How To Use Apple Pay at Walmart in 2025: Essential Guide

Why Walmart’s stubborn refusal to accept Apple Pay is still a thing—and what that really means

This whole thing about Walmart not taking Apple Pay? It’s kind of weird, especially since most other big retailers have moved onto tap-and-pay convenience. If you’ve ever tried to pay with Apple Pay in Walmart, you probably noticed it doesn’t work—no NFC, no tap-to-pay option. That’s because Walmart’s sticking to its own system, Walmart Pay, which is basically a QR code swipe. But the bigger question is why? And what does that mean if you’re someone who just wants to use their iPhone for quick checkout? Well, let’s dig into the technical and strategic reasons behind this, and what workarounds might exist.

How Walmart handles payments and why it matters

Basically, Walmart wants to control how you pay — and that means steering clear of Apple Pay’s NFC-based tap-to-pay system. Instead, they push Walmart Pay, which uses a QR code in its app. You scan that code at checkout, whether on self-checkout screens or regular registers. It’s not as flashy as just tapping your phone, but it wraps everything into their ecosystem, giving Walmart more data and avoiding extra fees. They’ve made a lot of strategic moves around this, like promoting their own mobile rewards, digital receipts, and exclusive discounts tied into Walmart Pay.

How to work around Walmart’s NFC restrictions if you want to use Apple Pay or Apple Card

Use Apple Card through Walmart Pay

This is kind of a workaround that actually works decent enough. If you add your Apple Card as a credit/debit option inside Walmart Pay, then at checkout you can select that as your payment method after scanning the QR code. Not exactly tap-and-go, but it lets you use your Apple Card funds without fuss. It’s mostly a matter of linking your payment card in the app, then doing everything via the QR code. On some phones it takes a couple of tries to get it smooth, but on others, it just works after a reboot. Who knows why, but hey—it’s better than nothing, especially if you’re an Apple ecosystem fan.

1. Download and open the Walmart app
2. Log into your Walmart account or create one.
3. Tap on your profile and go to “Account” → “Wallet”.
4. Hit “Add Payment Method” → select “Credit/Debit Card”.
5. Input your Apple Card details (or any other card linked to your Apple Wallet).
6. At checkout, in the Walmart app, pick Walmart Pay, scan the QR code on the register, then select your Apple Card as your payment method.

Buy Walmart gift cards using Apple Pay or Apple Card via third-party apps

Another roundabout way is buying Walmart gift cards through apps like Ibotta or even directly from gift card sites that accept Apple Pay. You buy the gift card with your Apple Pay funds/payments, then just scan the gift card barcode at Walmart checkout. Yeah, it feels a little clunky, but it’s a workaround to get the gift card money used in-store without NFC or Apple Pay directly at Walmart.

Walmart’s stance vs.the rest of the retail world—what’s the big deal?

While Walmart is still holding on tight to its own system, most retailers like Target, CVS, and even stores like Home Depot have happily adopted Apple Pay. It’s kind of frustrating because, in tech terms, NFC tap-to-pay is just so much faster and easier. On one hand, Walmart’s strategy keeps customer data tighter and saves on transaction fees—since they don’t have to pay Apple or anyone else. But the downside is, it can frustrate customers who just want to tap and go, especially younger, digital-first shoppers.

So, what does all this mean for future checkout experiences?

The truth? This battle between Walmart and Apple Pay is probably just a symptom of a bigger clash—data control versus consumer convenience. Walmart’s approach pays off in data insights and saving money, but it risks alienating mobile wallet fans. Meanwhile, Apple and other tech firms push for universal, secure, and simple payments. As digital wallets keep growing—over 85% of retailers accepted Apple Pay in 2024—Walmart’s resistance might cost them loyalty in the long run. On the bright side, this whole game isn’t set in stone; there are always new workarounds, and maybe in the future, Walmart might change their tune if enough customers pressure them.

What methods do work now?

• Using Walmart Pay: It’s reliable and totally integrated into Walmart, just not as fast as NFC. Good for secure, digital receipts and rewards.
• Adding your Apple Card into Walmart Pay: A decent workaround to use Apple Card funds. Still QR code based, but it’s pretty seamless once set up.
• Gift card hacks with Apple Pay or Apple Card: Buy gift cards on the side, then scan/enter them at checkout. The pain is that it’s indirect, but it works.
• Using third-party apps like Ibotta or PayPal: They can help you get your Apple Pay funds into Walmart, just not through direct NFC tap.

Wrap-up

In the end, Walmart’s sticking to its old-school tactics for now—probably to save a few cents here and there while keeping a tighter grip on customer data. But the industry is clearly shifting towards open digital wallets, and it’s a matter of time before even Walmart might have to bite the bullet. If you’re a user, knowing these workarounds can make shopping easier, even if it’s not as smooth as just tap-and-go. Fingers crossed, this fuss about payment methods gets sorted out soon—because nothing beats walking into a store, waving your phone, and just walking out.

Summary

• Walmart doesn’t accept Apple Pay directly because they push Walmart Pay for data and cost reasons.
• Workarounds include adding your Apple Card into Walmart Pay or buying gift cards first.
• Industry trend is moving fast toward universal digital wallets, so Walmart might have to adapt someday.

Wrap-up

Hopefully, this sheds some light on why Walmart’s so hung up on their own system and what options are actually available. At the end of the day, it’s all about balancing control with customer convenience, and sometimes that means making it harder to use the latest tech. But with little tricks and patience, it’s still possible to get your Apple ecosystem working in Walmart stores—just not as easily as tapping your phone. Fingers crossed this helps someone save a few headaches next time shopping!