Does Walmart Take American Express in 2024? (Comprehensive Guide)
As the largest retailer in the world, Walmart served over 230 million customers per week in 2021. With so many shoppers to accommodate, Walmart accepts numerous payment methods, including major credit cards. One common question is: does Walmart take American Express cards?
Walmart Accepts American Express Credit and Debit Cards
The short answer is yes, Walmart accepts American Express cards for purchases in-store and online. This includes standard American Express credit cards, American Express debit cards, prepaid gift cards, and Membership Rewards points (for Walmart.com purchases).
According to 2022 data, American Express accounted for 24% of credit card spending in the U.S., second only to Visa at 50%. So there is significant overlap between American Express users and Walmart shoppers. By accepting Amex cards, Walmart can meet the payment needs of millions of customers.
Benefits of Paying with American Express at Walmart
There are a few potential perks to paying with an American Express card at Walmart:
- Earn rewards: Many Amex cards offer rewards points or cash back on purchases. You can earn these benefits when shopping at Walmart.
- Purchase protection: American Express offers return protection, extended warranties, and purchase protection for items bought with their cards. This provides added peace of mind for big-ticket Walmart purchases.
- Financing options: Cards like the Amex EveryDay Credit Card offer intro 0% APR periods, allowing you to finance large Walmart purchases interest-free.
The biggest downside is that American Express cards tend to have higher standard APRs than competitors when the intro period ends. But overall they offer robust rewards programs and protections that can provide value if used strategically.
Types of American Express Cards Accepted at Walmart
Walmart accepts the following American Express payment methods:
American Express Card Type | Purchases In-Store | Purchases at Walmart.com
—|—
Credit Cards (Green, Gold, Platinum) | Yes | Yes
Debit Cards | Yes | Yes
Prepaid Gift Cards | Yes | Yes
Membership Rewards Points | No | Yes
To use Membership Rewards points online, you must have an eligible U.S. Consumer, Business, or Corporate American Express card enrolled in the points program.
When paying with points on Walmart.com, your card will initially be charged the full amount. You then receive a statement credit for the amount of points redeemed, typically within 1-2 billing cycles.
Other Common Payment Methods Accepted at Walmart
Along with American Express, Walmart accepts all major credit cards:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Discover
- Walmart Credit Card
Debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Affirm financing, checks, and cash are also accepted.
Walmart also offers their own credit card in partnership with Capital One, offering cash back rewards on Walmart purchases. This proprietary card provides an additional payment option for frequent Walmart shoppers.
The Bottom Line: Yes, You Can Use American Express at Walmart
To summarize, Walmart accepts American Express credit cards, debit cards, prepaid gift cards, and Membership Rewards points (for online orders). While Amex cards have higher standard APRs, they can provide robust rewards, purchase protection, and special financing options for Walmart shoppers.
Alongside American Express, Walmart accepts all other major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, checks, and cash. With access to American Express and an array of other payment methods, Walmart customers can pay however is most convenient.
