What You Will Pay for a Walmart Plus Membership and How to Lower the Price

A Walmart+ membership costs either $12.95 per month or $98 per year plus applicable taxes. Choosing the annual plan reduces the effective monthly cost to approximately $8.17, which results in a yearly saving of $57.40 compared to the month-to-month subscription. For those who qualify for government assistance or are currently enrolled as college students, the Walmart+ Assist program offers a 50% discount, bringing the price down to $6.47 per month or $49 per year.

Standard Pricing Plans for Walmart Plus

Deciding between the monthly and annual plans depends largely on your shopping frequency and long-term commitment. The standard membership is designed for general consumers looking to leverage Walmart’s logistics network and digital perks.

The Monthly Subscription Model

The $12.95 monthly plan provides maximum flexibility. This is often the preferred choice for shoppers who want to test the service beyond the initial 30-day free trial or those who only need heavy grocery delivery during specific periods, such as the holiday season or during a busy month at work. There are no long-term contracts, and the subscription can be canceled at any time through the account management portal.

The Annual Subscription Model

The $98 annual plan is the most cost-effective option for consistent Walmart shoppers. By paying upfront, you lock in a rate that is nearly 37% cheaper than the cumulative monthly payments. For households that order groceries at least twice a month, the membership typically pays for itself through saved delivery fees alone, which usually range from $7.95 to $9.95 per order for non-members.

How to Get a Discount with Walmart Plus Assist

Walmart has introduced a dedicated tier for individuals who may benefit most from the savings associated with free delivery and fuel discounts. This program, known as Walmart+ Assist, offers the exact same benefits as the standard membership at half the price.

Eligibility for Students and Government Assistance

To qualify for the $49 annual or $6.47 monthly rate, you must provide proof of eligibility. This program is available to:

• College Students: Active students currently enrolled in accredited colleges or universities.
• Government Aid Recipients: Individuals receiving assistance through programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), Medicaid, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), and others like LIHEAP or NSLP.

The Verification Process via SheerID

Verification is handled through a third-party service called SheerID. When signing up for Walmart+ Assist, you will be redirected to their platform to upload documentation, such as an enrollment letter, a benefits EBT card, or an official award letter. Once verified, the discounted rate applies for one year, after which you may be asked to re-verify your status to continue receiving the 50% discount.

Breaking Down the Value of Walmart Plus Benefits

Understanding the price is only the first step; evaluating the return on investment (ROI) is essential to determine if the membership is a sound financial decision for your household.

Unlimited Free Delivery from Stores

For many, this is the cornerstone of the membership. Walmart+ offers free delivery on orders of $35 or more from local stores. In our testing of this service, we found that even with the $35 minimum, the savings add up quickly. If you typically place one grocery order per week, you would save roughly $40 to $50 per month in delivery fees. Note that while the delivery fee is waived, tips for the delivery drivers are still encouraged and handled separately through the app.

Free Shipping with No Order Minimum

Unlike the "Delivery from Store" perk, the "Free Shipping" benefit applies to items shipped by Walmart.com. There is no $35 threshold for these items. This is particularly useful for small, one-off purchases—like a single bottle of shampoo or a specific toy—that you don't want to wait to add to a larger grocery haul.

Video Streaming with Paramount Plus or Peacock

One of the most significant additions to the Walmart+ value proposition is the inclusion of a streaming service. Members can currently choose between the Paramount+ Essential plan or the Peacock Premium plan (ad-supported).

• Paramount+ Essential: Normally costs $7.99/month. It includes NFL on CBS and thousands of episodes from CBS, BET, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon.
• Peacock Premium: Also valued at approximately $7.99/month. It offers live sports like Premier League soccer and WWE, alongside NBC and Bravo content. Adding either of these services effectively offsets nearly the entire cost of the Walmart+ monthly fee.

Fuel Savings at Over 13,000 Stations

Members save up to 10 cents per gallon at Exxon, Mobil, Walmart, and Murphy stations. Additionally, members gain access to member pricing at Sam’s Club fuel centers, even without a separate Sam’s Club membership. If you drive an average of 1,000 miles per month in a vehicle that gets 20 MPG, you consume 50 gallons of gas. A 10-cent discount translates to $5.00 in monthly savings, which covers about 40% of the monthly membership fee.

Real World Experience Using Walmart Plus in a Busy Household

To provide a realistic view of how these costs and benefits balance out, we simulated a month in the life of a typical user—let’s call her Sarah, a project manager and mother of two living in a suburban area.

Week 1: The Grocery Crunch

Sarah realized on a Tuesday evening that she was out of milk, eggs, and several school lunch essentials. Usually, she would have to load the kids into the car and spend 45 minutes at the store. Instead, she used the Walmart app to place a $52 order. The delivery fee ($9.95) was waived.

• Savings: $9.95 in fees + 45 minutes of time.

Week 2: The School Project Emergency

Sarah’s son needed a specific set of poster boards and markers for a Thursday project. The total cost was only $14. Because Walmart+ offers free shipping with no minimum, she ordered them on Monday and they arrived on Wednesday. Non-members would have paid a $6.99 shipping fee for an order that small.

