Walmart Rolls Out Major Checkout and Payment Changes: What Shoppers Need to Know

Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, has introduced significant updates to its checkout and payment systems, aiming to enhance the shopping experience for millions of customers across the United States. Announced on March 24, 2025, these changes include a new partnership with Klarna for Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services and innovative checkout technologies designed to streamline transactions both in-store and online. As Walmart continues to adapt to evolving consumer preferences, here’s a detailed look at what these updates mean for shoppers.

Walmart’s New Buy Now, Pay Later Partnership with Klarna

In a major shift, Walmart has teamed up with Klarna, a Swedish fintech company, to replace Affirm as its exclusive BNPL provider. This partnership, unveiled on March 17, 2025, allows customers to split their purchases into manageable installments, ranging from three to 36 months. Klarna’s CEO, Sebastian Siemiatkowski, called the move "a game changer," emphasizing its potential to redefine the checkout process at the retail giant.

Why the Switch to Klarna?

Walmart’s decision to switch from Affirm to Klarna comes as BNPL services gain traction among U.S. consumers. According to reports, purchases made through Affirm’s Walmart program accounted for about 5% of its gross merchandise volume in the second half of 2024. By partnering with Klarna, Walmart aims to offer more flexible payment options, potentially boosting sales and appealing to budget-conscious shoppers. The rollout begins in the coming weeks and will be fully integrated by the 2025 holiday season.

How Klarna Benefits Walmart Shoppers

With Klarna, Walmart customers can now enjoy interest-free or low-interest installment plans, making big-ticket items like electronics and furniture more accessible. This service will be available both online and at self-checkout kiosks in over 4,500 Walmart stores, providing a seamless payment experience. Shoppers can expect a quick approval process directly at checkout, enhancing convenience during busy shopping periods.

Innovative Checkout Technology: Invisible Barcodes

Beyond payment options, Walmart is testing cutting-edge checkout technology to speed up transactions. The retailer is piloting invisible barcodes on its Great Value branded products, eliminating the need to manually scan traditional barcodes. This technology, developed in collaboration with Digimarc, allows shoppers to simply pass items over a scanner, reducing checkout time and minimizing errors.

Reducing Theft and Enhancing Efficiency

The introduction of invisible barcodes addresses two key issues: efficiency and "shrink" (losses due to theft or scanning mistakes). Retailers with self-checkout systems report a loss rate of about 4%, double the industry average. Walmart’s new system enables multiple items to be scanned simultaneously, cutting down on intentional and accidental theft while making the process faster for customers and associates alike.

Self-Checkout Changes: A Response to Customer Feedback

Walmart has faced criticism over its self-checkout systems, with shoppers citing long lines, machine errors, and increased surveillance as pain points. In response, some stores have removed self-checkout kiosks entirely, reverting to traditional manned registers. For example, a Walmart in Portsmouth, Virginia, eliminated self-checkout due to rising theft incidents, opting for a more personal service approach. However, Walmart insists it has no plans to phase out self-checkout nationwide, instead tailoring its approach based on local feedback and business needs.

State-Level Regulations Impacting Self-Checkout

In Washington State, a proposed bill could further influence Walmart’s checkout strategy. If passed, the legislation would limit self-checkout transactions to 15 items and impose fines of up to $10,000 for non-compliance. This move reflects growing concerns over theft and customer frustration, potentially forcing Walmart to adjust its reliance on automated systems in certain regions.

What’s Next for Walmart Shoppers?

As Walmart continues to innovate, these checkout and payment changes signal a broader push toward convenience and flexibility. The Klarna partnership and invisible barcode technology are just the beginning, with the retailer exploring instant bank payments to bypass card networks, as announced in September 2024. While some shoppers may miss the familiarity of traditional checkouts, these updates aim to meet the demands of a digital-first world.

For now, Walmart customers can look forward to a smoother, more customizable shopping experience. Whether you’re splitting payments with Klarna or breezing through self-checkout with invisible barcodes, these changes underscore Walmart’s commitment to staying ahead in the competitive retail landscape.