Mastering the Split Payment on the Walmart App: A Comprehensive Guide

How do I do a split payment on the Walmart app? Unfortunately, the Walmart app does not currently offer a direct “split payment” feature at the point of purchase, either online or for in-store pickup. But fret not, deal-seeking digital natives! There are several savvy workarounds to achieve the same outcome. You can utilize Walmart Pay in-store in conjunction with multiple payment methods used sequentially, gift cards, or opt for services outside of the Walmart ecosystem like PayPal’s “Money Pool” feature or other peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps.

Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of navigating these options to successfully split your Walmart bill like a pro.

Understanding the Current Limitations

The absence of a native split payment feature within the Walmart app might seem like an oversight, but it likely stems from logistical complexities surrounding transaction reconciliation and potential fraud concerns. Walmart’s focus has been on streamlining the checkout process and integrating payment options like Walmart Pay, which primarily prioritizes single-payment transactions.

Workaround Solutions for Splitting Your Walmart Bill

While a dedicated split payment button is missing, these methods can help you divide the cost among multiple people:

Utilizing Walmart Pay and Multiple Payment Methods (In-Store)

This is the most direct workaround if you are shopping in a physical Walmart store. Here’s how to make it work:

1. Inform the cashier: Before they start scanning your items, let them know you intend to split the payment using multiple payment methods.
2. Walmart Pay as the primary method: Initiate the transaction using Walmart Pay (found within the Walmart app). Scan the QR code at the register.
3. Partial payment with Walmart Pay: Specify the amount you want to pay using your connected debit or credit card in Walmart Pay.
4. Remaining balance: Once the Walmart Pay portion is complete, the cashier will indicate the remaining balance.
5. Alternative payment methods: You can then use other payment methods to cover the remaining balance, such as:
   • Another credit/debit card: Swipe the card directly at the register.
   • Cash: Pay the remaining amount in cash.
   • Walmart Gift Card: If you or someone else has a Walmart gift card, you can use it to reduce the balance.
6. Repeat if necessary: If you need to split the payment across more than two methods (e.g., two credit cards and cash), repeat steps 4 and 5 until the total bill is settled.

Important Notes for Walmart Pay:

• Ensure you have added all your desired payment methods to your Walmart Pay account before arriving at the checkout.
• This method relies on the cashier’s cooperation and willingness to process multiple payment types.

Leveraging Walmart Gift Cards

Gift cards offer a flexible way to contribute to a group purchase.

1. Pool the money: Have each person contribute their share of the total amount.
2. Purchase a gift card: Use the collected funds to purchase a Walmart gift card (either physical or digital).
3. Apply the gift card at checkout: When paying through Walmart Pay, use the gift card as your first payment. Then cover the remainder using the steps above.

External P2P Payment Apps (PayPal, Venmo, Cash App)

This method requires coordination before or after the actual purchase.

1. Designate a purchaser: One person makes the purchase using their preferred payment method.
2. Calculate individual shares: Determine the amount each person owes.
3. Use P2P apps: The purchaser can then request payment from others using PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, or similar services. These apps allow for easy transfer of funds between individuals.
4. PayPal “Money Pool”: Consider using PayPal’s “Money Pool” feature (if available in your region). This allows multiple people to contribute to a shared fund, which can then be used for the Walmart purchase.

Utilizing Third-Party Split Payment Services (Klarna, Afterpay – For Qualified Purchases)

While not directly splitting the payment among multiple individuals, these services break the total purchase into smaller, more manageable installments for one person. This can indirectly ease the burden of a large purchase.

1. Eligibility: Check if your Walmart purchase qualifies for Klarna, Afterpay, or a similar service. Typically, there’s a minimum and maximum purchase amount.
2. Selection at Checkout: If eligible, you’ll see the option to pay with the installment service at the checkout.
3. Approval: You’ll need to go through a quick approval process with the chosen service.
4. Repayment Schedule: If approved, you’ll agree to a repayment schedule (e.g., four bi-weekly payments).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why doesn’t Walmart offer a direct split payment option on the app?

As mentioned earlier, it’s likely due to the added complexity in transaction processing and fraud prevention. Managing multiple payment sources within a single online transaction requires sophisticated systems.

2. Can I split a payment between a Walmart gift card and a credit card online?

Yes, you can split a payment between a Walmart gift card and a credit card when shopping online at Walmart.com. At the checkout, you’ll be prompted to enter your gift card details. The remaining balance can then be paid using your credit card. This feature is not available to cover a payment in-store without using Walmart Pay.

3. Is it possible to use multiple credit cards on the Walmart app for a single order?

No, the Walmart app does not directly support using multiple credit cards for a single online order. You’ll need to use the workarounds described above, such as Walmart Pay in-store or P2P payment apps.

4. Can I use EBT and another payment method on the Walmart app?

Yes, you can use your EBT card for eligible items and then use another payment method, such as a credit card or debit card, to pay for any remaining non-eligible items. This is supported both online and in-store (through Walmart Pay).

5. If I use a P2P app to collect money, can I then add that balance to my Walmart Pay account?

This depends on the P2P app. Some, like PayPal, allow you to transfer funds directly to a linked bank account. You can then add that bank account to your Walmart Pay. Other apps may require you to transfer the funds to a debit card first.

6. Are there any fees associated with using Walmart Pay or gift cards to split a payment?

Walmart does not charge any fees for using Walmart Pay or Walmart gift cards. However, your bank or credit card issuer may have their own fees (e.g., foreign transaction fees if using a card issued in a different country). Be sure to review the terms and conditions of your payment methods.

7. Can I use PayPal to pay for Walmart groceries online and then split the PayPal bill later?

While Walmart accepts PayPal, the split payment would have to be handled within PayPal before you make the initial purchase. You would need to use the PayPal Money Pool or request money.

8. What happens if I return an item purchased with a split payment (using Walmart Pay)?

The refund will typically be issued back to the payment methods used in the original transaction, proportionally based on the amount paid with each method. For instance, if you paid half with Walmart Pay and half with cash, you’ll receive half the refund to your Walmart Pay linked account and the other half in cash.

9. Can I split a payment for Walmart+ membership?

Unfortunately, the Walmart+ membership payment cannot be directly split using multiple methods within the Walmart app. You’ll need to use a P2P app to collect funds and then subscribe using a single payment method.

10. Is splitting payments in-store always guaranteed to work with Walmart Pay?

While most Walmart stores should accommodate split payments with Walmart Pay, it’s always best to confirm with the cashier beforehand. Store policies can vary, and some cashiers may be less familiar with the process.

11. Are there any purchase limits when splitting payments with different methods?

Walmart itself doesn’t usually impose purchase limits based on splitting payments, but individual payment methods (credit cards, debit cards, gift cards) may have their own limits. Be aware of these limits before attempting to split your payment.

12. Will Walmart ever implement a dedicated split payment feature on its app?

Only time will tell! As digital payment technologies evolve and consumer demand increases, it’s possible that Walmart will eventually introduce a native split payment feature. Keep an eye out for future app updates and announcements.

By employing these workarounds, you can effectively split your Walmart purchases and share the cost with friends or family, even without a built-in split payment function. Embrace the solutions that work best for your particular situation, and remember to communicate clearly with cashiers when shopping in-store. Happy shopping (and splitting)!