Walmart will accept contactless payments via phone and smartwatch by the end of 2026. Sam's Club will also enable tap-to-pay functionality during the same timeframe.
Walmart has committed to rolling out tap-to-pay capabilities across its store network, allowing customers to complete transactions using their smartphones or smartwatches. The retailer's membership-focused subsidiary, Sam's Club, will receive the same upgrade.
The move brings Walmart in line with competitors who have already adopted contactless payment technology. Many retailers and restaurants now support NFC-based payments, which reduce transaction time and offer customers an alternative to traditional card swiping or cash exchanges.
Tap-to-pay relies on near-field communication (NFC) technology, enabling devices to transmit payment data when held near a compatible terminal. The expansion represents a significant infrastructure update for Walmart, which operates thousands of locations across North America.
The company has not disclosed specific implementation details or whether all payment methods will be supported at launch. The 2026 timeline gives Walmart roughly two years to upgrade its point-of-sale systems nationwide.
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