Does Walmart Take Google Pay or Samsung Pay? No, But Here‘s How to Pay with Your Android Phone
The short answer is no, Walmart does not currently accept Google Pay or Samsung Pay as mobile payment options, either in-store or online.
However, Android users can still use their phones to pay seamlessly at Walmart – just not with those third-party apps. Instead, Walmart has their own proprietary mobile payment service called Walmart Pay.
As an experienced ecommerce seller, I understand the importance of accepting diverse payment methods. So in this comprehensive guide, I‘ll explain:
- Why Walmart doesn‘t take Google/Samsung Pay
- How to set up and use Walmart Pay on your Android device
- Key differences compared to third-party mobile wallets
- Other payment options accepted at Walmart
- Expert tips for paying with your phone based on my 10+ years in mobile commerce
Let‘s dive in!
Why Walmart Doesn‘t Accept Google Pay or Samsung Pay
With mobile payment adoption accelerating globally, many shoppers wonder why a retail giant like Walmart doesn‘t accept popular services like Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
Based on my analysis of Walmart‘s mobile payment strategy, there are a few strategic reasons why they developed their own app instead of enabling third-party wallets:
More Control Over the Payment Experience
Walmart Pay allows Walmart to fully control and customize the mobile payment experience from end-to-end. They don‘t have to rely on or partner with Google or Samsung.
Integration With Walmart‘s Services
Walmart Pay integrates directly with Walmart‘s ecommerce platform, loyalty programs, discounts, gift cards, store maps, and more. Google and Samsung Pay have more limited capabilities.
Customer Data and Insights
With Walmart Pay, Walmart can capture rich data on purchase behavior, shopping patterns, promotions, etc. to optimize merchandising and services.
Broader Device Compatibility
Walmart Pay uses QR codes rather than NFC, allowing more customers with older/budget smartphones to use it. Only newer Android devices have NFC.
Here‘s a look at global NFC-enabled device penetration trends:
| Year | % of Devices with NFC |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 34% |
| 2017 | 44% |
| 2018 | 54% |
| 2019 | 66% |
Source: SIMalliance 2021 Global NFC Device Forecast
As you can see, in 2019 still only 66% of devices had NFC technology. By using QR codes, Walmart Pay massively expands compatibility.
Enhanced Security
Walmart believes their QR code system offers more security than NFC, which has experienced vulnerabilities. There have also been concerns around NFC enabling overdrafts.
Cost Savings
Finally, by owning their payment platform Walmart likely saves on financial transaction fees. They avoid paying fees to Google or Samsung for each transaction.
So in summary, Walmart Pay gives them more control, customization, data insights, security, and cost savings compared to enabling third-party mobile wallets.
Next, let‘s go through how to set up and use Walmart Pay on your Android phone.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Walmart Pay on Android
Here are the detailed steps to get started with making payments using Walmart Pay on your Android device:
1. Download the Walmart App
First, download the official Walmart shopping app from the Google Play store. You can find it here.
2. Sign Into Your Walmart Account
Open the app and sign into your Walmart online account. If you don‘t have an account, follow the on-screen prompts to create one for free.
3. Go to the Walmart Pay Section
From the Home tab, tap "Services" at the bottom, then scroll down and select the Walmart Pay option.
4. Add a Payment Method
To use Walmart Pay, you need to add one of your payment cards. Tap "Add Payment Method" and input your credit, debit, prepaid, or Walmart gift card details.
You can register multiple cards and choose one to pay with at checkout.
5. Set Up Security
Walmart Pay requires you to create a 4-digit PIN or use your phone‘s biometric authentication (fingerprint/face ID) to verify payments. Follow the prompts to set up your preferred security method.
6. Shop and Pay Using Walmart Pay
Now you‘re all set to use Walmart Pay in-store! While checking out, simply open the Walmart app, go to Walmart Pay, and scan the QR code displayed on the payment terminal screen. It‘s quick, easy, and secure.
Here are a few pro tips for using Walmart Pay seamlessly:
Launch the app and go to Walmart Pay before you reach checkout, so it‘s ready to scan.
Save your most used card as the default payment option for faster checkout.
Enable biometric sign-in for security instead of entering your PIN every time.
Check the app for coupons and special offers before paying.
View your Walmart Pay transaction history to track spending.
Next, let‘s compare the key capabilities of Walmart Pay versus third-party services like Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
How Walmart Pay Compares to Google Pay and Samsung Pay
While Walmart Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay all allow contactless mobile payments from your phone, there are some notable differences:
| Feature | Walmart Pay | Google Pay | Samsung Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Works with Walmart rewards/gift cards? | Yes | No | No |
| Uses QR codes? | Yes | No | No |
| Compatible with older/budget devices? | Yes | No | No |
| Access to Walmart app perks? | Yes | No | No |
| Walmart owns platform? | Yes | No | No |
| Charges transaction fees? | No | Yes | Yes |
Technology Used
Walmart Pay uses QR codes displayed on a payment terminal that you scan from the app.
Google Pay and Samsung Pay use NFC (near field communication) to transmit payment data from your device to a compatible payment terminal.
Payment Methods
Walmart Pay only works with cards/payment methods added to the app itself.
Google Pay and Samsung Pay work with any of your actual credit, debit, or prepaid cards that you have loaded into those apps, assuming the merchant accepts them.
Data/Insights
Walmart Pay provides Walmart with expanded customer data and shopping insights.
Google and Samsung Pay offer more limited basket-level data since Walmart doesn‘t see the detailed transaction info.
Security
Walmart believes QR codes are more secure than wireless NFC technology.
However, both QR and NFC payments are generally considered very safe. NFC has added tokenization encryption.
So in summary, while Walmart Pay differs from Google/Samsung Pay in many ways, it offers smoother integration with Walmart‘s platforms and services overall.
Other Ways to Pay at Walmart
In addition to Walmart Pay, you have several options to pay both in-store and online at Walmart:
In-Store Payment Methods
- Cash
- Credit/Debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
- Walmart Credit Card or Walmart MasterCard
- Walmart Gift Cards or eGift Cards
- PayPal
- Affirm monthly financing
- Chase Pay (for Chase cardholders)
- Amex Express Checkout (for Amex cardholders)
Online Payment Methods
- Credit/Debit cards
- PayPal
- Walmart Gift Cards
- Affirm financing
- Bill Me Later
One tip is that the Walmart Credit Card provides 5% back on Walmart.com purchases, including Grocery Pickup and Delivery. So it can be a great way to save on digital orders.
Key Takeaways: Paying with Android at Walmart
Walmart does not accept Google Pay or Samsung Pay currently.
However, Android users can pay with their phones via the Walmart Pay app.
Walmart Pay allows integration with Walmart‘s platforms and provides customer data.
It uses QR codes for broader device compatibility vs. NFC-only wallets.
In addition to Walmart Pay, Walmart accepts various credit cards, gift cards, and more.
For the optimal checkout experience, sign up for Walmart Pay in advance and learn how to use it seamlessly.
As an experienced ecommerce entrepreneur, I understand the importance of giving customers flexible, convenient payment options. I hope this detailed guide to paying with Android at Walmart was helpful! Let me know if you have any other Walmart payment questions.
