Walmart is accelerating its push into instant payments, aiming to offer customers real-time pay-by-bank options as soon as this year. The retailer’s move is designed to speed up digital services and reduce reliance on costly credit and debit card networks. Walmart began testing real-time pay-by-bank in its app last September and plans a broader rollout in 2025, leveraging Fiserv’s NOW network to facilitate instant transfers.
Key Takeaways:
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Walmart is set to launch instant pay-by-bank options, aiming to speed up transactions and bypass card fees.
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The new system will provide customers with immediate transaction visibility and faster refunds.
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Broader adoption of instant payments is challenged by limited bank participation and technical barriers, but momentum is building.
