What Is Walmart Pay? How To Set It Up and Use It In-Store

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Walmart welcomes nearly 240 million visitors to its stores every week. With so many customers, the retail giant offers multiple services to make shopping more accessible and convenient. One of these services is Walmart Pay. Walmart Pay is a digital wallet that allows you to make purchases at Walmart stores.
You can use it in person, and it helps you store digital receipts automatically. However, Walmart Pay doesn’t work at other retailers or at Walmart stores online. Here’s everything you need to know about Walmart Pay, from installing it to using the app when you’re on the go.
What Is Walmart Pay and How Does It Work?
Walmart Pay is Walmart’s version of a digital wallet integrated with the Walmart mobile app.
It lets you pay for in-store purchases using your smartphone without bringing cash or using a card. Walmart Pay works with credit or debit cards and Walmart gift cards.
It is easy to set up Walmart Pay. Here’s how it works:
- Set up Walmart Pay: Download the Walmart app on your phone. Go to the Walmart Pay section and add your credit, debit or Walmart gift card.
- Shop in the store: Scan your items at the self-checkout or regular register.
- Pay with the Walmart Pay app: Use your phone to access your Walmart Pay app and scan the QR code on the checkout screen. The app will pay for your items with the stored card.
- Get a digital receipt: Your receipt is automatically saved on the app.
How To Set Up Walmart Pay in the App
Using Walmart Pay is a straightforward process. You can link Walmart Pay to your preferred payment method and leave your wallet at home.
To start using Walmart Pay, you can follow these steps:
- Download the Walmart mobile app.
- Once you download the app, open it and tap “Walmart Pay.”
- Choose the payment method you would like to use for the mobile wallet.
- Upload one or more payment options.
How To Use Walmart Pay at Checkout
Once you are in the store and want to make a purchase, use your smartphone to access the Walmart app. Then follow these steps:
- Click on Walmart Pay and wait for the security prompt.
- Enter your passcode or use Touch ID to access the wallet.
- Look at the bottom of the screen and choose your preferred payment method.
- Hold your smartphone above the QR code on the register.
- Once your purchase is confirmed, you will hear a chime indicating a successful transaction.
- Check your phone for an e-receipt and take your items.
Walmart Pay Features and Benefits
Walmart Pay comes with a few advantages and pay features. Here are some to know:
- Mobile convenience: No need for physical cards — your phone can be used as a payment method.
- Secure payments: Transactions are encrypted and require Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode for added security.
- Digital receipts: Your payment receipt is automatically generated and stored in the app.
- Multiple payment options: You can use your choice of credit or debit cards. You can also use Walmart gift cards.
- Free to use: There is no monthly fee to use the Walmart Pay app.
- Contactless: It is a contactless payment method.
Is Walmart Pay Safe To Use?
Walmart Pay is a secure mobile wallet that is safe to use. The superstore uses multiple security layers to protect the customer’s information and maintains consistent system updates.
To use Walmart Pay, you have to verify your payment methods. Customers who want to use their cards must provide CVV codes to link them to the mobile wallet.
Walmart encrypts client information using Secure Sockets Layer networks, which are secure and ensure that your card information doesn’t transfer to the store when you make a purchase.
Walmart Pay vs. Tap to Pay Options
Here is a side-by-side comparison of Walmart Pay vs. tap-to-pay options like Google Pay and Apple Pay.
Feature | Walmart Pay | Google Pay and Apple Pay |
---|---|---|
Accepted by Walmart | Yes | No |
Accepted nationwide | No | Yes |
Accepted at other retailers | No | Yes |
In-app integration | Walmart app only | Apple/Google Wallet and supported apps |
Payment method type | QR code | Tap-to-pay via NFC |
Works for online purchases | No | Yes |
Stores digital receipts | Yes (Walmart receipts only) | Not automatically |
Fees to use | None | None |
Limitations of Walmart Pay
Just like any payment method, there are limitations to using Walmart Pay.
- Walmart Pay can only be used inside Walmart stores: You cannot use it online or at other retailers.
- No external payment methods are available: Walmart Pay is not compatible with Google or Samsung Pay or Apple Pay.
- No tap-to-pay function: You have to scan the QR code to pay for items.
- You need a smartphone and internet: You need access to both a phone and internet to use Walmart Pay.
Should You Use Walmart Pay?
Walmart Pay isn’t right for everyone. Consider these pros and cons:
Walmart Pay Pros | Walmart Pay Cons |
---|---|
Works at Walmart stores in person | Doesn’t work at Walmart for online purchases or any other retailers |
Contactless payment via QR code | Does not support tap-to-pay technology |
Easy to set up and free to use | Requires smartphone and internet |
Integrated with Walmart app | Lacks compatibility with Apple, Google or Samsung Pay |
Best For
- Frequent Walmart shoppers who prefer in-person shopping
- Anyone who wants an easy way to store and access digital receipts
- Users who already use the Walmart app regularly
Not a Good Fit For
- People who rarely or never shop at Walmart
- Shoppers looking for a digital wallet they can use at other retailers
- Those with older smartphones or limited internet access
Final Takeaway
If you’re an avid Walmart shopper, Walmart Pay is a convenient digital wallet to help you make in-person purchases. Walmart Pay is free to use, but it is not accepted anywhere but Walmart stores. If you’re someone who wants a digital wallet with nationwide access, you may want to use Apple or Google Pay.
Walmart Pay: FAQ
Got questions about Walmart Pay? You’re not alone — here’s what shoppers ask most.- What is Walmart Pay?
- Walmart Pay is Walmart's mobile payment option that lets you pay with your phone using a linked credit, debit or gift card. A physical wallet is not needed.
- How do I set up Walmart Pay?
- You can download the Walmart Pay app on your phone. Create or sign in to your account and select "Walmart Pay." Follow the prompts from there to add your payment methods.
- How do I add a card to Walmart Pay?
- You can go into Walmart Pay, select "Add Payment Method" and then enter the details of your credit, debit or Walmart gift card.
- Can I use Walmart Pay at self-checkout?
- Yes. You can scan the QR code on the self-checkout screen using the Walmart Pay feature in your app to complete your payment.
- Does Walmart take tap-to-pay?
- No. Walmart does not accept Google or Apple Pay.
- Is Walmart Pay free to use?
- Yes, Walmart Pay is free to use.
Hiba Boutary contributed to the reporting for this article.
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