Walmart’s New Play: Why Apple Pay is Still a Long‑Term Road
Nice try, Apple Pay users! After years of wish‑fulfilling, the giant retailer has decided to keep its payment card off the Apple Pay shelf—at least for now.
What’s Really Happening?
- Walmart is rolling out Walmart Pay, a dedicated payment option that works inside the Walmart app.
- Customers can download the app from the App Store, log in with their Walmart account, and tap to pay—no extra card needed.
- Apple Pay’s place is still a future consideration, but the company feels the app‑centric route will let it control the whole experience.
Why the Delay?
First, it’s all about control. Building its own platform lets Walmart keep a tighter grip on how transactions run, from fraud monitoring to loyalty perks.
Second, integration is a hassle. Apple’s ecosystem demands close, secure partnerships that the retailer is still ironing out.
One Extra T.U.F.
When you think about it, Walmart’s move isn’t all bad. With Walmart Pay, you can get a virtual grocery receipt instantly—no paper trail, no waiting for a bank note to pop up.
Bottom Line
Apple Pay fans still have to wait a bit. In the meantime, grab your phone, download the Walmart app, and enjoy the swag of instant, integrated payments—no banana on your wallet required.
Walmart Pay: QR Codes, No NFC, and a Sneak Peek into the Future of Checkout
QuickSnapshot: Walmart’s payment system sticks to QR codes instead of Apple’s NFC, but don’t worry—new tech on the horizon promises a checkout-free experience for Walmart+ and Sam’s Club customers.
Why NFC Isn’t the Go-To at Walmart
Unlike the 90%+ of U.S. retailers that happily accept Apple Pay’s NFC, Walmart has opted for a different route. A Walmart spokesperson made it crystal clear:
- Walmart stores don’t accept NFC.
- But hey, they do offer mobile payment options that are just as fast and frictionless.
Enter QR Codes: Your New Checkout Companion
Walmart Pay uses a QR code at the register, scanning it onto your phone. It pulls the stored credit card and hands you the purchase credit—spot on! No tap, no fuss, just a quick scan.
Soft Spot for the Skeptics
Those who missed out on Apple Pay’s 2014 launch or cling to older tech might feel a bit left out. But fear not—Walmart’s approach is all about convenience, and no NFC doesn’t mean no speedy payments.
Future‑Forward: Scan & Go
Walmart’s future plans center around Scan & Go—a feature that flips the traditional checkout on its head. Here’s what it looks like:
- Grab your phone, scan a barcode, and rush out—no lines.
- Walmart+ and Sam’s Club members get a complimentary pass to skip the register entirely.
- It’s like paying for a shopping spree with just a quick click and a sigh of relief.
Why It Matters
Because humble checkout stands out only one way: in smoothness & speed. Walmart’s QR code strategy brings the torch down and keeps the payment cycle quick. And with Scan & Go on the horizon, future shoppers will be less worried about the line and more about whatever they need.
In short, Walmart’s payment approach proves that you can be modern without NFC—and that the future of shopping may not require you to stand in line at all.
