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What is Walmart+? Understanding Membership Benefits, Cost & More

Last updated on October 13, 2025

Remember when Amazon Prime launched and everyone thought Jeff Bezos was crazy for offering free shipping? Fast forward to today, and membership programs are everywhere – and for good reason. Walmart joined in the fun with Walmart+ in 2020, changing the game for millions of shoppers.

So what exactly is Walmart plus? We’re going to take you through everything you need to know about Walmart plus membership, from the benefits designed to make your life easier to whether or not it makes sense for you to sign up.

What is Walmart+?

Think of Walmart+ as a VIP pass to everything Walmart has to offer. Launched in September 2020, the program is basically Walmart's answer to Amazon Prime, designed specifically for busy families and frequent shoppers who want the most convenience and savings out of their experience.

Walmart+ could transform how you shop at the retail giant. We're talking skipping lines, getting groceries delivered right to your door, saving at the gas pump, even access entertainment perks. Think of it as Walmart's way of making shopping easier for you.

The program targets people who already shop at Walmart regularly and those who could be drawn in by the convenience of having America's largest retailer cater directly to them. If you value time, convenience and saving money (and who doesn't?), Walmart plus may be just the thing for you.

Complete Breakdown of Walmart Plus Benefits

Let's dive into the good stuff – what exactly do you get with your walmart plus benefits? Spoiler alert: there's more here than you might expect.

Free Delivery Benefits

First up, you get free delivery on orders over $35. This means no more delivery fees eating into your budget when you buy your groceries and household essentials. In many areas, you can even get same-day delivery, which is perfect for those "oh no, we're out of diapers" moments that happen to the best of us.

The express delivery option takes things up a notch – in select areas, you can get your order in as little as two hours. Yes, two hours. It's like having a personal shopper who never judges you for buying ice cream at 10 AM.

Fuel Savings That Actually Add Up

Here's where things get interesting – Walmart+ members save up to 10¢ per gallon at participating gas stations:

  • Walmart fuel stations
  • Murphy USA locations
  • Sam's Club fuel centers

With gas prices doing their usual roller coaster act, this benefit alone can save families $50-100+ per year, depending on how much you drive. The best part? You just scan a QR code in the Walmart app at the pump, and boom – instant savings. No separate gas cards, no complicated sign-ups, no hassle.

Mobile Scan & Go: Skip the Lines

If you've ever stood in a Walmart checkout line on a Sunday afternoon, you'll appreciate this walmart plus benefit. The Mobile Scan & Go feature lets you scan items as you shop using the Walmart app, then just show your phone at checkout and walk out. It's available at most Walmart locations, and honestly, once you try it, regular checkout feels prehistoric.

Free Shipping with No Minimums

Regular Walmart shipping requires a $35 minimum for free shipping. Walmart+ members? You get free shipping on everything, even if you're just ordering a single item. It's the little conveniences that make life better.

The Extra Perks

Your membership also includes several bonus benefits:

  • Paramount+ subscription (worth around $60 annually)
  • Early access to special promotions and other deals
  • Member prices on prescriptions
  • Exclusive member events and offers

The Paramount+ inclusion is particularly nice – you get access to shows, movies, and live sports without paying extra.

Walmart+ Cost & Pricing Plans

Let's talk numbers, because that's what really matters when you're deciding if a Walmart plus membership is worth it.

Your Options:

  • Monthly: $12.95 per month
  • Annual: $98 per year ($57 in savings vs. monthly)
  • Student discount: Often available at reduced rates
  • Free trial: 30 days to test it out

The annual plan saves you almost $60 compared to paying monthly. College students often get a discounted rate, so make sure you check whether you qualify. You can sign up with any major credit or debit card, or even with Walmart Pay.

At $98 per year, you're looking at roughly $8.17 per month. If you’re shopping there once a month or more anyway, it doesn't seem so expensive, especially when you factor in all the Walmart plus benefits you're getting.

Is Walmart+ Worth It? Let's Do the Math

So – the $98 question: is Walmart plus worth it?

Here’s how the savings look for a typical family:

  • Delivery fees saved (based on 2 orders per month): $60-120 annually
  • Gas discount (based on 30 gallons per month at $0.10 off): $36 annually
  • Paramount+ subscription value: $60 annually

Total potential value: $156-216 saved vs. $98 membership cost

We're already at $96-156 in savings just from delivery and gas, and we haven't even counted the free shipping, Paramount+ subscription, or the time you save with Mobile Scan & Go.

