Walmart's Everyday Low Price Philosophy
Walmart’s official policy is to not provide senior citizen discounts. Instead of offering varied discounts to different demographics, the company maintains its business model of offering consistently low prices to all customers. Walmart believes this universal pricing strategy provides more value to shoppers, including seniors, than a periodic or age-restricted discount. While this means no specific senior discount days or age thresholds, it does not mean that seniors are without options for saving money. Several other programs and strategies can help older shoppers maximize their budget at the retailer.
Programs that Provide Alternative Savings for Seniors
While there is no age-based discount, many seniors may qualify for other savings programs at Walmart. These are not tied to a specific age but can significantly reduce costs for older adults, particularly those on a fixed income.
- Walmart+ Assist: For seniors receiving government assistance, this program offers a 50% discount on a Walmart+ membership. Those eligible for programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI can get a monthly plan for $6.47 or an annual plan for $49. This membership includes free grocery delivery, free shipping on most online orders, and fuel savings.
- AARP Member Deals: AARP members can access various discounts, which may include special rates for a Walmart+ membership or exclusive offers on travel, insurance, and other services. Seniors who are AARP members should always check the organization's website for the latest Walmart-related deals.
- Walmart's $4 Generic Prescription Program: Walmart’s low-cost prescription program offers many common generic medications for just $4 for a 30-day supply or $10 for a 90-day supply. Research has shown that this program can sometimes cost less for Medicare patients than using their health insurance.
- Medicare Over-the-Counter (OTC) Benefits: Many seniors with Medicare Advantage plans have an OTC benefits card, and Walmart makes it easy to use these benefits. Shoppers can link their benefit cards to their Walmart.com account or use the Walmart app to identify and purchase eligible items.
- Flash Deals and Rollbacks: Walmart regularly features flash sales and price rollbacks on its website. These can offer significant savings on a wide range of merchandise and are available to all shoppers, regardless of age. Checking the Deals tab on Walmart.com or the weekly ad can reveal substantial temporary discounts.
- Walmart Cash Rewards: Shoppers can earn Walmart Cash by taking advantage of manufacturer offers found online or through the Walmart app. The earned cash can be redeemed on future purchases or cashed out in-store.
- The Walmart App: The free Walmart app helps shoppers find items in-store, check prices with a barcode scanner, and conveniently pay with Walmart Pay. The app also allows for easy management of services like automatic prescription refills and curbside pickup.
Walmart Savings vs. Senior Discounts at Other Retailers
| Feature | Walmart (No Senior Discount) | Other Retailers (With Senior Discount) |
|---|---|---|
| Discount Type | Everyday Low Prices for everyone. | Age-based percentage discounts or special offers. |
| Eligibility | Open to all customers. | Requires customers to be a certain age (e.g., 55+, 60+). |
| Frequency | Always available on standard items. Special promotions like Rollbacks and Flash Deals vary. | Often offered on specific days of the week, like Senior Day. |
| Best for Savings | Overall value on a full basket of goods. Targeted savings through Walmart+ Assist, pharmacy, and deals. | Potential for bigger one-time savings on specific shopping days or categories.. |
| Examples | Walmart+ Assist, $4 prescriptions, Walmart Cash. | Kohl's (15% off Wednesdays, 60+), Michael's (10% off everyday, 55+). |
How Seniors Can Save Money and Time at Walmart
Saving money at Walmart without a traditional senior discount requires a proactive approach. Using the various tools and programs the retailer offers can help stretch your budget further.
- Use the Walmart App: Beyond finding items and checking prices, the app allows for mobile checkout with Scan & Go, helping seniors avoid long lines and enjoy a contactless payment experience. You can also set up push notifications for sales and price drops.
- Take Advantage of Pharmacy Services: The $4 prescription program is a significant cost-saver, and the app's auto-refill and curbside pickup options add convenience for those with mobility issues.
- Consider Walmart+ Assist: For eligible individuals, the discounted Walmart+ membership provides excellent value. Free delivery for groceries and other goods can be a major benefit for seniors, saving time, gas, and effort.
- Combine Medicare OTC Benefits: If you have a Medicare Advantage OTC card, be sure to link it to your account. This allows you to easily track and use your over-the-counter health benefits, freeing up cash for other purchases.
Conclusion
Although Walmart does not provide a traditional senior citizen discount, the retailer's business model prioritizes everyday low prices for all customers. Seniors can still find substantial savings by taking advantage of other available programs, such as the subsidized Walmart+ Assist membership for qualifying individuals, the low-cost $4 prescription program, and AARP deals. Utilizing the Walmart app and staying informed about flash deals and rollbacks are additional ways to maximize value and manage expenses effectively. By focusing on these alternative savings strategies, seniors can still enjoy significant financial benefits when shopping at Walmart, despite the absence of an age-specific discount. For a comprehensive list of discounts for seniors at various retailers, check resources from the National Council on Aging.
How Can Seniors Use the Walmart App for Savings?
Here's a step-by-step guide to using the Walmart app to your advantage:
- Download and Install: Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Create an Account: Create a Walmart.com account to access personalized offers and services.
- Enable Notifications: Go to your app settings and enable push notifications to receive alerts for Flash Deals and Rollbacks.
- Use the Barcode Scanner: When in-store, use the app's scanner to quickly check the price and compare with online offers.
- Access Curbside Pickup: Schedule a curbside pickup to save time and effort. This is particularly useful for prescription refills.
- Find Walmart Cash Offers: Check the app for eligible products with manufacturer offers that give you Walmart Cash back.
- Use Scan & Go: If you are a Walmart+ member, use the Scan & Go feature to scan items and checkout directly on your phone, bypassing the regular checkout line.
- Link OTC Card: Link your Medicare Advantage OTC card in the app to track and manage your eligible purchases easily.
