Google Pay is finally coming to Walmart stores in the U.S., giving shoppers another way to pay for their purchases using contactless technology. Google has announced that Walmart and Sam’s Club will begin rolling out Tap to Pay at select locations from August 24, allowing customers to use Google Pay at compatible checkout terminals. The move is significant because Walmart has historically relied on its own Walmart Pay system rather than supporting mainstream NFC-based payment services. The new option will now allow shoppers to use eligible cards stored in their digital wallets instead.
Google Pay Arrives at Walmart Checkout
Under the new system, customers can add their preferred payment card to Google Wallet and use Google Pay when checking out at participating Walmart stores. Instead of opening Walmart’s own payment system, users can simply use their compatible phone or other supported contactless device at the payment terminal. Walmart says Tap to Pay will support eligible contactless cards, phones and smartwatches. Customers can also add eligible Walmart, Sam’s Club and OnePay cards to their digital wallets, providing another way to use those cards during checkout.
Rollout Starts With Select U.S. Locations
The rollout will not happen at every Walmart location immediately. Starting August 24, Tap to Pay will be introduced at selected Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations across the U.S. Walmart plans to expand the feature to all of its U.S. stores and clubs by the end of 2026. The company has also announced a longer-term expansion to its fuel stations, where Tap to Pay is planned to become available by mid-2027. The company has not indicated that this rollout applies to Walmart locations outside the U.S., so customers in other countries should not interpret the announcement as a global launch.
Walmart Pay Will Still Be Available
The introduction of Google Pay does not replace Walmart’s existing payment options. Customers will continue to be able to use cash, credit cards, and Walmart Pay at checkout. Walmart Pay also remains integrated with the Walmart app, where customers can manage purchases and receipts and access Walmart+ fuel savings. At Sam’s Club, members will also continue to have access to Scan & Go, which allows them to scan products and pay through the app rather than using a traditional checkout.
Walmart Cards Can Also Be Added to Digital Wallets
The change is not limited to cards already supported by Google Pay or other contactless payment platforms. Walmart says customers will also be able to add eligible Walmart, Sam’s Club and OnePay cards to their digital wallets and use them through the new Tap to Pay system. This gives shoppers another way to use cards connected to Walmart’s own financial ecosystem without necessarily relying on the physical card at checkout. The company says the new payment option is intended to give customers and members more choice while making everyday purchases simpler.
What It Means for Customers
For Walmart shoppers who already use Google Pay, the biggest change is convenience. Instead of carrying a physical card or switching to Walmart’s own payment system, they will be able to use a card already stored in their digital wallet at participating checkout terminals. Google’s existing Tap to Pay system uses NFC for contactless transactions, and supported cards can be represented by a token rather than having the actual card number shared with the merchant during payment. The change also gives customers more flexibility. Those who prefer Walmart Pay can continue using it, while people who already rely on Google Pay or other contactless services can choose the method they are accustomed to.
Why the Update Matters
The move represents a notable change in Walmart’s approach to mobile payments. The retailer had previously promoted its own QR-code-based Walmart Pay instead of adopting mainstream NFC payment platforms. Now, by adding Tap to Pay, Walmart is expanding the number of digital payment options available directly at its checkout terminals. For Google, the Walmart partnership also brings Google Pay to one of the largest retail chains in the U.S., potentially making contactless payments more useful for Android users during everyday shopping.
A Major Shift From Walmart’s Previous Payment Strategy
The rollout is also notable because Walmart has historically pushed customers towards its own payment tools, particularly Walmart Pay, rather than standard NFC-based contactless payments. Walmart Pay allows shoppers to pay through the Walmart app, while Sam’s Club offers Scan & Go, which lets members scan products and complete purchases through the app. The arrival of Tap to Pay means Walmart is now adding mainstream contactless payments alongside these existing services instead of requiring customers to use its proprietary options. For shoppers, that means they can choose between a digital wallet, Walmart’s own app-based services, traditional cards, or cash depending on what is most convenient.
Conclusion
Walmart is set to begin its Google Pay and Tap to Pay rollout on August 24 at select U.S. Walmart and Sam’s Club locations. The company plans to reach all U.S. stores and clubs by the end of 2026, followed by fuel stations by mid-2027. For customers, the update mainly means more choice at checkout. Google Pay will join Walmart Pay, cards and cash rather than replace them, giving shoppers another way to complete purchases quickly through contactless payment.