Walmart Rolls Out Tap-to-Pay Across U.S. Stores and Sam’s Club Locations

Walmart is deploying tap-to-pay technology across its U.S. retail footprint, offering shoppers a new contactless checkout option using cards, smartphones, and smartwatches. The retail giant announced the payment feature will launch at select Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations beginning August 24, with a full rollout to all U.S. stores and clubs targeted for the end of 2026. Tap-to-pay capabilities are also slated to reach Walmart fuel stations by mid-2027.

The checkout expansion aligns with Walmart’s broader focus on convenience across its physical and digital operations. The company’s U.S. e-commerce sales surged 24% in the second quarter, fueled by store-fulfilled delivery, advertising, and marketplace growth. Sam’s Club U.S. e-commerce sales climbed 26%, driven by club-fulfilled pickup and delivery.

A Walmart store as the retailer prepares to roll out tap-to-pay technology across its U.S. locations. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images / Getty Images)

Walmart President and CEO John Furner cited the online growth as evidence that customers are responding to the company’s emphasis on “price, speed and convenience.” International e-commerce sales also rose 19% in the quarter, propelled by store-fulfilled pickup and delivery. Total second-quarter revenue reached $187.9 billion, a 5.9% increase year-over-year, prompting the retailer to raise its full-year fiscal outlook.

Walmart plans to expand tap-to-pay to all of its U.S. stores by the end of 2026.

The new tap-to-pay option enables Walmart and Sam’s Club shoppers to check out using eligible contactless cards, smartphones, or smartwatches. Customers can also add eligible Walmart, Sam’s Club, and OnePay cards to their digital wallets. The rollout adds contactless payments to existing options including cash, credit cards, and Walmart Pay — the app-based system that allows customers to pay at checkout, view purchases and receipts, and access Walmart+ fuel savings.

The tap-to-pay option will allow Walmart and Sam’s Club shoppers to check out using eligible contactless cards, smartphones or smartwatches. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images / Getty Images)

At Sam’s Club, members have an additional checkout alternative through Scan & Go, which allows shoppers to scan merchandise and pay as they shop without using a traditional checkout line. Beyond payments, Walmart’s financial services portfolio includes options designed to help customers save, build credit, and finance purchases over time. Sam’s Club members also have access to Sam’s Cash and Sam’s Club credit, with opportunities to earn Sam’s Cash through qualifying purchases and programs.

The expanded payment options reflect Walmart’s broader strategy to give customers and members more flexibility in managing and spending their money.

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