Walmart Still Ducks Apple Pay Option By Offering Convenient Alternatives Like Walmart Pay, Scan & Go, etc.

Walmart, one of the largest retail chains in the U.S., has once again reaffirmed its decision to not adopt Apple Pay in its stores. The company continues to focus on its proprietary payment systems, offering customers alternative options like Walmart Pay and Scan & Go. This decision mirrors a trend seen in other industries, such as General Motors' choice to exclude Apple's CarPlay in favor of its own infotainment system.

Walmart Sticks to Its Self-Developed Payment Options

Despite the widespread adoption of contactless payment systems like Apple Pay, Walmart has made it clear that it will not implement the popular Apple solution. The company emphasized its commitment to the payment systems it has developed over the years, including its own contactless options. In a recent statement to MacRumors, Walmart explained that it has yet to adopt NFC technology in its stores, and it continues to believe that its alternatives offer a superior customer experience.

According to 9to5Mac, Walmart's decision may be driven by its desire to maintain control over customer transaction data. Unlike Apple Pay, which keeps customer data private, Walmart's payment systems allow the retailer to track purchase history, which can be leveraged for targeted ads and other marketing strategies.

Walmart Pay and Scan & Go Offer Contactless Payment Options

Walmart provides two primary alternatives for contactless payments: Walmart Pay and Scan & Go. Walmart Pay, launched eight years ago, requires customers to download the Walmart app, set up payment preferences, and scan QR codes at checkout to complete purchases. Scan & Go, a more recent offering, allows users to skip traditional checkout lines by scanning items as they shop, though it remains limited in availability.

Apple Pay's Popularity and Growing Acceptance

Apple Pay, available on iPhones and Apple Watches, has become a popular payment method for many U.S. consumers, thanks to its ease of use and integration into the Apple Wallet app. As NFC-enabled devices have become increasingly common, Apple Pay's tap-and-go functionality has gained widespread adoption, offering convenience and security for users.

Despite the benefits of Apple Pay, Walmart's refusal to adopt the service has left some customers frustrated, particularly as other retailers like Lowe's, Best Buy, and Whole Foods have embraced it. Critics argue that Walmart is falling behind in the competitive retail landscape by not providing Apple Pay as an option for its shoppers.

Walmart's Strategy for Customer Experience

Walmart has maintained that its own payment systems offer better experiences for customers, especially within its stores. The company has doubled down on promoting alternatives to Apple Pay, hoping to satisfy consumer needs with its in-house solutions. Until the company changes its stance, customers will have to rely on Walmart Pay and Scan & Go for contactless payments.