Walmart+ is a paid membership program offered by Walmart that provides subscribers with various shopping benefits and services. This guide offers information about how Walmart+ works, what features come with membership, and details about potential cost savings. The guide is designed to help you understand this retail membership option so you can make informed decisions about whether it might fit your shopping needs and budget.
Free Guide to Hardie Board Siding Installation β
Walmart+ launched in 2020 as the company's answer to other retail membership programs. The membership costs $98 per year or $12.98 per month as of 2024, though these prices may change. The program includes several features such as free shipping, fuel discounts, and other perks at Walmart stores and through Walmart's online shopping platform.
This informational guide explains the various components of Walmart+ membership in straightforward terms. Rather than making promises about savings or outcomes, the guide presents factual information about what the membership offers, how different features work, and what you should know before considering membership. By reading through this guide, you'll learn what Walmart+ includes and can decide if the membership aligns with your shopping habits.
The guide covers pricing structures, membership benefits, how to use different features, and information about trial periods that Walmart sometimes offers. Each section builds your understanding of how this retail membership program operates so you can compare it against your own shopping patterns and decide whether the membership cost might represent value for your household.
Practical takeaway: Before reading further, think about your current shopping habits at Walmart. Do you shop there regularly? How much do you currently spend on shipping for online purchases? These questions will help you evaluate whether the information in this guide applies to your situation.
Walmart+ membership includes several specific features that members can use as part of their subscription. Understanding each feature helps you determine which benefits might be most valuable for your situation. The primary benefits include free shipping on online orders, grocery delivery services, fuel discounts, and exclusive member pricing on select items.
Get Your Free Grapeseed Oil Research Guide β
Free shipping represents one of the main membership benefits. Walmart+ members receive free shipping on most items ordered through Walmart.com with no minimum purchase requirement. This applies to standard shipping, and members also receive expedited shipping options. For families who order groceries, household goods, or other items online, this shipping benefit can add up over the course of a year.
The membership also includes Walmart's grocery delivery service. Members can have groceries delivered from their local Walmart store, typically within hours or on the same day in many areas. This service covers thousands of items available in Walmart stores. The delivery service operates in numerous cities across the United States, though availability varies by location. Walmart+ members pay a set membership fee rather than per-delivery fees for this service.
Fuel discounts represent another membership feature. Walmart+ members receive discounts at Walmart fuel stations, typically saving around 5 cents per gallon. For households that regularly purchase gas, this discount can result in meaningful savings over time. A person who fills up a 15-gallon tank weekly would save approximately $39 annually from this feature alone.
Additional member benefits include early access to online sales events, exclusive pricing on certain items, and the ability to scan items while shopping in stores through Walmart's mobile app. Some locations also offer services like pharmacy benefits or other store-specific perks that may vary by region.
Practical takeaway: List the Walmart+ features that match your actual shopping patterns. If you rarely order online or don't live near a Walmart with a fuel station, some benefits won't apply to your situation. Focus on the features you would realistically use regularly.
Walmart+ membership offers two payment options that allow you to choose what works best for your budget. The annual membership costs $98 per year when you pay upfront for twelve months of membership. The monthly option costs $12.98 per month, which equals approximately $155.76 annually if maintained year-round. These prices are current as of 2024, but membership costs may change in the future, so it's wise to check Walmart's official website for the most recent pricing.
Free Guide to Replacing Door Hinges at Home β
To determine whether the membership cost represents value for your household, you can compare it against your expected savings. For example, if you typically order online twice monthly and currently pay $5.99 per order for shipping, you'd spend about $144 annually on shipping. A $98 annual Walmart+ membership would save you approximately $46 per year just on shipping costs. When combined with fuel discounts or grocery delivery savings, the total value may increase.
Walmart occasionally offers promotional trial periods for new members. These trial offers may provide free or discounted access to Walmart+ for a limited time, allowing you to explore the membership benefits before committing to payment. Trial lengths and terms vary depending on the promotion. Some trials last two weeks, while others may extend to a month or longer. These promotional offers change regularly, so checking Walmart's website or mobile app will show current trial options.
A cost-benefit analysis involves calculating your actual expected usage. Consider your average annual spending on shipping, how often you'd use grocery delivery, and your fuel purchases. You can also factor in exclusive member pricing on specific items you regularly purchase. Some members find that a single feature like free shipping more than justifies the membership cost, while others may determine that their shopping patterns wouldn't result in enough savings to warrant the expense.
Students and certain other groups may have access to discounted membership rates. Walmart periodically runs promotions where students can obtain membership at a reduced price. Information about student or group discounts should be verified directly through Walmart's official channels, as these offers change and have specific requirements.
Practical takeaway: Create a simple spreadsheet showing your current annual costs for shipping, fuel, and grocery delivery services. Then compare that total against the $98 annual Walmart+ cost. This calculation provides a concrete way to evaluate whether membership might save you money.
Accessing Walmart+ membership involves creating or using an existing Walmart account and setting up payment for your chosen membership plan. Walmart+ membership can be managed through both the Walmart mobile app and the Walmart.com website. Members use the same account credentials they use for regular Walmart online shopping to access membership features.
Free Guide to Defensive Driving Courses β
The Walmart mobile app serves as a central hub for Walmart+ members. Through the app, you can scan items while shopping in physical stores, view member-exclusive deals, place orders for shipping, and schedule grocery deliveries. The app also displays your fuel rewards and allows you to view store-specific information. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and can be obtained through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
When ordering groceries for delivery through Walmart+, the process involves selecting items through the app or website, choosing a delivery time window that works for your schedule, and completing the order. Delivery windows typically show available times for the next several hours or days depending on demand and your location. Once ordered, a Walmart employee selects and prepacks your groceries. A delivery driver then transports your order to your home. You receive notifications updating you on your delivery status.
For free shipping on online orders, Walmart+ members simply check the free shipping option at checkout when placing an order through Walmart.com. Shipping times vary depending on the item and your location. Standard free shipping typically takes between 2 to 6 business days, though some items may take longer. Expedited shipping options are also available for members wanting faster delivery.
Fuel discounts work automatically when you have an active Walmart+ membership and visit a Walmart fuel station. You simply pay with your account information or payment method, and the discount applies at the pump. The discount is visible on your receipt. You don't need to manually claim or redeem anything for fuel discounts to work.
Member-exclusive deals and early sale access are shown in the "Member Offers" or "Deals" section of the app or website. These sections highlight products available at reduced prices for members only. Availability and inventory of these deals vary and may change daily.
Practical takeaway: Download the Walmart app on your smartphone and explore the member offers section even before considering membership. This allows you to see what types of deals Walmart+ members receive, helping you assess whether these offers align with products you actually purchase.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.