Walmart Relents on Contactless Payments, Embracing Apple Pay and Google Pay

Walmart has finally caved to customer pressure and will start supporting contactless payments at its US stores, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. The retail giant had long resisted adopting NFC-based payment options, instead relying on its own Walmart Pay app and Scan and Go features.

In a LinkedIn post, Sam Amrani from PassBy said that this move marks the demise of retailers trying to create proprietary payment rails for their ecosystem. He noted that convenience has won out over closed-loop systems, citing faster transaction times and happier customers as benefits of contactless payments.

Walmart's change of heart is set to roll out at its stores by the end of 2026, with fuel stations upgraded by mid-2027. This move may be seen as a victory for consumer choice and convenience over proprietary payment systems.