QR code-based payments have their benefits like tying debit and credit card transactions to store reward cards and saving receipts in one step, but they still don’t beat the convenience of NFC-based methods like Apple Pay which are less finicky and more secure. Major retailer Walmart, however, is pushing forward with its plans to make checking out smarter using its own QR code-based system called Walmart Pay. And although the two systems could both be options, Walmart continues to resist other digital wallets including Apple Pay.
Announced late last year, Walmart Pay is starting to roll out to iPhone users in the latest version of the Walmart app for iOS.
What’s New in Version 6.8
Now there’s a place for all your receipts!
• In-store returns are easier than ever.
• Quickly add paper receipts to your history.
• Use Walmart Pay (available in all stores soon) and get receipts stored automatically.A new home screen design, with all the features you already know, but nicer to use and to look at.
The Apple Pay alternative doesn’t appear totally live, however, as the option isn’t present in my own testing. Walmart’s resistance to Apple Pay was originally explained as part of its commitment to CurrentC, an Apple Pay competitor similar in design to Walmart Pay which has had trouble getting off the ground.
Compared to Apple Pay, Walmart Pay does have its benefits to both the retailer and shopper. Walmart gathers more data of course, but shoppers collect digital receipts and have an easier experience tracking savings.
But the actual payment method is less convenient. Apple Pay on iPhones means just waving the device over the checkout terminal; as long as it’s powered on and Apple Pay has been set up, the process is frictionless and only requires a fingerprint with Touch ID to authenticate.
Walmart Pay, by comparison, requires having the Walmart iOS app installed, then finding and launching it at the checkout line before scanning a barcode on a terminal with the camera. Still, Walmart bills it as a time-saver…
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Walmart previously said its Walmart Pay solution would be rolling out to select stores last December followed by a full roll out in the first half of this year. Look for the Apple Pay alternative in the latest version of Walmart’s iOS app for free on the App Store.
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Paula Abdul nailed this in 1989; “Two steps forward, two steps back.”
My eyes are rolling harder than they have ever rolled before…
So of the major CurrentC backers, most have announced future plans (or already implemented) Apple Pay/android Pay/NFC – except for Walmart. Seems like this Walmart Pay is just a rebranded CurrentC without the inter-company sharing of information, no?
I haven’t shopped at Wal-Mart in 15 years, but even if I did I wouldn’t use this nonsense!
I guess you don’t shop at Target either. Or Autozone, the post office or the local burger place down the street.
Samsung Pay. LG Pay. Walmart Pay.
Why so many silos?
Apple Pay if you care about security. Android Pay if you don’t. Two pay methods for everyone to support. Keep it simple.
I hate that they won’t accept ApplePay, but I can understand from a business standpoint not wanting to buy new NFC terminals for 5,000 stores in the US alone. They just upgraded most of them to chip and pin (which is a nightmare) before ApplePay was announced. Yes, I know, they should’ve gone with NFC, but they didn’t.
I do use the savings catcher feature of their app and it’s gotten me over $100 back so far, so this will actually save me a little time at checkout. I don’t have to deal with the chip reader, and in one scan, I’m paid and my receipt is already uploaded to savings catcher. It’s not the best solution, but it’s better than it was.
The Ingenico models they went with have NFC built in; I’ve also heard rumblings of Walmart buying a stake in Equinox, another payment device maker that has NFC-built in to most models. Its not about hardware costs; its about Wal-Mart not wanting to pay processing fees, so they make their own payment method that uses ACH instead of processing and paying Visa, mastercard, Amex, etc.
Current C was using ACH. Walmart Pay allows debit and credit. Matter of fact, I don’t think it even allows a checking account.
I use this with Savings Catcher as well. It is much easier than having to scan the receipt in after the fact.
And the confused looks on the cashiers as I just walk away whey they are waiting for the receipt to print makes up for any supposed inconvenience. Although Chip & Sign is just as if not more annoying.
GTFO with that crapp, Walmart.
Can’t you understand that qr code payments are DOA?
Stubborn company, sigh.
Maybe, but if anyone can pull this off, they can.
I think if they wanted to, they could build Apple Pay into their App and do what Mobil is doing with SpeedPass+.
It wouldn’t be the best, but it would add a layer of additional security.
I will NEVER use a pay system that is attached to my bank account instead of a credit card.
As frustrated as I am at Walmart’s resistance to using Pay, it’s not entirely accurate to say that it will only be attached to your bank account and not your credit card. This comes from Walmart’s website regarding Walmart Pay:
“To use Walmart Pay, customers must create a Walmart.com account and/or update their profile to include a preferred payment method. This can include any credit or debit card, prepaid account or Walmart Gift Card.”
“…have an easier experience tracking savings.” What does that even mean?
They have a feature in the old app called savings catcher where you scan the QR code on your receipt and if a competitor has a lower advertised price they give you the difference. Now you won’t have to scan the receipt.
I hope this fails and soon. They are really trying to grub every cent they can with this and it’s irking…
Samsung Pay works just fine at Walmart. I even did a return with no issues. The look on the cashier faces are priceless. This is why I don’t miss my iPhone 6S when I leave the house.
I rarely go go Walmart. I will NEVER use this. If Apple Pay isn’t good enough for them, then I will just use the EMV chip in my debit and credit cards. The last time I went there a few months ago, I was able to use the chip instead of swiping the card.
Walmart by design forces you to use the Chip if there is a chip in your card. That’s so they are not liable in case of fraud. No PIN required but that’s because most US banks don’t distribute cards with PINs. I do have a card with a PIN from USAA and they didn’t require the PIN.
There are various use cases and Apple Pay would be complementary to using the Walmart Pay app and could be part of Walmart Pay app as well. Similar to how StarBucks, Dunkin Donuts and now Chick Fil A do it. Integrating loyalty and payment for frequent customers can be accomplished well in this manner. For casual infrequent buyers having the security of Apple Pay is a big win.