Walmart and a group of other major retailers have begun accepting payments made with smartphones and smartwatches at checkout counters in stores throughout New Jersey. The change took effect in September 2026 and allows shoppers to complete transactions by tapping a mobile device instead of using a physical credit or debit card.
The new option relies on contactless near‑field communication (NFC) technology that is built into most modern phones and many wearable devices. Customers simply hold their device near the payment terminal, and the transaction is processed in the same manner as a tap‑and‑go card. Retailers report that the system integrates with existing point‑of‑sale hardware, requiring only a software update to enable the mobile‑payment function.
According to the participating retailers, the rollout is intended to speed up the checkout process and reduce the time customers spend handling cash or cards. By eliminating the need to locate and insert a card, the mobile option can shorten line lengths during peak shopping periods. The change also aligns with broader efforts by the retail sector to incorporate more digital tools that simplify the in‑store experience.
The adoption of phone and smartwatch payments follows a trend of increasing contactless transactions nationwide. While the technology has been available for several years, its implementation in brick‑and‑mortar locations has accelerated as retailers seek to meet consumer expectations for convenience. The New Jersey rollout includes a range of store formats, from large‑scale supermarkets to smaller specialty shops, each offering the same mobile‑payment capability at designated checkout lanes.
Retail analysts note that the move may encourage additional digital‑payment innovations, such as loyalty integration and real‑time receipt delivery, though no specific plans have been announced. For now, shoppers in New Jersey can expect a more streamlined checkout experience by using the devices already in their pockets or on their wrists.