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As Walmart Plus Week approaches, many shoppers are weighing the decision to enroll in the membership in order to access exclusive deals during this busy sales event.
With its expanded services, Walmart has positioned itself as a competitive alternative to Amazon Prime. It provides similar benefits at a lower membership cost. However, the question remains: Is Walmart Plus really worth it?
To assist with your decision, we will outline the membership cost, benefits, and potential savings associated with Walmart Plus. By calculating the value of the perks that matter most to you, you can determine if the membership aligns with your shopping habits.
How Much Is Walmart Plus?
The regular Walmart Plus membership is priced at $12.95 per month or $98 annually. For individuals on Medicaid or qualifying government assistance programs, the membership is available at a reduced cost of $6.47 per month or $49 per year through Walmart Plus Assist. New members can also take advantage of a 30-day free trial to explore the benefits before committing to the full fee.
Popular Benefits of Walmart Plus
Walmart continues to enhance its membership program to rival Amazon Prime, offering an array of attractive benefits. Here are some key features that members enjoy:
- Fast, free shipping with no minimum purchase requirement, including same-day or next-day delivery options when available.
- Access to the Paramount Plus Essential plan at no extra cost, along with discounts on the plan featuring SHOWTIME.
- Gas savings of 10 cents per gallon at over 13,000 participating Exxon, Mobil, Walmart, and Murphy stations.
- Complimentary prescription delivery service.
- Same-day grocery delivery on orders over $35. Availability may vary, especially during peak shopping seasons.
- A free virtual pet care membership through Pawp, which includes unlimited virtual visits with veterinarians.
- Member-only discounts at Burger King, including 25% off orders and a free Whopper every three months.
- Free returns, including options for in-home pickup.
- Mobile Scan & Go services to streamline in-store shopping.
Potential Savings with Walmart Plus
Understanding the financial implications of a Walmart Plus membership involves evaluating which perks you’ll actually utilize. Here’s a breakdown of potential annual savings:
- Up to $59.99 saved on the Paramount Plus Essential plan, which translates to $55 annually if opting for the SHOWTIME upgrade.
- Averaging $43.30 savings on gas based on a typical annual consumption of 433 gallons, translating to 10 cents off per gallon.
- Approximately $99 saved on a Pawp virtual pet care membership, based on average veterinary visits.
- About $25 annually from redeeming a free Whopper every three months at Burger King.
- A minimum of $6.99 saved per order on shipping fees, particularly for smaller orders under $35 that would typically incur charges.
When it comes to grocery delivery, estimating savings with Walmart Plus compared to Amazon Prime offers further insights:
- By switching from Amazon, you could save about $119.88 on delivery fees if you cancel your Prime membership focused solely on grocery delivery.
- Comparatively, the potential savings could reach up to $99 if switching from Instacart Plus, depending on your historical usage of delivery services.
However, if grocery delivery isn’t a common practice for you, that particular benefit of Walmart Plus might not yield any savings. The convenience of delivery saves you time, but only if you regularly shop at Walmart.
To ascertain your potential grocery savings with Walmart Plus, consider browsing Walmart’s website for the items you typically purchase. If those items are generally in stock, the value of free same-day grocery delivery becomes evident.
Final Thoughts
If the benefits you foresee using regularly offset the cost of Walmart Plus, then enrolling in the program is likely a smart choice. Additional perks, such as exclusive promotions and fast delivery, enhance the value of the membership without necessitating their use for it to be worthwhile.
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