Walmart is one of the biggest retail chains in the world and it has been at the center of attention for not accepting Apple Pay despite its rising popularity in mobile payment solutions.
The discussion in this article will be on does Walmart take apple pay, why it doesn’t, alternatives and the workaround so that the customers could use to make a payment with Apple Pay.
Does Walmart take Apple Pay?
The easy answer is no, Walmart does not take Apple Pay. This includes both in-store and online transactions. It means that everyone who will try to use Apple Pay in Walmart will receive the message about this payment method not being supported, which is quite frustrating while standing at the checkout. Instead, Walmart brags about its Walmart Pay mobile payment solution that works through the Walmart application.
Why Doesn’t Walmart take Apple Pay?
Why Doesn’t Walmart Take Apple Pay?
Reasons Walmart does not take Apple Pay:
1. Promoting Walmart Pay:
Walmart had developed a mobile payment application, Walmart Pay, which customers can use by simply storing their payment information and making purchases when they scan QR codes. By rejecting Apple Pay, it will incentivize customers to use the company’s app and therefore keep Walmart in charge of the process and hence in control of the customer data.
2. Consumer Data Control:
Walmart values consumer data it collects through its own payment system. With Walmart Pay, customer purchases and shopping habits can be traced back; hence, it has helped in targeted marketing of things and personalized promotions. If Apple Pay is accepted, it will restrict the access of this highly valued information to Walmart.
3. Transaction Fees:
Walmart aims to cut down on the transaction fees that are imposed for processing credit cards. If people use Walmart Pay, it then avoids transaction fees for accepting third-party payment systems like Apple Pay. This approach lets Walmart maintain profit margins intact.
4. Technology Preference:
WalMart’s payment system is based on QR code technology, unlike Near Field Communication, the standard employed by Apple Pay. These further distances Walmart from Apple Pay and other mobile wallet services.
5. Historical Context:
WalMart had already been a member of the Merchant Customer Exchange, better known as MCX, a merchant-driven effort that is building its own mobile payment solution called CurrentC. After little success, CurrentC has since been discontinued. However, Walmart’s past involvement with the effort has dictated its present position regarding its payment policies.
How to Use Apple Pay at Walmart?
How to Use Apple Pay at Walmart: Workaround
Although Walmart won’t take Apple Pay directly, it is possible to use Apple Pay indirectly through the Walmart Pay app. Here is how:
Steps to Use Apple Pay at Walmart:
- Download the Walmart app from the App Store.
- Set up Walmart Pay: On opening the application, join or log in if you already have an account. Under “Account”, you will find “Walmart Pay”. Now, follow the instructions on your screen to add payment methods.
- Adding your Apple Card: If you have an Apple Card, you can add it to your Walmart Pay. This will let you use your Apple Card for the purchase when checking out with Walmart Pay.
- Checkout: When you are ready to check out, just select Walmart Pay at checkout. The cashier will produce a QR code that you can then scan using the Walmart app. Your payment will then be processed using the card linked to your Walmart Pay account.
- Confirmation: An e-receipt will be generated through the app after the payment has been approved.
This method allows one to use an Apple Card and remain within the Walmart payment policies. However, it requires an extra step to use the Walmart app which is not very ideal for all customers.
Alternatives to Apple Pay at Walmart
Alternatives to Apple Pay at Walmart
Below are the alternatives of Apple Pay that you can use to make the payment at Walmart:
- Walmart Pay
- Credit and Debit Cards
- Gift Cards
- PayPal
- Cash
- Affirm
- Walmart Credit Card
- Walmart MoneyCard
- Electronic Benefits Transfer
- Capital One Walmart Rewards Card
Future of Apple Pay at Walmart
Future of Apple Pay at Walmart
At this point, Walmart has made no indication that it will support Apple Pay in any form going forward. The company is continuing to promote its own payments solution and has shown no interest in supporting any other mobile payment providers. Customers still preferring to use Apple Pay will simply have to go elsewhere to those supporting retailers that accept the payment method.
Consumer Demand for Apple Pay
Consumer Demand for Apple Pay
Although Walmart does not support Apple Pay, the consumer demand for mobile payment solutions is strong. Many customers see benefits in convenience and speed associated with processing transactions using their smartphones. Perhaps with more retailers continuing to accept mobile payments, Walmart will think about Apple Pay again as more places begin to accept mobile wallets if it wants to stay competitive in retail.
Conclusion
In other words, Walmart does not accept Apple Pay because it aims to offer its very own payment solution, Walmart Pay, while bypassing transaction fees associated with each and every mobile payment platform. Customers can use Apple Pay indirectly through adding the Apple Card to Walmart Pay, but that would involve additional steps that are not too easy or convenient for all.
Those who enjoy the minimalism and swiftness of Apple Pay would do better looking at other merchants who take this means of payment. With the evolution of mobile technology in payment systems, it is not sure whether Walmart will reverse its stand on Apple Pay. For now, it means customers will have to adjust to the policies brought forward by Walmart or find other alternatives with which to bring their modes of payment in line.
