Walmart Rolls Out Tap to Pay Across U.S. Stores

Walmart has long been a major holdout on contactless payments at its U.S. checkouts, steering shoppers toward Walmart Pay, which uses QR codes in the retailer’s app. Sam’s Club separately promoted Scan & Go. The shift brings the country’s largest retailer into line with widespread use of contactless cards and digital wallets including Apple Pay and Google Pay, giving customers a wallet-based alternative without eliminating existing checkout options.

Walmart announced the change on Aug. 21, 2026, and began deploying Tap to Pay at select Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations on Aug. 24. Customers can use eligible contactless cards, phones and smartwatches, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. The company plans to extend the service to all U.S. stores and clubs by the end of 2026, followed by its fuel stations by mid-2027.