It's a question many of us have pondered while standing at the checkout line, phone in hand, ready to tap and pay: can I actually use my phone to pay at Walmart? The short answer, and it might surprise you, is that while you can't use Apple Pay, there are other ways your phone can help you breeze through checkout.
Let's get the big one out of the way first: Apple Pay. Despite its widespread adoption by retailers everywhere, Walmart has remained a holdout. So, if you're hoping to tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to pay for your groceries or that new gadget, you'll need to have a different plan. This has been the case for years, and it doesn't look like it's changing anytime soon.
But don't put that phone away just yet! While Apple Pay isn't an option, Walmart does offer other phone-friendly payment solutions, particularly when it comes to managing larger purchases or spreading out payments. This is where services like Affirm and, more recently, OnePay Later powered by Klarna come into play.
Using Affirm for In-Store Purchases
If you're eyeing a significant purchase in-store, Affirm can be a handy tool. The process is pretty straightforward. You'll want to head over to Affirm.com/Walmart before you shop to apply. You'll submit your purchase total and some basic details, and if you qualify, you'll get a barcode. At the register, simply present that barcode to the store associate, and it'll be scanned to complete your purchase. It's a neat way to finance items without needing a traditional credit card at the moment of sale.
Online Shopping with Affirm and OnePay Later
Online, the options become even more integrated. When you're shopping on Walmart.com and have eligible items in your cart, you can select Affirm as your payment method at checkout. The application process is quick, and you'll get a decision right away, allowing you to pick a payment plan that suits you. You can then easily complete your purchase.
It's worth noting that Walmart is transitioning its Buy Now, Pay Later program. You might start seeing OnePay Later, powered by Klarna, appearing on Walmart.com. This service allows for purchases between $50 and $6,000, with payment terms ranging from 3 to 36 months. Eligibility is determined at checkout, often involving a soft credit check.
What About Existing Affirm Loans?
If you've used Affirm in the past, don't worry. Any outstanding loans with Affirm will continue to be managed through Affirm. The change to OnePay Later doesn't affect your existing agreements. You can still manage your payments through the Affirm website or their app.
What Items Can You Finance?
It's not a free-for-all, of course. Affirm financing is available for a wide range of categories, including apparel, home goods, sporting goods, and even hearing aids. However, there are some exclusions. You won't be able to finance items like groceries, alcohol, tobacco, gasoline, or pharmacy items. For these, you'll need a different payment method.
So, while the dream of tapping your phone for every single Walmart purchase using Apple Pay might be on hold, your phone can still be a valuable tool for managing payments, especially for larger buys. It's all about knowing which digital wallets and financing options are accepted.
