No General Senior Discount, But Specific Savings Exist
Many people, particularly seniors and their caregivers, wonder about potential discounts at major retailers like Walmart. It's a common misconception that stores universally offer age-based price reductions. The reality is that Walmart does not offer a traditional, age-based senior discount on its products or services. Instead, the company focuses on its "Everyday Low Prices" strategy, available to all customers.
However, this doesn't mean AARP members are left without a way to save. AARP has established a valuable partnership with Walmart that benefits its members through a specific, subscription-based discount. The key is understanding that the savings apply to the Walmart+ membership, not directly to your total purchase at checkout.
The Specific AARP-Walmart Partnership: Your Walmart+ Discount
AARP has partnered with Walmart to offer its members a significant saving on the annual Walmart+ membership. This discount is the primary benefit available through AARP that relates to shopping at Walmart. Instead of a percentage off a single shopping trip, this benefit helps reduce the cost of a full year of membership perks. With this discount, AARP members can get $40 off every year of their Walmart+ annual membership. This is a substantial saving that provides access to a host of valuable benefits throughout the year.
Benefits of Walmart+ Membership
The Walmart+ membership is more than just a discount; it's a program that adds convenience and savings in multiple areas. By leveraging your AARP benefit to get a discounted membership, you unlock features that can be particularly useful for seniors and those managing their care. These benefits include:
- Free Shipping: Enjoy free shipping with no order minimum on eligible items from Walmart.com.
- Free Grocery Delivery: Get fresh groceries and more delivered from your local store ($35 order minimum applies).
- Fuel Savings: Save up to 10 cents per gallon at participating fuel stations, including Walmart, Murphy USA, and Murphy Express locations.
- Mobile Scan & Go: Use the app to scan items as you shop in-store and check out with your phone, making the shopping experience faster and easier.
- Paramount+ Subscription: Access a free Paramount+ Essential subscription for video streaming services.
How to Claim Your Walmart+ Discount
Accessing your AARP discount for a Walmart+ membership is a straightforward process, but it requires linking your memberships. Follow these steps to secure your savings:
- Visit the AARP Website: Navigate to the official AARP benefits page dedicated to the Walmart+ offer. A direct link is often provided on AARP's website.
- Verify Your AARP Membership: You will need to log in to your AARP account to confirm your membership status.
- Activate the Offer: Follow the prompts to be redirected to Walmart's website to activate the discounted Walmart+ annual membership. You will likely be asked to sign in to or create a Walmart account.
- Confirm and Pay: The discounted price will be reflected at checkout. You will pay Walmart directly for the annual subscription, not AARP.
More Ways to Save at Walmart for Seniors
Beyond the AARP-partnered Walmart+ discount, seniors can take advantage of several other programs and strategies to lower their expenses at Walmart.
Comparing Walmart Saving Opportunities
| Feature | AARP Walmart+ Discount | Walmart+ Assist | General Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Benefit | $40 off annual Walmart+ plan | 50% off monthly or annual Walmart+ plan | Everyday low prices, Rollbacks, app deals, Walmart Cash |
| Eligibility | AARP members | Qualifying government assistance recipients (e.g., SNAP, Medicaid) | All customers |
| Best For | Frequent Walmart shoppers | Budget-conscious shoppers on government assistance | Any shopper looking for deals |
| Discount Type | Subscription fee | Subscription fee | Product and reward-based |
The AARP Prescription Discounts Program
The AARP® Prescription Discounts provided by Optum Rx program offers a free prescription discount card that can be used at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide, including Walmart Pharmacy. While the program is open to anyone, AARP members receive deeper discounts and extended benefits. This can lead to significant savings on FDA-approved medications, even those not covered by your insurance.
The Walmart+ Assist Program
If you receive government assistance through programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or WIC, you may be eligible for Walmart+ Assist. This program cuts the regular Walmart+ membership price in half, offering a significant discount. It's a great alternative for those who don't have an AARP membership or qualify for both benefits. Eligibility is verified through SheerID and does not affect your government benefits.
The $4 Generic Prescription Program
Walmart's in-house generic prescription program is a powerful tool for savings on many common medications. It offers a 30-day supply for just $4 and a 90-day supply for $10. This is separate from any AARP benefit and is available to all customers, regardless of age.
Utilizing the Walmart App and Rollbacks
The Walmart app is a free resource that helps all customers, including seniors, save money. By downloading the app, you can get alerts about current flash deals and price Rollbacks. The app also features Walmart Pay for easy checkout and the Scan & Go feature for Walmart+ members.
Maximizing Your Savings at Walmart
While the answer to Does AARP have a discount at Walmart? is that there is no general discount, AARP's partnership for a discounted Walmart+ membership is a valuable tool for savings and convenience. By combining this benefit with other strategies—such as the $4 prescription program, flash deals, and the Walmart app—seniors can significantly reduce their overall spending at Walmart. It's not about an age-based discount, but about smart, informed shopping using the resources available to you.
For more details on the AARP benefits offered, you can visit the AARP website for their list of member discounts here.
