Walmart is one of the largest retail giants in the world, known for its wide selection of products and affordable prices. But if you’re planning to shop at Walmart and prefer using Google Pay, you might wonder: Does Walmart take Google Pay?

The short answer is: No, Walmart does not accept Google Pay for in-store purchases. However, there are alternative payment options available, including Walmart’s proprietary mobile payment solution, Walmart Pay.

In this article, we’ll explain why Walmart doesn’t support Google Pay, how you can use Walmart Pay instead, and what other payment methods are available.

Does Walmart Accept Google Pay?

Google Pay is a popular mobile payment method that allows users to make quick, contactless payments using their smartphones. Despite the growing adoption of mobile wallets, Walmart has chosen not to accept Google Pay or other third-party payment options like Apple Pay.

Instead, Walmart encourages customers to use Walmart Pay, a feature within the Walmart app that allows seamless, contactless payments at checkout.

Let’s break down why Walmart made this decision and what payment alternatives you can use.

Why Doesn’t Walmart Accept Google Pay?

Walmart’s decision to reject Google Pay is strategic. The company wants to prioritize its own payment platform, Walmart Pay, over third-party digital wallets like Google Pay or Apple Pay.

Reasons Walmart Doesn’t Accept Google Pay:

1. Avoiding Third-Party Fees: Accepting external wallets requires paying transaction fees to Google and other providers. Walmart avoids these fees by using its proprietary app.

2. Enhanced Customer Insights: Walmart Pay allows the company to track customer behavior and purchasing patterns, helping tailor marketing and product offerings.

3. Promoting Walmart’s Ecosystem: By promoting Walmart Pay, the retailer encourages customers to engage more deeply with its ecosystem, including services like Scan & Go for Walmart+ members.

4. Focus on Walmart Pay Adoption: Walmart launched Walmart Pay in 2016 and has since prioritized its adoption by offering unique features like storing receipts digitally.

What Is Walmart Pay and How Does It Work?

Walmart Pay is a mobile payment system embedded in the Walmart app. It functions similarly to Google Pay but is exclusive to Walmart stores.

Instead of using NFC (Near-Field Communication) like Google Pay, Walmart Pay uses a QR code system at checkout.

Features of Walmart Pay:

• Contactless payments without physical cards
• Digital receipt storage within the app
• Secure transactions protected by PIN or biometric authentication
• Compatibility with various payment methods

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use Walmart Pay

Want to use Walmart Pay for your next Walmart purchase? Follow these steps:

1. Download the Walmart App:
   Install the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

2. Log In or Create an Account:
   Sign in using your Walmart credentials or create a new account.

3. Add a Payment Method:

   • Go to Account Settings > Wallet.
   • Add your credit card, debit card, Walmart gift card, or even PayPal.

4. Shop as Usual:
   Add items to your cart and head to the checkout counter.

5. Open Walmart Pay at Checkout:

   • Open the Walmart app.
   • Select Walmart Pay.
   • Scan the QR code displayed on the card reader.

6. Complete the Payment:
   Walmart Pay will process the payment and send a digital receipt to the app.

What Payment Methods Does Walmart Accept?

While Walmart doesn’t accept Google Pay in its stores, it does support various other payment methods.

In-Store Payment Options:

• Walmart Pay (via the Walmart app)
• Credit and Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express)
• Walmart Gift Cards
• EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) for eligible purchases
• HSA/FSA Cards (Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts)
• PayPal (in select locations)

Online Payment Options:

• Credit/Debit Cards
• Walmart Gift Cards
• PayPal
• Google Pay (indirectly) – more details below

Can You Use Google Pay for Walmart Online Purchases?

While you can’t use Google Pay directly in Walmart stores, there’s a workaround for Walmart.com.

Google Pay stores card information, including virtual card numbers. You can manually enter these card details when checking out online.

Steps to Use Google Pay for Walmart Online:

1. Open Google Wallet.
2. Select the card you want to use.
3. Tap Card Details to view the card number, CVV, and expiration date.
4. Go to Walmart.com or the Walmart app.
5. Enter the Google Pay card details during checkout.

This method doesn’t use Google Pay directly but allows you to use the cards linked to your Google Wallet.

Why Google Pay Remains Unavailable in Walmart Stores

Despite customer demand, Walmart has continued to reject Google Pay. This decision aligns with the company’s strategy of maintaining control over transaction processes and customer data.

Other retailers, like Target, Best Buy, and CVS, have embraced contactless payment methods, but Walmart has stuck to its in-house system.

Alternative Mobile Payment Options at Walmart

If you prefer contactless payments but don’t want to use Walmart Pay, consider these alternatives:

• PayPal QR Code:

  • Open the PayPal app.
  • Select “In-person & QR code”.
  • Show the QR code to the cashier.

• Gift Cards via Digital Wallets:
  Purchase a Walmart eGift Card and add it to your digital wallet.

• Bank-Specific Mobile Apps:
  Some bank apps, like those from Chase or Bank of America, allow QR-based payments compatible with certain Walmart stores.

Conclusion

While Walmart doesn’t accept Google Pay in its stores, there are still several ways to make your payment experience smooth.

The best alternative is Walmart Pay, which provides similar convenience and security features. For online purchases, you can manually enter card information from your Google Wallet when checking out.

Have you tried using Walmart Pay or other alternatives at Walmart? Share your experience in the comments below