Who benefits most:

  • Families spending $2,000+ annually at Walmart
  • Regular users of grocery pickup or delivery
  • People who drive frequently and can use gas discounts
  • Anyone who values time-saving conveniences

For heavy Walmart shoppers who go every week or do big grocery runs, the membership pays for itself. If you're only shopping at Walmart once a month for a few items, maybe just stick with the free trial and see how it works for you.

How Walmart+ Compares to its Competitors

The elephant in the room here is Amazon Prime, which costs $139 annually and includes video streaming, music, faster shipping, and a bunch of other perks. But Prime doesn't include grocery delivery from physical stores, or gas discounts – two things that can save a lot of money for families.

Target Circle is free but offers limited benefits compared to Walmart plus membership. Costco memberships start at $60 but require bulk buying and have limited locations.

Walmart's unique advantage is that it combines everyday essentials with convenience. Prime is all about entertainment and fast shipping, but Walmart+ focuses on practical, money-saving benefits for families shopping for groceries, household items, and general everyday needs.

Getting Started with Walmart+

If you want to give it a shot, signing up is straightforward. Just head to Walmart.com, download the app, or go to customer service at any Walmart store. The website takes you through the process step by step and you can start that free trial right away.

Once you're signed up, download the Walmart app if you haven't already – that's where the magic happens. Use it for Mobile Scan & Go, delivery orders, fuel savings, and managing your account.

Maximize Your Walmart+ Membership

Squeeze every bit of value from your Walmart plus benefits with these tips:

Shopping strategies:

  • Order your groceries in time to take advantage of same-day delivery windows
  • Use Mobile Scan & Go during busy periods like weekends and holidays to avoid long lines
  • Stack membership benefits with regular Walmart promotions and rollback prices

Gas savings tips:

  • Use the Walmart app to find the gas stations near you where you can get discounts
  • Check real-time prices and confirm member discount locations
  • Fill up regularly to maximize your annual savings

Don't miss these:

  • Set up your included Paramount+ subscription ($60 value)
  • Watch for member-exclusive deals and early access events
  • Take advantage of prescription member pricing

Common Concerns About Walmart+

Wondering about sharing your membership? Unlike some programs, Walmart+ is tied to your individual account, though family members in the same household can benefit from deliveries and pickups you order.

Walmart plus is available all over the country but delivery options can be different depending on your location. Rural areas don’t always have same-day delivery, but the shipping, gas and in-store benefits stay the same.

Worried you won’t be able to cancel? You can cancel anytime in your account settings. If you cancel in the first 30 days, you'll get a full refund. Even after that, they'll usually refund the part of the month you haven’t used if you haven't really used the benefits.

The Bottom Line

Walmart+ makes sense for Walmart regulars who just want convenience and savings. The benefits work for busy families, people who prefer their groceries delivered or for pickup, even just people who want to skip the line. If you're already spending a fortune at Walmart, the membership will basically pay for itself in delivery savings and gas discounts.

If you rarely shop at Walmart or you prefer other retailers, you may not get enough value to justify the cost, but for the millions of Americans who already rely on Walmart for groceries, household items, and everyday needs, Walmart plus membership transforms shopping from a chore into something much more convenient.

The smart move? Take advantage of that free trial. Use it for a month, track your savings, and see if it actually improves your life.

FAQ

Can family members use my Walmart+ membership?

You can't technically "share" your account, but family members in your household will benefit from deliveries and pickups you order either way. However, each person does need their own Walmart account for some features, like Mobile Scan & Go.

What happens if Walmart+ isn't available in my area?

Walmart+ is available nationwide but delivery options vary by location. You'll always get free shipping, Mobile Scan & Go, gas discounts, and Paramount+, but rural areas don’t always have same-day delivery.

Can I cancel my Walmart plus membership anytime?

You can cancel anytime through your account settings. Give 30 days’ notice for a full refund, because after that you'll typically get a prorated refund based on the time left unused.

Do I still earn Walmart rewards with my membership?

Absolutely! Your membership works alongside other Walmart programs. You'll still earn cash back with the Walmart Rewards Card and can take advantage of regular promotions and rollbacks.

Is the Paramount+ subscription the same as paying for it separately?

Yes, you get a full Paramount+ subscription with movies, TV shows, live sports, and original content – the same $5.99 monthly service you'd pay for separately.