Currently, about 96% of Americans have cell phones, and 55% of those mobile devices are iPhones.
Many of those users select Apple Pay at over two million stores across the United States. But does Walmart take Apple Pay like thousands of other companies? Here is what we discovered!
Unfortunately, Walmart does not take Apple Pay at any of its stores. Customers can instead use their iPhones to purchase items through Walmart Pay at the registers and self-checkout aisles. Walmart only accepts payments via MasterCard, Visa, Checks, PayPal, Amex, and cash.
After some more digging, I found some interesting reasons why Walmart doesn’t accept Apple Pay and what the next best option is! Keep on reading!
How to Pay With iPhone at Walmart Using Walmart Pay
If you are an iPhone user who still wants to pay for products via your smartphone at Walmart in a quick and easy way, then you are in luck!
To do this, you will have to download the Walmart Pay app onto your iPhone (link to the iOS app here), signup for a free account, and connect your debit/credit card to the Walmart Pay app.
Side note: the below video walks you through the entire process of setting up and paying wirelessly using Walmart Pay on an iPhone in-store!
To use the Walmart Pay app, simply take your items at the register or self-checkout aisle and scan the QR code once the final total comes up.
Once the QR code has been scanned, this will open you directly into the app in which you can pay via your debit/credit card!
Similar to Apple Pay, the payment will go through instantly, and as a bonus, you will get your digital receipt right within the app for safekeeping!
While Walmart Pay is not as seamless as Apple Pay, this is still the next best thing that allows customers to pay digitally and not have to carry around a wallet or purse.
Why Doesn’t Walmart Accept Apple Pay?
Before the company came out with Walmart Pay, they had another reason not to accept Apple Pay. It was because of their allegiance with a company called Merchant Customer Exchange or MCX.
The company (MCX) only takes payment solutions that use QR codes called CurrentC. Because MXC is a direct competitor of Apple Pay, Walmart does not use it, along with Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
Additionally, another reason why Walmart refuses to accept Apple Pay is that they are unable to capture any data when a customer makes a purchase.
This information is incredibly valuable as it allows Walmart to send custom recommendations and notifications to customers who use the Walmart Pay app.
Will Walmart Ever Get Apple Pay?
According to a Walmart spokesperson, Walmart has no plans to accept Apple Pay in the future. Since Walmart Pay is built into the Walmart app you have right on your iPhone, there really is no need for Apple Pay and the associated fees.
What Stores Accept Apple Pay?
Although you cannot use Apple Pay at Walmart, there are thousands of other stores where you can use your iPhone to pay for groceries and other items.
For example, 7-Eleven, and CVS now accept Apple Pay at checkouts. They were holding out against the app but gave in recently. Here are some other retailers that accept Apple Pay:
- Acme Markets
- Albertsons
- Costco
- Food Maxx
- Publix
- Safeway
- Save Mart
- Schnucks
- Shop N Save
- Super Valu
- IKEA
- Target
- Walgreens
- Whole Foods Market
- Winn Dixie
And since many people shop mainly online nowadays, you can use various ways to pay for your items at all stores. But you can also use your Apple Pay online at many stores. Some of them include:
- Best Buy
- Disney
- Dunkin’ Donuts
- Etsy
- Fandango
- Lyft
- Panera
- Sephora
- Starbucks
- Uber
- Wish
Then again, if you are at Walmart and need to pay for something right away, you could also use:
- American Express
- Cash
- Chase Pay
- Check
- Credit cards like Visa or Mastercard
- EBT
- PayPal
- Money order
- Walmart gift cards
There Is An Alternative To Apple Pay For Walmart Customers
Interestingly, there is actually a way to use your Apple Pay app at Walmart. Using the ibotta app and extension, you can actually use your Apple Pay app. To successfully use ibotta, you just have to:
- Download the ibotta app and extension to your phone
- Then choose the Apple Pay option when you pay through the ibotta app in the store or the extension at home on your computer
Ibotta is a cashback rewards eCorp that pays you up to 2% back for each purchase. However, it only works for certain items and at certain stores. And you have to find the items and offers on your phone before shopping.
But when you do use it, you can use your Apple Pay and get cashback instantly (via saving 2%), and all you have to do is show the QR code to the cashier.
The Affirm Financing Option is Also Available
In addition to these options, you can also choose to use Affirm if you are shopping at Walmart online. Affirm is an installment financing option like other credit payment alternatives.
With this financing app, you can get financing on the spot if you qualify and pay back your balance in three, six, or 12 months.
The Affirm eCommerce loan option is similar to layaway, and you will not have to pay interest on many items. However, items that do not qualify for that option can have an annual percentage rate (APR) of 10 to 30%. The amount of the APR depends on your credit.
Download the Walmart App
If you do not already have the Walmart app, follow these steps to download the app so you can start using your iPhone to pay at their checkouts.
- Go to the Apple App Store on your iPhone and type Walmart Pay into the search bar
- Select the Walmart Pay App and begin the download process
- Once it is downloaded, open the app and go to the Services screen
- Tap on Walmart Pay > Set Up Walmart Pay
- Follow the easy instructions on the screen to register whatever card or cards you want to use for purchasing items at Walmart
- All you have to do to pay for your items at the checkout is to scan the QR code
Why Is Using Apple Pay So Beneficial?
When you choose to pay for your items with Apple Pay, you do not have to worry about anyone getting your PIN number because there is none. Also, there is no chip or card reader in your phone for people to steal while you are checking out.
You can also use Face ID or Touch ID to make it even more secure. With Face ID, there are three types of sensors that are used to scan your face.
Unless you have a twin, you will be the only one who can use this to pay with your phone. The Touch ID is done with your fingerprint, and even your twin cannot fake that.
Another bonus with using Apple Pay is that you do not have to worry about saving your receipt. Apple Pay does that for you. Each transaction is privately stored in your phone but can only be accessed by using your choice of security like:
- A PIN
- Face ID
- Touch ID
Another Benefit Of Apple Pay
Even better than using Apple Pay with your iPhone, using the Apple Card is a credit card with no fees. You also get the best annual percentage rate (APR) possible, so you can save money when you shop. Another bonus with the Apple Card is the daily cashback purchase award.
With every purchase, you get your money back instantly. And if you use your Apple Card with Apple Pay, you also get 2% cashback. So, no matter what, you are already saving money using the card, and you save an additional 2% with Apple Pay.
Add Other Bonuses For More Savings
Add the ibotta app to a purchase, and you will save 4% plus get instant cashback from Apple no matter where you are shopping. But other stores give you a daily cash bonus as well. For example, the Apple Store gives you an automatic 3% back for any purchase.
So, if you use the card, Apple Pay, and ibotta to buy an iPhone, you get 7% cashback instantly. Walmart may not be on the list yet, but you never know; they may eventually jump on the bandwagon.
