Walmart adding Apple Pay, other tap-to-pay options

Walmart announced Friday that some of its stores and Sam's Club locations will add tap-to-pay options in the U.S. beginning Monday.

Why it matters: Tap-to-pay has eluded Walmart customers, who instead had to rely on the company's Walmart Pay system, which required scanning QR codes at checkout.

What they're saying: "We want customers and members to have choice in how they pay, so they can check out in the way that works best for them," Walmart said in a press release.

"It all comes back to giving customers and members more choice and making everyday shopping a little easier — from how they manage their money to how they pay at checkout." Context: The company plans to roll it out to all stores and clubs by year-end.

Walmart says all Walmart and Sam's Club fuel stations are expected to have it by mid-2027.

The big picture: Walmart has been one of the few stores to avoid using the payment technology, promoting its own options such as Walmart Pay or Scan-and-Go at Sam's Club stores.

Walmart customers have been clamoring for Apple Pay, which is available in 85% of all retailers , and tap options for years.

Flashback: Walmart previously teamed up with other stores to tackle the Apple Pay system altogether, embracing the CurrentC mobile technology in the 2010s.

However, that form of payment was shut down in 2016.

Editor's note: This story was updated with additional information throughout.