In today’s world of online shopping and subscription services, Walmart Plus has entered the spotlight as a competitor to Amazon Prime. With a growing subscriber base, Walmart Plus offers a variety of perks designed to enhance the shopping experience. But is Walmart Plus really worth your money? Let’s break it down by looking at its features, costs, and real-world user feedback to help you decide if this subscription service aligns with your needs.
Table of Contents
- Unveiling Walmart Plus: What’s the Deal?
- Crunching the Numbers: Walmart Plus Pricing and Membership Options
- Weighing the Pros and Cons: Is Walmart Plus Right for You?
- Walmart+ vs. Amazon Prime: A Head-to-Head Comparison
- Real Talk: User Reviews and Experiences
- FAQ: Your Walmart Plus Questions Answered
- The Verdict: Is Walmart Plus Worth It?
1. What is Walmart Plus?
Walmart Plus, also known as Walmart+, is Walmart’s subscription service aimed at improving both online and in-store shopping experiences. For a monthly or annual fee, members unlock exclusive benefits, from free deliveries to fuel savings. Here’s a breakdown of key perks included in a Walmart Plus membership:
- Unlimited Free Deliveries: Get groceries and other items delivered for free (same-day where available) on orders over $35.
- Fuel Discounts: Save up to 10 cents per gallon at over 14,000 participating gas stations, including Walmart, Murphy USA, Exxon, and Sam’s Club.
- Early Access to Deals: Enjoy early access to Black Friday deals and other sales.
- Mobile Scan & Go: Skip checkout lines by scanning items and paying via the Walmart app for a touch-free shopping experience.
- Paramount+ Essential Plan: Walmart Plus includes a free subscription to Paramount+ Essential, which offers movies, TV shows, and live sports.
- Walmart Plus Travel: Earn Walmart Cash when booking flights, hotels, and rental cars through their travel portal.
2. Walmart Plus Cost and Membership Options
Walmart Plus offers two pricing options:
- Monthly Plan: $12.95 per month.
- Annual Plan: $98 per year, which saves you around $57 compared to the monthly option (equivalent to $8 per month).
There’s also a 30-day free trial, which allows new users to explore the benefits before committing. Furthermore, Walmart has a Walmart Plus Assist Program, offering a 50% discount for those who qualify for government assistance like SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid, making this service more accessible.
3. Walmart Plus: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Convenient Grocery Delivery: If you frequently order groceries, the unlimited free delivery option can easily offset the subscription cost.
- Fuel Savings: Saving up to 10 cents per gallon on gas adds up, particularly for regular drivers.
- Paramount+ Streaming: The free inclusion of Paramount+ Essential ($5/month value) adds further entertainment benefits.
- Scan & Go: The mobile scan and go feature is a great way to streamline your in-store shopping.
Cons:
- Minimum Purchase Requirement: You must spend at least $35 to qualify for free grocery delivery, which can be a hurdle for smaller households or individuals.
- Limited Payment Methods for Scan & Go: Currently, Walmart gift cards and promo codes cannot be used with the Scan & Go feature.
- Price Inconsistencies: Some users report discrepancies between online and in-store prices, requiring price-check diligence.
4. Walmart+ vs. Prime: How They Compare
Here’s a quick comparison between Walmart Plus and Amazon Prime:
| Feature | Walmart Plus | Amazon Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $12.95/month or $98/year | $14.99/month or $139/year |
| Free Grocery Delivery | $35 minimum order | $150 minimum order (Amazon Fresh) |
| Streaming Services | Paramount+ Essential | Prime Video, Amazon Music |
| Other Perks | Fuel discounts, Scan & Go, Travel | Free two-day shipping, Prime Reading, Try Before You Buy, Prime Gaming |
Winner? It depends on your needs. For grocery delivery and fuel savings, Walmart Plus offers better value, especially with a lower minimum order for groceries. However, Amazon Prime still holds an edge in terms of product variety, shipping speed, and broader entertainment options.
5. Walmart Plus Reviews and User Experiences
What users love:
- Grocery Delivery Convenience: Many Walmart Plus members rave about the ease and speed of grocery deliveries.
- Fuel Discounts: Regular drivers appreciate the fuel savings, especially with rising gas prices.
- Entertainment Add-ons: The inclusion of Paramount+ is a popular feature among subscribers, who enjoy getting extra value for their subscription.
Common complaints:
- Scan & Go Limitations: Users have expressed frustration over the inability to use Walmart gift cards and promo codes with this feature.
- Minimum Purchase for Free Delivery: The $35 minimum for free grocery delivery is seen as a drawback by those who need fewer items.
6. FAQs: Walmart Plus Answered
What is the main advantage of Walmart Plus over Amazon Prime?
Walmart Plus shines with its lower minimum order for free grocery delivery ($35 compared to Amazon’s $150) and its fuel discounts. It’s particularly valuable for regular Walmart shoppers.
Can I use Walmart gift cards with Scan & Go?
Currently, no. The Scan & Go feature does not support Walmart gift card payments, which can be limiting for users who rely on gift cards.
When does Walmart Plus Week happen?
Walmart Plus Week typically occurs twice a year and often coincides with Amazon Prime Day, giving shoppers an opportunity to score deals at both retailers.
Do I need a Sam’s Club membership for fuel discounts?
No. As a Walmart Plus member, you can access fuel discounts at Sam’s Club gas stations without needing a separate Sam’s Club membership.
7. Final Verdict: Is Walmart Plus Worth It?
If you frequently shop at Walmart, especially for groceries, and want to save on fuel, then Walmart Plus offers substantial value. For just $98 a year, the benefits—free delivery, fuel discounts, early sale access, and the added bonus of Paramount+—can easily outweigh the cost. However, if you’re looking for a wider range of products, faster shipping, and more extensive entertainment options, Amazon Prime might be a better fit.
Before deciding, consider your shopping habits and how often you’ll use the various perks. Both services offer great value, but one may align better with your lifestyle.