In a world where subscriptions promise convenience at every turn, Walmart+ steps into the ring as a compelling option for those who frequently shop at the retail giant. But for the everyday shopper, the crucial question remains: Does it genuinely deliver value, or is it just another monthly bill? This super pillar hub is designed to cut through the noise, offering a comprehensive, human-first look at everything Walmart+ has to offer, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your household and your wallet.
Launched in September 2020, Walmart+ costs $98 annually or $12.95 monthly, positioning itself as a more affordable alternative to competitors like Amazon Prime. It's built for convenience, savings, and streamlining your shopping experience, especially if you find yourself at Walmart often or live nearby. Let's unpack the real benefits and break down whether this membership truly stacks up for you.
Unlocking a World of Convenience: What is Walmart+?
At its core, Walmart+ is a membership program designed to make shopping at Walmart easier, faster, and more affordable. It's about bringing the store to you or speeding up your in-store experience, all while piling on additional perks that extend far beyond groceries. Think of it as Walmart's way of rewarding its most loyal customers with tangible benefits that impact daily life.
From saving time at the checkout to cutting costs at the gas pump, the program aims to integrate seamlessly into your routine. To dive deep into the full spectrum of perks and services included with your membership, you'll want to Explore Walmart+ Features & Benefits in our dedicated guide.
Seamless Shopping & Delivery at Your Fingertips
One of the most appealing aspects of Walmart+ is its focus on making shopping less of a chore. Imagine groceries arriving at your door without a delivery fee, or being able to skip the checkout line entirely during a busy Saturday afternoon.
- Free Same-Day Grocery Delivery: Get your fresh produce, pantry staples, and household essentials delivered right to your home, often within hours. This benefit alone can save you a significant amount if you frequently rely on grocery delivery services.
- Free Shipping with No Minimum Order: For items shipped from Walmart.com, you no longer need to hit a $35 threshold to avoid shipping fees. This is a game-changer for smaller online purchases or last-minute needs.
- Mobile Scan & Go: While in a physical Walmart store, use your phone to scan items as you add them to your cart and pay directly through the app. This feature is a fantastic time-saver, letting you bypass traditional checkout lines.
- At-Home Returns: For eligible items, you can initiate a return from your home, with a delivery driver picking up the item. No need to trek back to the store!
- Optional In-Home Delivery: For an additional $40 per year, this premium add-on takes convenience to the next level by allowing groceries to be delivered directly into your refrigerator, even when you're not home.
Fuel Savings & Everyday Perks
Beyond shopping, Walmart+ extends its value to other common expenses, helping you save money where it counts.
- Fuel Discounts: Members enjoy up to a 10 cents per gallon discount at over 13,000 gas stations, including Exxon, Mobil, Walmart, and Murphy stations. You can even use Sam’s Club pumps for further convenience. For commuters and families, these savings can quickly add up over a year.
- Paramount+ Essential Plan: Get free access to Paramount+'s ad-supported streaming service, offering thousands of episodes, movies, and live sports. It's an instant entertainment upgrade for the whole family.
- Spotify Premium (6 free months): Kickstart your audio experience with an extended trial of Spotify Premium, offering ad-free music and podcasts. This perk alone is nearly a $60 value.
- Walmart+ Travel powered by Expedia: Access member-only deals and discounts on hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages.
- 24/7 Online Pet Care with Pawp: A valuable service for pet owners, providing access to veterinary professionals for advice and support anytime.
- Free Tire Repair: A practical perk that can save you money and hassle when unexpected tire issues arise.
- Burger King Discounts: Enjoy 25% off daily digital orders and even a free Whopper every three months.
- Early Access to Deals: Be among the first to grab popular items during sales events, including Black Friday promotions.
- Shopping Rewards via Ibotta: Earn cashback on certain items, with potential savings up to $500 per year.
The Bottom Line: Can Walmart+ Save You Money?
The true test of any membership is whether it pays for itself. With Walmart+, the potential for savings is significant, particularly if you're already a frequent Walmart customer. Our research suggests that taking full advantage of the benefits can lead to estimated savings of around $1,000 annually, translating to a net saving of about $900 after the membership fee.
Consider these potential savings:
- Grocery Deliveries: If you order groceries weekly, avoiding delivery fees (which can be up to $9.95 each) could save you over $500 per year.
- Shipping Fees: For those who often place smaller online orders under $35, bypassing the typical $6.99 shipping fee just 12 times a year saves approximately $85.
