Walmart Embraces Tap-to-Pay: Apple Pay and Google Pay Coming Soon

In a surprising turn of events, Walmart announced on Friday that it will finally embrace modern payment methods by accepting Apple Pay and Google Pay at its stores, including Sam’s Club.

Starting August 24, select locations will begin integrating Tap to Pay, with plans for a complete rollout by the end of the year. Fuel stations are expected to follow suit by mid-2027.

This shift marks a significant change from Walmart's previous stance, where it prioritized its own payment solutions over widely-used options. The company previously attempted to challenge Apple Pay through a failed initiative called CurrentC, which was discontinued in 2016.

Walmart's decision is seen as a recognition of customer demand for tap-and-pay technology, which is currently accepted by 85% of U.S. retailers. The company framed the announcement as a way to enhance consumer choice at checkout, stating, "Tap to Pay is a great addition to the other payment options already offered…"

Source: techcrunch.com