apple or Google Wallet to buy items online. You will need to manually enter the card details at checkout. To find these details, open your digital wallet, select your card, open the card menu, and locate the card number (or virtual card number), expiration date, and security code to input on Walmart’s website.