Learn How to Use Walmart Pay Mobile Checkout

What Walmart Pay Is and How It Works

Walmart Pay is a mobile payment option that lets you pay for purchases using your smartphone instead of a physical credit card, debit card, or cash. The service was launched by Walmart in 2015 and has grown into a widely-used checkout method across Walmart stores and on Walmart.com. When you use Walmart Pay, you're essentially using your phone as your wallet at checkout.

The technology behind Walmart Pay involves your phone connecting wirelessly to Walmart's payment terminals. Rather than swiping a card or inserting it into a reader, you simply open the Walmart Pay feature in the Walmart mobile app, scan a code displayed on the checkout terminal, and complete your transaction. Your payment information is stored securely within the app, so you don't have to enter card details each time you shop.

Walmart Pay differs from other mobile payment systems like Apple Pay or Google Pay. While those services use technology called NFC (near-field communication) that requires holding your phone very close to the payment terminal, Walmart Pay uses QR codes and barcode scanning instead. This means Walmart Pay works on older smartphones that don't have NFC technology built in, making it available to a broader range of customers.

The system connects to your existing Walmart account, which means your transaction history is recorded in your account just like traditional purchases. You can track your spending through the app and review receipts from Walmart Pay transactions the same way you would with other payment methods.

Practical takeaway: Walmart Pay is a mobile checkout method that works through the Walmart app, allowing you to pay using your phone by scanning a code at the register. It's compatible with most smartphones and doesn't require special equipment or technology.

Setting Up Walmart Pay on Your Phone

Before you can use Walmart Pay, you need to set up the service within the Walmart mobile app. The setup process involves linking your payment method to your Walmart account through the app. This is a one-time process that takes just a few minutes to complete.

To begin, you'll need the official Walmart app installed on your phone. The app is available for both iPhone and Android devices and can be found in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store respectively. Once you have the app installed, open it and sign into your existing Walmart account or create a new one if you don't already have one. Your Walmart account is separate from any in-store club membership and is used to track your online shopping and app-based features.

Once logged in, navigate to the payment settings within the app. Look for options labeled "Payment Methods," "Wallet," or similar terms depending on your app version. In this section, you'll add the credit card or debit card you want to use with Walmart Pay. You'll enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back of the card). The app will also ask for your billing address to verify the payment method.

After adding your payment method, you may have the option to set it as your default payment for Walmart Pay. If you want to add multiple cards, you can do this at any time through the same payment settings menu. This allows you to choose which card to use during checkout. Some customers link both a credit card and a debit card so they can choose based on their preference for each shopping trip.

The information you enter is encrypted and stored securely on Walmart's servers. Walmart does not store the full details of your card on your phone itself, which adds a layer of security to the system. Your actual card numbers are not transmitted directly to the checkout terminal.

Practical takeaway: Download the Walmart app, log into your account, and add your payment card through the app's payment settings. You can add multiple cards and choose which one to use at checkout.

Using Walmart Pay at Physical Walmart Stores

When you're ready to use Walmart Pay at a physical store, the checkout process is straightforward. You can use Walmart Pay at any Walmart checkout lane, including self-checkout stations. The service has been integrated into Walmart stores across the United States, though a small number of older or remodeled locations may still be transitioning to the technology.

Here's what happens when you check out: After placing your items on the conveyor belt or scan plate, the cashier or self-checkout system will ask you how you want to pay. You'll tell them you're using Walmart Pay. At this point, either the cashier will show you a code on their screen, or a self-checkout terminal will display a code on the screen in front of you. This code is a QR code or barcode unique to your transaction.

Open the Walmart app on your phone and navigate to the Walmart Pay section, usually found prominently on the app's home screen or in a menu labeled "Pay" or "Wallet." Hold your phone's camera up to the code on the register screen. Your phone's camera will read the code, which links your payment information to that specific transaction. Once scanned, the app will show you the amount you're paying and ask you to confirm the payment.

Confirm the payment by tapping a button in the app, and the transaction processes instantly. You'll receive confirmation on your phone screen, and the register will show the payment was received. The entire process typically takes less than 30 seconds. You'll then receive your receipt either printed at the register or sent to your phone, depending on your preferences.

One advantage of using Walmart Pay is that your transaction is immediately connected to your Walmart account. If you're a member of Walmart+ (Walmart's subscription service), using Walmart Pay can help you track your spending and may be relevant for certain member benefits. Your purchase history through Walmart Pay is accessible in your app account for future reference.

Practical takeaway: At checkout, open Walmart Pay in the app, scan the code shown on the register screen, and confirm your payment. The transaction processes in seconds, and you'll receive confirmation on your phone.

Using Walmart Pay for Online Orders and Pickup

Walmart Pay extends beyond physical store checkout. You can also use Walmart Pay on Walmart.com for online purchases, and it's particularly useful for Walmart's pickup and delivery services. If you order items online for in-store pickup, you can use Walmart Pay to complete your payment during the checkout process on the Walmart website or app.

When shopping on Walmart.com through the mobile app, you'll go through the normal checkout process: add items to your cart, review your items, and proceed to payment. At the payment step, instead of entering your card information directly, you can select Walmart Pay as your payment method. The system will use the payment information you've already stored in your account, so you don't need to re-enter your card details.

For in-store pickup orders, the convenience of Walmart Pay is that you've already paid through the app before you even arrive at the store. When you get to the store to pick up your order, you simply confirm your pickup at the customer service counter or designated pickup area. There's no additional payment step, which makes the pickup process faster.

Walmart Pay is also compatible with Walmart's grocery delivery service and other delivery options. When you check out on Walmart.com and choose a delivery option, you can pay with Walmart Pay just as you would for a pickup order. The same payment information you set up in the app is used for these transactions, keeping everything consistent across different types of purchases.

One thing to note: while Walmart Pay works well for these services, Walmart.com also allows traditional payment methods like credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. Walmart Pay is an option alongside these other methods, giving you flexibility in how you choose to pay. If you're making a return or dealing with refunds, those are processed back to the original payment method you used, whether it was Walmart Pay or another option.

Practical takeaway: You can use Walmart Pay to pay for online orders on Walmart.com, including pickup and delivery options. The stored payment information in your app makes these transactions quick and consistent.

Security Features and Protecting Your Information

Walmart Pay includes several built-in security features designed to keep your payment information safe. One of the primary security measures is that your full card information is not displayed or transmitted to Walmart's checkout systems in the traditional way. Instead, Walmart Pay uses tokenization, which means your actual card number is replaced with a unique code