AARP-Specific Discounts at Walmart
Although Walmart's general pricing strategy relies on everyday low prices rather than an age-based senior discount, there are two major ways AARP members can save money at the retail giant through their membership. These opportunities are specifically for pharmacy purchases and for the Walmart+ subscription service.
Save on Walmart+ Membership
As an AARP member, you can receive a significant annual discount on a Walmart+ membership. This offers substantial savings on the yearly fee and unlocks a host of other benefits that extend beyond your AARP affiliation. The Walmart+ membership includes perks such as free shipping on online orders with no minimum, free delivery from your local store (on orders over $35), fuel discounts, and a free Paramount+ Essential streaming subscription.
To apply the AARP discount, you must navigate to the designated Walmart+ sign-up page for AARP members. If you are a new member, you can sign up through this portal. If you are an existing Walmart+ subscriber, your account can be converted to the discounted rate at the end of your current billing cycle.
Save on Prescriptions at Walmart Pharmacy
The AARP Prescription Discounts provided by OptumRx program offers savings on FDA-approved medications at participating pharmacies, including the Walmart Pharmacy. While anyone can use the free discount card offered by this program, AARP members receive even deeper discounts and additional benefits.
Using this benefit is straightforward. You can access your free Rx discount card through the AARP website and present it at any Walmart Pharmacy to save on eligible prescriptions.
Comparison of AARP Benefits at Walmart vs. Other Retailers
To better understand where your AARP card provides the most value, here is a comparison of how benefits work at Walmart versus other popular retailers.
| Feature | Walmart (with AARP) | Kohl's (Traditional Senior Discount) | Michaels (Traditional Senior Discount) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Merchandise Discount | No; relies on everyday low prices. | Yes, 15% off on Wednesdays for customers 60+. | Yes, 10% off daily for customers 55+ with Michaels Rewards account. |
| Prescription Discounts | Yes, through the AARP® Prescription Discounts provided by OptumRx® program. | Varies; not a standard AARP benefit but can use general loyalty programs. | Not applicable; typically doesn't have a pharmacy. |
| Walmart+ Membership Discount | Yes, $40 off an annual membership. | No; does not offer this specific membership. | No; does not offer this specific membership. |
| Other Savings Opportunities | Yes, like the $4 prescription program and Walmart Cash rewards on eligible purchases. | Yes, coupons, Kohl's Cash, and general promotions. | Yes, coupons, rewards, and general sales. |
Other Ways to Save Money at Walmart
Since a direct AARP discount on general purchases is not an option, seniors can use other strategies to maximize their savings at Walmart. These methods are available to all customers but can be particularly useful for those on a fixed income.
Use the Walmart App
The free Walmart app can be a powerful tool for savings. By downloading it, you can easily access weekly ads, flash deals, and manufacturer offers that earn you Walmart Cash. The app also features Scan & Go technology for faster in-store checkout, a feature especially useful for Walmart+ members.
Take Advantage of Rollbacks and Flash Deals
Walmart regularly offers temporary price reductions on items across the store called 'Rollbacks'. Flash deals are also available for limited periods and can provide deep discounts on a wide range of products. These deals are often advertised on the Walmart website and app.
Utilize Over-the-Counter (OTC) Benefits
For seniors with certain Medicare Advantage plans, Over-the-Counter (OTC) benefits can be used for eligible items at Walmart. Look for products with a “benefit program eligible” badge online or link your benefit card to your Walmart account for eligible purchases.
Consider the Walmart+ Assist Program
For those who receive government assistance through programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or WIC, Walmart offers the Walmart+ Assist program, which provides a Walmart+ membership at a 50% discount. While this is separate from the AARP discount, some seniors may qualify for both, so it is important to check eligibility.
Conclusion
In summary, while you cannot simply present your AARP card at the checkout for a general discount on your Walmart purchases, your membership provides specific and valuable avenues for savings. The most significant benefits for AARP members are the exclusive discount on an annual Walmart+ membership and the deeper savings on prescriptions at the Walmart Pharmacy through the OptumRx program. Other savings strategies, such as using the Walmart app, looking for Rollbacks and Flash Deals, and leveraging Medicare OTC benefits, can further help seniors stretch their budget at Walmart. Understanding these distinct benefits is the key to maximizing your AARP membership at this popular retailer.
AARP and Walmart Discounts: How They Work Together
While Walmart does not accept the AARP card directly at the checkout counter for a percentage off your entire purchase, the partnership focuses on specific services. The discount on the annual Walmart+ membership offers tangible savings on grocery delivery, shipping, and fuel, which many members find valuable. Similarly, the prescription discount program is a targeted benefit that addresses a key area of expense for many older adults, potentially offering better pricing than the store's own program alone for some medications.
It is important to remember that Walmart operates on an 'Everyday Low Price' model, so general merchandise discounts are rare. However, the retailer makes a concerted effort to offer various savings opportunities outside of traditional age-based discounts. This includes their low-cost pharmacy program and various rewards programs accessible via the app. Therefore, AARP members looking to save at Walmart should be strategic and use the specific membership perks available for Walmart+ and the pharmacy, while also taking advantage of other store-wide promotions.
Authoritative Source
For the most up-to-date information on AARP discounts and how to apply them, always check the official AARP Member Benefits website. This portal provides the current details for the Walmart+ and OptumRx programs, as well as a complete list of all other AARP-affiliated benefits.