- Fuel: Even with average driving habits, a 10-cent per gallon discount can save an average American about $50 annually.
- Entertainment: The Paramount+ Essential plan alone is valued at nearly $50 per year.
- Pet Care: The Pawp service is valued at $99 annually, a substantial saving for pet owners.
- Burger King: Those free Whoppers and digital order discounts add up to about $40 annually.
- Ibotta Rewards: Aggressive users could pocket up to $500 in cashback.
These numbers paint a clear picture: for active users, the membership fee can quickly be recouped and exceeded. For a more detailed breakdown of how these savings add up and to calculate your potential return, check out our guide on Is Walmart+ Worth the Cost.
Walmart+ vs. Amazon Prime: Which Subscription Reigns Supreme?
It's almost impossible to discuss Walmart+ without mentioning its biggest competitor: Amazon Prime. Both offer free shipping and grocery delivery, but their underlying philosophies and target audiences differ.
- Walmart+ is deeply rooted in real-world utility. Its strengths lie in tangible benefits like gas discounts, in-store convenience, auto services, prescriptions, and pet care. It caters heavily to the brick-and-mortar shopper and those who prioritize local convenience.
- Amazon Prime leans into digital convenience, offering an expansive ecosystem of streaming video, music, e-books, cloud storage, gaming, and services tailored for its Echo devices.
Walmart+ offers a more limited, focused set of benefits, but at a lower annual price point. Your choice largely depends on where you spend your money and how you prefer to shop. For a head-to-head comparison to help you decide which membership aligns best with your lifestyle, you'll want to Compare Walmart+ and Amazon Prime in our detailed analysis.
Is Walmart+ for You? Identifying the Ideal Member
The value of Walmart+ is highly personal. It's not a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather a tailored experience that shines for specific types of shoppers.
You're likely to benefit most from Walmart+ if you:
- Shop at Walmart Regularly: This is the most critical factor. The more you shop, the more you'll use the delivery, shipping, and Scan & Go features.
- Utilize Grocery Delivery: If you're paying delivery fees for groceries even a few times a month, Walmart+ will quickly pay for itself.
- Live Near a Walmart Store or Gas Station: Proximity makes using Scan & Go, picking up items, and taking advantage of fuel discounts much more practical.
- Have a Car and Drive Frequently: The gas savings can be a substantial perk for commuters or families.
- Are a Pet Owner: The Pawp online vet service offers valuable peace of mind and potential savings on consultations.
- Enjoy Streaming Entertainment: Free access to Paramount+ is a nice bonus if you enjoy their content library.
- Look for Deals and Cashback: Early access to sales and Ibotta rewards can add up for savvy shoppers.
On the other hand, if you rarely shop at Walmart, don't use grocery delivery, or aren't interested in the other perks, the membership might not offer enough value to justify the cost. For a deeper dive into who benefits most and who might find the membership less valuable, our guide Is Walmart+ for you provides tailored insights.
The Reality Check: What About Drawbacks and User Experiences?
No service is perfect, and Walmart+ is no exception. While the benefits are compelling, it's important to consider potential limitations and common feedback from users. Some members have noted that the availability of specific delivery windows can vary by location, and while Scan & Go is efficient, the app doesn't currently support loading manufacturer coupons, which can be a minor inconvenience for coupon-clipping shoppers. The no-refund policy for paid memberships also means commitment for the chosen period.
Understanding these nuances and hearing from real users can provide a balanced perspective. To get a full picture of common issues and what current members are saying, we encourage you to explore Walmart+ reviews and drawbacks.
Ready to Experience the Plus? Getting Started is Easy
If you're leaning towards giving Walmart+ a try, joining is straightforward. Simply visit the Walmart+ website, provide your phone number or email, create a Walmart account if you don't already have one, select your preferred plan ($98 annually or $12.95 monthly), and enter your payment information. Your membership begins instantly, allowing you to access all benefits right away.
The best way to truly gauge the value for your specific needs is through the free 30-day trial membership. This allows you to test drive all the features without commitment, helping you decide if the savings and convenience integrate well into your life before you commit financially.
Your Shopping Future, Streamlined
Deciding if Walmart+ is worth it boils down to your individual shopping habits and priorities. For the regular Walmart shopper who values convenience, savings on everyday essentials, and practical perks, the answer is often a resounding yes. It's a membership designed to transform your interaction with Walmart, making it more efficient, more affordable, and ultimately, more rewarding. Take advantage of the trial, weigh the benefits against your lifestyle, and discover how Walmart+ can simplify your daily routine.