Walmart has officially rolled out a new paid membership program that promises same-day delivery on more than 160,000 products the retail giant sells. The service, called Walmart+, is meant to rival Amazon Prime, but there’s also Target's Same Day Delivery (shopped by Shipt), which offers membership perks similar to those of Walmart+. Here’s everything you need to know about Walmart’s new membership program, how it differs from the other same-day delivery services available to shoppers, and how to get the most out of a membership if you do choose to join.
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.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can do with Walmart+.
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.
What’s the difference between Amazon Prime, Target Shipt, and Walmart+?
Amazon Prime, Target Shipt, and Walmart+ are very similar delivery services with a few distinct differences. Some differences, such as the length of the free trial, are negligible, but others, like the amount of products available for same-day delivery, might be something to take into consideration as you’re choosing among the three.
Similarities and small differences:
Amazon Prime costs $119 a year, Walmart+ costs $98 annually, and Target’s Same Day Delivery (shopped by Shipt) costs $99 a year. Target Shipt doesn’t offer a monthly membership, but the monthly subscription fee for Prime and Walmart+ is the same ($13 per month).
Amazon and Target both let customers test out the services for a full 30 days, while Walmart’s trial period is half the time.
All three services offer same-day delivery on orders of $35 and more; Target Shipt is the only service that you can use without a membership, though non-member deliveries are charged a $10 delivery fee.
All three deliver groceries to members in eligible areas.
Bigger differences:
Amazon Prime has more than 3 million products available for same-day delivery, while Walmart+ offers only 160,000 for same-day delivery. We couldn’t find any data on how many products are available through Target Shipt.
As part of the membership fee, Amazon offers streaming benefits: Prime members have access to Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Gaming. Neither Walmart+ nor Target Shipt offers media streaming at this time.
Walmart+ offers members the chance to save on fuel at participating gas stations; Amazon Prime and Target Shipt don’t offer gas discounts.