Why doesn't Walmart accept Google Pay or Apple Pay

Living My SciFi Dream

When it comes to technology, especially the tech that makes our lives easier, I'm all in. I have a smartwatch that connects to my smartphone. I've got contactless pay connected to both, and I'll admit, I get a little sci-fi thrill every time I use my watch to make a purchase.

I pay with my phone or watch so often that if I don't need to show ID for whatever I'm buying, I don't always carry my wallet.

Photo by Joe Raedle via Getty Images

Shopping Made Easy: Arizona Shoppers Prefer Contactless Pay

These days, nearly everyone accepts the most frequently used contactless payment methods, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay.

However, there is one retailer that hasn't made the switch, and Arizona shoppers are not happy about it. I add this to the growing stack of reasons I'm tired of shopping with them.

READ: Walmart Self Checkouts Overcharged Arizona Shoppers

Why Walmart Won't Accept Contactless Pay

As one of the latest retailers in the world, I'm confused as to why Walmart refuses to accept the most popular forms of contactless payment for purchases. They won't let shoppers use Google Pay or Apple Pay and insist that shoppers use their proprietary mobile payment app, Walmart Pay.

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If you want to use contactless pay at Walmart, you have to install one more app on your phone, and you can only use it at Walmart.

Target has a proprietary system called Target Circle. Shoppers can attach their debit card, bank account, or Target debit or credit card to the app and make purchases that way. In exchange, shoppers get 5% off their total purchase, making it an easy switch.

However, if you don't want to install another app to pay, Target also allows shoppers to use the most popular contactless payment methods.

Less Contact-Less at Arizona Walmart

Walmart has consistently chosen not to accept the most popular contactless payment methods, such as Google Pay and Apple Pay. Instead, Walmart pushes shoppers to its own mobile payment solution, Walmart Pay.

Walmart Pay is the chain's singular contactless payment option. This way, Walmart maintains control over customers' data and purchasing habits and uses the data for its marketing strategies. The in-house system lets them avoid paying third-party transaction fees.

READ: Are You Frustrated? Top 11 Reasons Arizona Shoppers Hate Walmart

Shoppers can still use credit and debit cards for purchases, but if you want to use your favorite contactless system, you're out of luck.

Photo by Joe Raedle via Getty Images

How Shoppers Feel About Walmart Pay

Shoppers are not happy about the exclusive Walmart Pay system and frequently sound off about the frustrating inconvenience. Many shoppers have called the company out on social media.

Walmart rejects the pushback, emphasizing the benefits of its proprietary system. The benefits for Walmart, that is. Shoppers may have other thoughts.

Sources: Frugal Reality | Target | Digital Trends | American Banker | Tech Radar

It Costs HOW MUCH? 11 Things That Are Suddenly Too Expensive in Arizona

From products we use every day to services we've come to rely on, inflation is making everything too expensive in Arizona and around the country.

Arizonans are making do where they can, crossing off things they can't afford, and settling for less whenever possible. There are some things we just can't do without.

How many have you crossed off your list?

Gallery Credit: Val Davidson/TSM