Walmart remains one of the last major retailers in the United States that does not support Apple Pay. Even in 2026, customers still cannot tap their iPhone, smartwatch, or contactless card at checkout. The policy continues to frustrate shoppers who expect fast, modern payment options, especially as contactless payments have become standard across most large retail chains.
9to5Mac reported over the weekend that Walmart has not changed its position and shows no signs of doing so.
The issue goes beyond Apple Pay. Walmart also blocks Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and all other NFC-based tap-to-pay methods in its U.S. stores. Shoppers must either swipe a physical card or use Walmart’s own digital payment systems, which require extra steps and more time at checkout.
Why Walmart Avoids Apple Pay
Walmart promotes two main alternatives: Walmart Pay and Scan & Go. Walmart Pay asks users to add a card to the Walmart app and scan a QR code at the register. Scan & Go allows Walmart+ members to scan items as they shop and finish payment later. While these tools work, they do not match the speed and simplicity of a single tap with Apple Pay.
A key factor behind this decision appears to be data control. Apple Pay hides the customer’s actual card number and limits what information the retailer receives. That makes detailed tracking harder.
Walmart still blocks Apple Pay, and that choice hurts customers. The reason is that the company wants control over payments and access to user data, even if that makes checkout slower and more frustrating for shoppers.
Apple Pay launched more than a decade ago and reached most major U.S. retailers years ago. Companies like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Kroger, and H-E-B now accept it. Walmart stands apart, even though it supports Apple Pay in Canada.
For now, U.S. customers face the same restriction. Walmart continues to push its own systems, while shoppers continue to ask for a simpler way to pay.
