Ever wondered if Walmart Plus is worth the hype? As someone who’s always on the lookout for ways to save time and money, I decided to dive into the benefits of this membership service. Walmart Plus promises a range of perks that could make your shopping experience smoother and more cost-effective.
From unlimited free delivery to fuel discounts, Walmart Plus aims to offer value that goes beyond the typical shopping trip. Whether you’re a busy parent, a savvy shopper, or just someone who loves convenience, understanding these benefits can help you decide if this service is the right fit for you. Let’s explore what Walmart Plus has to offer and see how it stacks up against the competition.
Overview of Walmart Plus
Walmart Plus, also known as Walmart+, is a membership service designed to enhance shopping convenience. Available to users nationwide, it offers various perks tailored to different customer needs.
What Is Walmart Plus?
Walmart Plus launched in September 2020, providing multiple benefits for a monthly or annual fee. Members enjoy advantages such as unlimited free delivery on groceries and general merchandise. Walmart+ aims to make shopping easier and more efficient for its customers.
- Unlimited Free Delivery: Members get free delivery on orders over $35, including groceries and everyday items.
- Fuel Discounts: Save up to $0.10 per gallon at over 2,000 Walmart, Murphy USA, and Murphy Express fuel stations.
- Scan & Go: Use the Walmart app to scan items as you shop in-store, then pay via mobile for a contact-free checkout.
- Exclusive Deals: Access special promotions and discounts available only to Walmart+ members.
- Free Shipping No Minimum: Enjoy free next-day and two-day shipping on eligible items from Walmart.com without needing to meet a minimum purchase amount.
These features make Walmart Plus a valuable option for those looking to streamline their shopping experience.
Cost and Subscription Details
Walmart Plus offers flexible membership plans designed to fit different needs. Subscribers can choose either an annual or a monthly plan.
Annual vs. Monthly Plans
The Walmart Plus membership costs $98 per year or $12.95 per month. Annual members pay less overall, saving about $56 over the year compared to the monthly plan. Both plans include the same benefits, such as unlimited free delivery, fuel discounts, and Scan & Go. Those who shop frequently find the annual plan more economical, while others might prefer the monthly option for flexibility.
Comparing Costs with Other Retail Memberships
When comparing Walmart Plus to other retail memberships, the differences in cost and benefits can inform your choice. For instance:
- Amazon Prime: Costs $139 per year or $14.99 per month. Benefits include free 2-day shipping, Prime Video, and Prime Music.
- Costco Membership: Costs range from $60 to $120 annually. Includes discounts on bulk purchases, access to Costco services, and store-specific offers.
- Target RedCard: No annual fee. Offers 5% off most purchases, free 2-day shipping, and an extended return period.
Walmart Plus stands out with its competitive pricing and unique features like Scan & Go and fuel discounts, making it a strong contender in the retail membership landscape.
Core Benefits of Walmart Plus
Walmart Plus offers an array of benefits designed to simplify shopping and provide significant savings.
Free Shipping Options
Walmart Plus members enjoy unlimited free shipping on eligible items from Walmart.com with no minimum order requirement. This applies to millions of items, including electronics, household goods, and toys.
Grocery Delivery Perks
Members benefit from same-day grocery delivery from local Walmart stores. Orders can include fresh produce, dairy products, and everyday essentials. This convenience saves time and effort, especially for busy schedules.
Fuel Discounts
With Walmart Plus, members receive discounts of up to 10 cents per gallon at over 2,000 Walmart, Murphy USA, and Murphy Express fuel stations. This benefit extends to Sam’s Club fuel stations, providing widespread savings for frequent drivers.
Scan & Go Feature
The Scan & Go feature lets members manage contact-free checkout via the Walmart app. By scanning items as they shop, members can skip checkout lines and experience faster, more efficient shopping trips.
Additional Exclusive Member Benefits
Walmart Plus extends its value with several additional exclusive member benefits. These perks provide unique opportunities to maximize savings and access special offers available only to members.
Early Access to Deals
Members receive early access to select deals, typically reserved for major sales events like Black Friday. This early access ensures that members get the first opportunity to purchase high-demand, limited-stock items before they sell out to the general public. For instance, members may access discounts on electronics, home goods, and toys a few hours before the official sale starts. This head start is especially beneficial during peak shopping seasons when competition for top deals is intense.
Exclusive Product Releases
Members enjoy exclusive access to product releases, including collaborations and limited-edition items. Walmart Plus frequently partners with popular brands to offer members first dibs on new launches. For example, members might get early access to a new tech gadget or a fashion collaboration collection that is not available to non-members. This benefit keeps members ahead of trends and ensures they can purchase sought-after products before they become widely available.
How to Maximize Walmart Plus Benefits
To fully leverage Walmart Plus benefits, strategic usage can ensure optimal savings and convenience.
Tips for Frequent Shoppers
Frequent shoppers should prioritize free delivery options. Use Walmart Plus for weekly grocery orders to avoid delivery fees. Schedule deliveries during less busy times, like weekday mornings, for faster service. Take advantage of Scan & Go in-store. Scan items with the app for seamless checkout, reducing wait times. Plan fuel purchases around Walmart and Murphy stations for an extra five cent per gallon discount, maximizing fuel savings over time.
Integrating with Walmart’s Mobile App
Integrating Walmart Plus with Walmart’s mobile app enhances the shopping experience. Navigate through deals, track orders, and manage subscriptions easily. Use the app to scan and go for quick in-store purchases. Enable push notifications within the app for early sale alerts and restock updates. The app also provides a seamless platform to manage delivery times, track order status, and reschedule deliveries, ensuring flexibility.
Walmart Plus vs. Other Retail Memberships
Evaluating Walmart Plus against other retail memberships reveals distinct advantages and considerations. The differences become clearer when compared with Amazon Prime and wholesale clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club.
Comparison with Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime offers a broader range of benefits. It includes free two-day shipping on millions of items, streaming services like Prime Video, and access to exclusive deals. However, Walmart Plus emphasizes perks tailored to frequent in-person shoppers, such as unlimited free delivery from their stores, fuel discounts, and Scan & Go for streamlined checkout.
| Feature | Walmart Plus | Amazon Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | Unlimited free delivery from stores | Free two-day shipping |
| Streaming Services | Not Included | Prime Video, Music, and more |
| Fuel Discounts | Up to 10 cents per gallon | Not Available |
| In-Store Checkout | Scan & Go | Not Available |
| Annual Cost | $98 | $139 |
Benefits Over Costco or Sam’s Club Memberships
Wholesale clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club target bulk shoppers seeking significant savings on large quantities. These clubs offer discounted bulk products but often necessitate in-person shopping. In contrast, Walmart Plus prioritizes convenience for both online and in-store shoppers. Members benefit from free same-day delivery for groceries and various items, bypassing the need for bulk purchases.
Conclusion
Walmart Plus stands out as a versatile membership service that caters to both online and in-store shoppers. With perks like unlimited free delivery, fuel discounts, and exclusive early access to deals, it offers a well-rounded package for those looking to save time and money. Whether you’re a frequent grocery shopper or someone who loves the convenience of same-day delivery, Walmart Plus has something to offer. Integrating it with the Walmart mobile app further enhances the shopping experience. If you’re looking for a membership that combines convenience with savings, Walmart Plus is definitely worth considering.
