6 Places Walmart’s Tap-to-Pay Change Could Save You Time — And Where It Still Won’t Work Yet

Walmart’s new Tap to Pay option lets shoppers at participating U.S. Walmart and Sam’s Club locations pay with eligible contactless cards, phones, smartwatches, and digital wallets, while Walmart Pay and other existing payment methods remain available – Shutterstock

Walmart has finally joined the tap-to-pay party, giving shoppers another way to breeze through checkout without reaching for a physical card. Beginning August 24, Walmart started adding contactless payments at select U.S. stores and Sam’s Club locations, with plans to bring the option to all U.S. stores and clubs by the end of 2026.

That sounds simple, and honestly, it is. The interesting part comes when the new option meets real-life shopping situations, because tapping a phone or card can save time in some places while doing absolutely nothing for other Walmart errands. Here are six moments when the change could make checkout easier, plus the spots where shoppers still need another plan.