• Savings: $6.99 in shipping.

Week 3: The Family Movie Night

Instead of paying for an extra streaming service, Sarah activated the Paramount+ perk included in her membership. The family watched the latest "SpongeBob" movie, which would have cost a rental fee on other platforms or a separate subscription.

• Savings: $7.99 (monthly subscription value).

Week 4: The Road Trip

Before heading out for a weekend soccer tournament, Sarah filled up her SUV at an Exxon station. She used the "Scan & Go" fuel feature in the Walmart app. She pumped 18 gallons, saving $1.80 instantly.

• Savings: $1.80.

Total Monthly Tangible Savings: $26.73 Monthly Cost: $12.95 Net Profit: $13.78

In this scenario, the membership didn't just pay for itself; it provided a 100% return on the investment in just one month.

How to Access the 30-Day Free Trial

Walmart offers a 30-day free trial for new members. This is an excellent way to see if the store delivery speeds and product availability in your specific zip code meet your expectations.

• Sign-Up Requirements: You will need a Walmart.com account and a valid credit card or PayPal account. Walmart will not charge you during the trial period.
• Limitations of the Trial: During the trial, you have access to most benefits, such as free delivery and shipping. However, some "exclusive access" events (like early Black Friday deals) or certain third-party offers might be restricted until you become a paid member.
• Avoiding Charges: If you decide the service isn't for you, you must cancel before the 30th day. Walmart sends a reminder email, but it is wise to set a personal calendar alert.

Comparing Walmart Plus to Amazon Prime

The most frequent question regarding price is: "Is Walmart+ better than Amazon Prime?" The answer depends on your geography and your reliance on physical stores.

Walmart+ is $41 cheaper per year than Amazon Prime. While Amazon offers a broader library of original video content and a larger global marketplace, Walmart+ excels for those who do the bulk of their weekly grocery and household shopping at a physical retailer. The inclusion of fuel discounts and in-store Scan & Go makes it a more "hybrid" membership for people who still visit physical stores.

Is Walmart Plus Worth the Price?

The membership is worth the price if you meet at least two of the following criteria:

1. You spend at least $35 on groceries weekly: The delivery convenience alone justifies the cost.
2. You don't have a streaming service: The inclusion of Paramount+ or Peacock adds $96 of annual value.
3. You live near an Exxon or Mobil station: Consistent fuel savings can pay for nearly half the membership.
4. You value time over money: The "Returns from Home" service, where Walmart picks up your returns so you don't have to box them or go to the post office, is a significant lifestyle upgrade for busy professionals.

How to Manage or Cancel Your Membership

Walmart makes it relatively straightforward to manage your subscription. You can perform these actions via the Walmart app or a web browser:

1. Switching Plans: If you started on a monthly plan and realize you want the $98 annual savings, you can switch in the "Membership" section of your account. The change usually takes effect at the start of your next billing cycle.
2. Updating Payment Methods: Walmart accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal.
3. Cancellation: To cancel, navigate to your Walmart+ account page and select "Manage Membership." Follow the prompts to confirm cancellation. You will typically retain access to your benefits until the end of the current billing period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Walmart Plus include a Sam’s Club membership?

No, it does not include a full Sam’s Club membership. However, it does grant you access to "member prices" at Sam’s Club fuel centers, which can be significantly lower than local market rates.

What is "Returns from Home"?

This is a premium benefit where you can schedule a pickup for items you wish to return. A Walmart associate will come to your doorstep to collect the item. In many cases, you don't even need to provide a box or print a return label; the associate handles the logistics.

Can I share my Walmart Plus membership with family members?

Currently, Walmart+ does not have an official "household sharing" feature similar to Amazon Household. The membership is tied to a single Walmart.com account. While family members in the same home can share an account login, there is no separate sub-account system.

Are there any hidden fees with the $35 delivery?

While the delivery fee is $0 for orders over $35, you may still see a "below minimum" fee if your cart drops below that threshold. Additionally, "Express Delivery" (delivery within 2 hours) is not fully covered; members get a discount on the fee (usually paying $10 instead of $20), but it is not completely free.

What happens to my Walmart Cash?

Walmart Cash is a loyalty currency you can earn through various offers in the app or via the Walmart+ Travel portal. This cash stays in your account and can be applied toward future Walmart purchases, effectively acting like a discount on your next bill.

Summary of Costs and Value

The cost of a Walmart+ membership is structured to be competitive and accessible. At $98 annually, it is one of the most affordable full-service retail memberships available today. For those eligible for the Assist program at $49, the value is virtually unmatched in the industry. Whether you are looking to save time on grocery runs, reduce your monthly streaming bills, or cut down on fuel expenses, Walmart+ provides a clear path to recouping its initial cost within the first few months of use.

By understanding the nuances of the pricing plans and taking advantage of the specific discounts like Walmart+ Assist, consumers can make an informed decision that aligns with their budget and lifestyle needs. For most frequent Walmart shoppers, the question isn't whether the membership has value, but rather how much they will save in their first year.