Walmart is one of the most popular retailers out there—it welcomes over 382.1 million visits per month on average.
Over the years, Walmart has made shopping a breeze for its customers. In fact, Walmart took convenience to the next level back in 2015 with the introduction of Walmart Pay, a digital wallet that's directly integrated into the Walmart app.
If you're just getting to use Walmart Pay for the first time, you must understand how it works and how you can leverage its convenience for your everyday shopping.
In this ultimate guide, we'll discuss everything there is to know about Walmart Pay, how to set it up, and how to use it at checkout.
Table of Contents
What is Walmart Pay?
Walmart Pay is a mobile payment system integrated directly into the Walmart app. It securely stores your debit, credit, or even gift card information, transforming your phone into a virtual wallet for in-store purchases.
How Does Walmart Pay Work?
Unlike other digital payment services, Walmart Pay works differently:
- QR Code: Unlike some mobile payment systems that rely on Near Field Communication (NFC), Walmart Pay utilizes secure QR codes. During checkout, a unique QR code is displayed on the payment terminal.
- Encrypted Communication: Your phone's camera scans this QR code, but it doesn't transmit your financial information. Instead, it sends a secure signal to Walmart's servers indicating your intent to use Walmart Pay for that purchase.
- Payment Verification: On your phone, you'll be prompted to confirm the payment method you want to use from your stored options in the Walmart Pay wallet. This extra step ensures you're paying with the intended card.
- Tokenization for Security: Once confirmed, a unique digital token representing your chosen payment method is used to complete the transaction. This tokenization process shields your actual card details from ever being exposed.
- Authorization and Receipt: Walmart's servers receive the token, verify the transaction, and communicate with your bank for authorization. Upon successful authorization, you'll hear a chime and see a confirmation message on your phone. An electronic receipt for your purchase will be stored within the Walmart Pay app, eliminating the need for a paper receipt.
How To Set Up Walmart Pay
Walmart Pay is all about convenience, but before you experience the joy of contactless checkout, you'll need to set it up on your phone.
To do so:
- Download the Walmart App: First things first, head to the App Store or Google Play and download the Walmart app.
- Find Walmart Pay: Open the app and navigate to the "Services" section. There, you'll find the "Walmart Pay" option.
- Account Time: You'll need a Walmart account to use Walmart Pay. If you already have one, log in using your existing credentials. If you're new to Walmart's online world, creating an account is quick and easy within the app.
- Add Payment Methods: Now for the fun part! This is where you add your preferred payment methods, such as debit cards, credit cards, or even Walmart gift cards. The app will guide you through a secure process to add each card.
- Secure It Up: For added security, Walmart Pay will prompt you to set up a PIN or enable fingerprint/facial recognition for future transactions. Choose the method that best suits you.
- Ready to Shop! Congratulations! You've successfully set up Walmart Pay.
Now that you've set up Walmart Pay, let's get you started with using it at the checkout.
How to Use Walmart Pay at Checkout
Whether in-store or within the Walmart app, using Walmart Pay is a very straightforward process.
To use Walmart Pay at checkout:
- Scan or Open: Once you've finished shopping, head to the checkout lane. You have two options:
- Open the Walmart app and navigate to the "Walmart Pay" section.
- Use your phone's camera to scan the QR code displayed on the checkout terminal.
- Choose Your Payment Method: The app will show all your stored payment methods (credit cards, debit cards, gift cards). Simply choose the one you want to use for this purchase.
- Apply Coupons: If you have any active coupon, show it to the cashier so they can apply it to your purchase.
- Confirm Your Payment Method: A confirmation screen will appear, showing the chosen payment method and purchase amount. Double-check everything looks good.
- Pay & Go! Once confirmed, your phone will beep, indicating a successful transaction. You'll likely see a message on your phone screen confirming payment. That's it! Grab your bags and head out—no need for a paper receipt (it'll be stored electronically in the app).
Can I Use Walmart Pay to Pay for Gas?
No, you cannot use Walmart Pay to pay for your gas at any gas pump, unfortunately. Walmart Pay is only available for purchases at Walmart.com and for in-store purchases.
Is Walmart Pay Safe To Use?
Yes, Walmart Pay is generally considered safe to use. Here's a breakdown of the security features:
- No Card Sharing: Unlike swiping your physical card, Walmart Pay never transmits your actual credit card information to the store's checkout system.
- Tokenization: When you use Walmart Pay, a unique digital token is used instead of your real card details. This tokenization process protects your sensitive financial information.
- Secure Communication: Walmart Pay utilizes encrypted communication channels to transmit data between your phone and its servers, adding another layer of security.
- PIN or Biometric Verification: For added security, you can choose to set up a PIN or enable fingerprint/facial recognition for transactions within the app. This ensures that only authorized users can make purchases with your Walmart Pay.
- Regular Updates: Walmart emphasizes that it continuously updates its security measures to stay ahead of potential threats.
While no system is foolproof, Walmart Pay offers a secure way to pay at Walmart stores.
Final Thoughts
Walmart Pay offers a convenient, secure, and eco-friendly way to pay at your local Walmart. With its ease of use and added benefits, it's a great option for anyone looking to streamline their in-store shopping experience. No more need to carry along your wallet when looking to shop at Walmart. Just download the app and pay as you go with Walmart Pay.