What is Walmart+?
When Amazon Prime launched in 2005, it single-handedly changed the way people shop online. It introduced a kind of convenience that shoppers have now come to expect from all retailers—so it only makes sense that Walmart, in an effort to go toe-to-toe with its biggest competitor, would launch a similar service. Walmart has tried once before with Jet.com, an e-commerce store (similar to Amazon) that Walmart bought in 2016. As Reuters reported in 2019, because Jet.com didn’t take off the way Walmart had intended, the company decided to refocus its efforts on its own website and phase out the Jet.com e-commerce site.
Walmart+ may be the company’s latest venture into the e-commerce world, but it offers something that Jet.com couldn’t—same-day delivery on any product available at Walmart’s brick-and-mortar locations, including grocery items. Returns are also infinitely easier since buyers have the option to return purchases in-store, and the ability to use the Walmart+ app to streamline in-store shopping is another perk that makes the new service stand out from its competitors. Walmart+ also allows members to save money at gas stations, a benefit that neither Amazon Prime nor Target Shipt can offer its members.
Features
Home delivery: Shoppers who have signed up for the service can order anything from Walmart, from tech and toys to household essentials and groceries, for free same-day delivery. (Before signing up, though, check to make sure delivery is available in your area.) An order needs to meet the $35 minimum, and Walmart+ delivery slots are first-come, first-serve. You can order as often as you’d like (even twice in one day if time slots are available) and track your driver’s location in the app once your order has left the store, and delivery is contact-free with no signature required.
In-store: Members who are willing to mask up and are using the Walmart app have the benefit of the Scan & Go feature, which lets you scan items in-store as you shop. To pay, load a debit card or credit card into your app ahead of time, and then scan the QR code at a self-checkout kiosk—this step provides your receipt and lets a Walmart associate check your ID if you’ve purchased age-restricted items. You can also bag your purchases at the kiosk. Unfortunately, Walmart doesn’t accept coupons through Scan & Go, so you have to skip the service if you’re looking for discounts.
At the pump: Walmart members also have the opportunity to save up to 5¢ a gallon at Walmart, Murphy USA, and Murphy Express gas stations. (There are nearly 2,000 across the country; check this map to see if you have any near you.) To unlock gas station savings, you need to select member prices for fuel in the Walmart app and follow the on-screen instructions. You’re required to pay at the pump, rather than inside, meaning payments likely need to be cash-free. There are no limits on how many discounted gallons you can get, and if you find yourself filling up more than once a day for whatever reason, you receive member prices every single time.
How much does Walmart+ cost?
A Walmart+ membership is $98 a year or $13 a month if you decided against a yearly subscription. If you shop at Walmart often, signing up for the entire year up front saves you about $58 annually. You can switch between monthly and yearly memberships at any time, though Walmart has not made it clear if it will refund you for the months you’ve paid for up front if you decide to switch from yearly to monthly.
If you would rather test-drive the service before making a commitment, Walmart is offering a 15-day free trial period. At the end of the trial, you’ll be automatically placed in the membership plan you selected when you first signed up—if you don’t want to continue the service, we suggest setting a reminder for yourself so that you can cancel before your card is charged. If you forget, no need to worry; you’ll have 48 hours after your paid membership begins to cancel and receive a refund.
Should you try Walmart Plus?
So far, Walmart Plus delivery saved me quite a bit of time that I'd otherwise be anxiously navigating the aisles of the store and spending in check-out lines. The prices have been fair, the drivers I've encountered have been nice, no items have been damaged, and we've only had one item substituted.
While the service is still relatively new, if you live near a Walmart, or frequently shop at Walmart, I'd recommend taking advantage of the free trial and seeing how you like it. If anything, the Scan & Go feature can make in-store trips markedly less stressful with contactless shopping, if you're not quite sold on delivery. The gas discounts are another added bonus.
If you're interested in doing your grocery shopping at Walmart, Walmart Plus offers a good value -- the service gives its subscribers multiple options to save money, and accomplish grocery shopping quickly and safely.
