Walmart Ditches Old Checkout System for Tap-to-Pay Technology

Walmart has finally rolled out its tap-to-pay technology across select US stores and Sam's Club locations, marking a significant shift in the retail giant's checkout strategy. The rollout, which began on August 24, will eventually reach all US stores and clubs by the end of 2026.

The company plans to introduce the technology at its fuel stations by mid-2027, allowing customers to pay using eligible contactless cards, smartphones, or smartwatches. This includes services like Apple Pay and Google Pay, which Walmart had previously resisted in favor of its QR-based Walmart Pay system.

The change aligns with Walmart's growing ambitions in financial services, including the expansion of OnePay support for Apple Pay across more card lines. Eligible cards can be added to digital wallets, offering rewards, debit, credit, and buy-now-pay-later services tied closely to the Walmart ecosystem.