Does Walmart Accept Google Pay? (The Answer Is Not That Simple)

Walmart supports several payment options, but there are some it doesn’t. If you’re used to making payments with Google Pay, you must be asking yourself; does Walmart accept Google Pay? Well, in this article, we shall delve into that and related information on an acceptable mode of payment in Walmart.

Walmart offers several payment options; it, however, does not accept any other mobile payment service other than its distinct digital payment service Walmart Pay which is available on Smartphones. Walmart Pay does not store your account information, but you must add an acceptable payment option like a credit/debit card. With this card, you need to scan a QR code at the checkout to complete a transaction. There’s more to you need to know.

Table Of Contents

Does Walmart Accept Google Pay?

It doesn't. To make payments at any Walmart store, you need Walmart Pay. With this payment option, you can conveniently pay for products at the checkout without revealing your financial information, and it's self-service. Besides Walmart Pay, payments through credit and debit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

Nonetheless, Google Pay enables contactless payments by securely storing an individual's credit or debit cards on their mobile phones. It can be used in any store, app, or website that accepts the service. While Walmart is yet to integrate it into its payment options, it’s always possible for that to happen if the need arises.

Does Walmart Take Samsung Pay?

Similarly to Google Pay, Walmart does not accept any payment from Samsung Pay. Samsung Pay utilizes the Near Field Communication (NFC) technology that sends purchase data to the payment registry nearby; Walmart does not support this.

Alternatively to Walmart Pay, a major payment method in all in-check Walmart Stores, one can make cash payments, use credit or debit cards, PayPal, e-gifts, and Walmart gift cards, to name a few. Samsung Pay can be used in any store that accepts contactless payment methods and those with traditional magnetic strip readers thanks to its Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) feature, which is distinct to it.

How to Use Walmart Pay

Walmart Pay is the major payment method in Walmart. It is not only easy to use but also comes with other benefits, such as reward points. But first, let's learn how to use Walmart Pay in these simple steps.

Step 1: Download and Install the Walmart App from Google Play Store or Apple Store. Both Android and iOS devices support the app.

Step 2: Once installed, launch the app and Sign-in to access the Service menu.

Step 3: Click on the “Walmart Pay” option from the menu. You’ll be required to enter your payment information. It supports linking with any credit or debit card.

Step 4: Thereafter, enter a four-digit pin or your fingerprint for security purposes.

Step 5: Scan your item(s) normally at the checkout aisle and open the app. This can also be done at the normal counters.

Step 6: A QR code will appear on the checkout screen, which you are supposed to scan to calculate your bill and complete the payment automatically.

Which Stores Accept Google Pay?

Google Pay is a universal digital payment method. It utilizes Near Field Communication technology to send financial data to any contactless payment registry nearby. Therefore, there are no select stores where it is accepted but at any store with a contactless payment registry. Some stores that accept Google Pay include and are not limited to Starbucks, Target, KFC, and Best Buy.

What Kind of Payment Does Walmart Take?

Walmart has a distinct digital payment method, Walmart Pay. However, it accepts payments made in cash or through major credit cards such as;

Mastercard
Visa Gift Cards
Discover
American Express
Venmo
Affirm

Besides, it also accepts debit cards, PrePaid credit cards, e-Gift cards, Personal Checks, and Walmart Gift cards.

Why Doesn’t Walmart Accept Google Pay or Apple Pay?

Having learned that Walmart does not accept Google Pay and Apple Pay, we need to understand why it is so;

Competition: Firstly, Walmart has its digital payment option, Walmart Pay. It is therefore unlikely to accept payment options from competitors like Google Pay.
Keeping a record of valuable data: It is easier to store and track data captured by a specific app than from third parties, for our case, payments via mobile wallets. Thus, Walmart does not want to take chances since they can lose valuable data.
Variation in technology: While the Walmart Pay utilizes QR code payment systems, Google Pay and Apple Pay use the NFC technology that the store does not support.
Convenience: Walmart launched the "Scan & Go" service for a convenient and exceptional experience; Google or Apple Pay does not support that. In addition, the app can be accessed even with older smartphones.
The WPay app enables the company to easily offer services such as transaction notifications, reward points, and e-gift cards, among others.

Can I Get Cash Back With Walmart Pay at Walmart?

With Walmart Pay, one is eligible to get cashback from Walmart. The app should be linked with any of your credit cards to qualify for that. The WPay service offers up to 5% cashback for both pickup and delivery services.

It is important to note that the Walmart Pay service is tied to the stores’ reward cards, such as the older Walmart Reward Card and One Walmart Reward MasterCard, so you don't have to carry the cards whenever you want to go shopping.

What Are the Advantages of Using Walmart Pay?

While it is true that Walmart Pay can inconvenience customers using Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and the rest, the service offers several perks for the users. Some of those perks include;

One is eligible to get cashback on purchases made through an associate credit card.
The app is linked to a customer’s reward cards; thus no need to carry them everywhere.
It is a convenient payment method. It is a self-checkout criterion, thus faster and more convenient to both the company and the customer. In addition, data can be easily retrieved if made via WPay for instance, when you want to return an item, you can do it under the transaction history.
Like other digital wallets, it is a safer payment method as no cash transaction is involved.
As discussed above, it can be linked to your credit or debit card.
The app is compatible with older smartphones since it uses QR code technology.
The app enhances the green environment initiative, which is also a saving criterion for the company as it is a paperless service since receipts are eliminated.

What is The Difference between Walmart Pay and Google Pay?

Walmart Pay differs entirely from other digital payment services, including Google Pay. Although both are digital payment methods, where and how to use them is where the difference comes in, as discussed below.

Walmart Pay is exclusively meant for Walmart stores, while Google Pay is a universal payment method and can be used in any store that accepts contactless payments. Walmart Pay is integrated into the Walmart App, so you cannot use it elsewhere.
While Walmart Pay utilizes the QR code technology, Google Pay uses NFC technology to send financial details to contactless payment terminals.
You can earn reward points and other points at Walmart with Walmart Pay, which is impossible with Google Pay.

Conclusion

Walmart does not accept Google Pay, but Walmart Pay which is its distinct mobile payment service. Although both are digital means of payment, how and where they can be used brings the difference. Walmart, however, accepts several other means of payment, including credit cards, cash, and debit cards, among others. It is vital to be aware of the payment methods acceptable by Walmart and those it doesn’t accept to avoid frustrations.