Walmart accepts American Express at most locations, but not all

Most Walmart stores take American Express cards for in-store purchases and online orders. However, some Walmart locations — particularly smaller stores, Sam's Club locations, and certain international branches — do not accept Amex. The best way to know before you shop is to call the specific store or check your receipt after a small purchase, since policies can vary by location and change over time.

Walmart's payment acceptance has shifted several times over the past decade. The chain dropped Amex entirely in 2006, then brought it back in 2010. Today, Amex is accepted at the vast majority of U.S. Walmart stores, but the company does not publish a complete list of which locations do or do not take the card. This means you cannot rely on a single source to confirm whether your nearest store accepts it.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Walmart stores accept American Express for both in-store and online purchases, but some individual locations may not.
  • Sam's Club, Walmart's membership warehouse chain, does not accept American Express at any location.
  • Walmart.com accepts American Express as a payment method for online orders, including home delivery, in-store pickup, and curbside pickup.
  • The fastest way to confirm Amex acceptance at your local store is to call ahead or ask a cashier before checking out.
  • If your store does not accept Amex, you can shop on Walmart.com and choose in-store pickup to pay with your card online.

Walmart.com and online orders

Walmart's website accepts American Express for online purchases. You can enter your Amex card number during checkout just as you would for Visa or Mastercard. This applies whether you are ordering for home delivery, in-store pickup, or curbside pickup. The online payment system processes Amex the same way it processes other major card brands.

If you have a Walmart+ membership, you can also use your Amex card to pay for the subscription itself. Walmart+ is Walmart's paid membership program that offers free delivery on orders over a certain amount and other perks. Your Amex card will be charged for the monthly or annual membership fee just like any other payment method.

Sam's Club does not accept American Express

Sam's Club, Walmart's membership warehouse subsidiary, does not accept American Express at any of its locations. Sam's Club only takes Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and its own Sam's Club Mastercard. This policy applies to both in-store shopping and online purchases at samsclub.com. The restriction has been in place for years and shows no signs of changing.

If you have a Sam's Club membership and primarily use American Express, you would need to bring a different card to shop in person or use a different payment method online. This is one of the few major warehouse retailers with this restriction, so it is worth noting if you are considering a membership.

How to confirm before you shop

Since Walmart's Amex acceptance can vary by store, calling ahead takes less than a minute. Ask for the customer service desk and say: "Do you accept American Express?" The staff member can tell you when ready whether that specific location takes the card. You can find the store's phone number on Walmart's website by searching for your location.

You can also ask a cashier when you arrive at the store. If you are already in line and want to avoid any delay, you can ask before you unload your cart. Most stores will tell you right away whether Amex works there. This approach works if you are already shopping and want to know before you reach the register.

What to do if your store does not accept Amex

If your local Walmart does not take American Express, you have several options. You can bring a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover card instead. Walmart also accepts debit cards, prepaid cards, and digital payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay — though these typically require a Visa or Mastercard behind them.

You can also shop on Walmart.com, which does accept Amex, and choose in-store pickup or delivery. This way you can pay with your American Express card online and pick up or receive your order at the store that does not accept Amex in person. This workaround lets you use your preferred card while still shopping at your local Walmart.

Walmart's other payment methods

Beyond cards, Walmart takes cash, checks, and its own Walmart credit card and Walmart Mastercard. The Walmart Mastercard is a co-branded card issued by Mastercard, so it works anywhere Mastercard is accepted, including at Walmart. If you shop at Walmart frequently, this card may offer rewards or other benefits worth considering.

Walmart also accepts mobile payment apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, provided your card of choice is linked to that app. Some Walmart locations have also begun accepting cryptocurrency in limited pilot programs, though this is not yet widespread. These digital payment options can be faster than swiping or inserting a physical card at checkout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use American Express at Walmart self-checkout?

Yes. American Express works at Walmart self-checkout registers the same way it does at staffed registers, as long as your store accepts Amex. The card reader will process it like any other payment method, and you can complete your transaction without speaking to a cashier.

Does Walmart accept Amex gift cards?

Yes. An American Express gift card works at Walmart just like a regular Amex card, assuming your store accepts American Express. The gift card is processed as a standard Amex payment, and the balance is deducted from the card.

What if I try to use Amex and it gets declined at checkout?

Your card may be declined for reasons other than store policy — insufficient funds, a fraud alert, or an expired card. Ask the cashier if the store accepts American Express. If it does, contact your card issuer to find out why the transaction was declined. If the store does not accept Amex, you will need to use a different payment method.

Can I use American Express at Walmart gas stations?

Walmart gas stations typically accept the same payment methods as the store itself, so most locations should take American Express. However, policies can vary by location, so it is worth confirming with your local station before you pump.