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How much does a Walmart membership cost for seniors?

4 min read

Despite a common misconception, Walmart does not offer a specific senior-based discount on its Walmart+ membership. However, older adults have several excellent options to significantly reduce the standard membership price, including the Walmart+ Assist program for qualifying individuals and a partnership discount for AARP members.

Quick Summary

Walmart offers a standard membership for $98 annually or $12.95 monthly. While there is no specific senior discount, qualifying for government assistance can halve the price through Walmart+ Assist. AARP members can also access a special discounted rate, providing substantial savings for seniors.

Key Points

  • No Age-Based Senior Discount: Walmart does not offer a specific discount for its Walmart+ membership simply based on a person's age.

  • Walmart+ Assist: Seniors receiving government assistance like SNAP or Medicaid can get a Walmart+ membership for 50% off, costing $49 annually or $6.47 monthly.

  • AARP Member Discount: AARP members are eligible for a $40 discount on an annual Walmart+ membership, bringing the cost to $58 for the first year.

  • Standard Membership Pricing: The regular cost for a Walmart+ membership is $98 per year or $12.95 per month, with a free 30-day trial available.

  • Additional Savings Opportunities: Seniors can also save money using Walmart's $4 generic prescription program, earning Walmart Cash, and utilizing Medicare OTC benefits.

  • Full Benefits Included: Regardless of which plan is used, members get benefits like free shipping, free grocery delivery, fuel discounts, and a Paramount+ subscription.

In This Article

Standard Walmart+ Membership Costs for All Customers

Walmart's membership program, known as Walmart+, offers two standard pricing options that are available to all customers, regardless of age. These benefits are designed to save members time and money, and they form the baseline from which all discounts are calculated.

  • Annual Plan: The most cost-effective option, an annual Walmart+ membership is priced at $98 per year. This offers a saving of over $57 compared to paying monthly.
  • Monthly Plan: For those who prefer more flexibility, the monthly membership costs $12.95 per month. This is ideal for testing the service or for those who may not need it year-round.

Included Benefits with a Standard Walmart+ Plan

All Walmart+ members receive a comprehensive package of perks to enhance their shopping experience.

  • Free Shipping: Members get free shipping on online orders from Walmart.com with no minimum order required.
  • Free Grocery Delivery: Same-day delivery is available for orders of at least $35 from a local store.
  • Fuel Savings: Enjoy a discount of 10 cents per gallon at Walmart, Sam's Club, Exxon, and Mobil fuel stations.
  • Streaming Services: An included subscription to Paramount+ Essential provides access to a large library of movies and shows.
  • Early Access: Members receive early access to special promotions, including major sales events like Black Friday.
  • Mobile Scan & Go: This feature allows for a quicker, contactless checkout experience while shopping in-store.

Significant Discounts for Eligible Seniors

While there is no blanket senior discount based on age, eligible seniors can take advantage of specific programs that reduce the membership price by as much as 50%. These programs are crucial for budget-conscious older adults looking to maximize savings.

Walmart+ Assist for Government Assistance Recipients

Walmart+ Assist is a discounted program designed for individuals receiving government aid, which often includes many seniors on fixed incomes.

  • Half-Price Membership: Qualifying seniors can join Walmart+ for just $6.47 per month or $49 per year, a 50% savings off the standard rates.
  • How to Qualify: Eligibility can be verified through federal programs such as SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, and others. The verification process is conducted online via a third-party service called SheerID and does not impact your existing benefits.
  • Full Benefits: Walmart+ Assist members receive all the same benefits as a standard membership, including free shipping, grocery delivery, and fuel savings.

Walmart+ Discount for AARP Members

In a valuable partnership, AARP and Walmart have teamed up to offer a special discount for AARP members.

  • $40 Off Annual Plan: Active AARP members are eligible for $40 off an annual Walmart+ plan, reducing the cost to $58 for the first year.
  • Eligibility: This offer is subject to confirmation of your AARP membership. It is not available to those already enrolled in Walmart+ Assist.

Comparison of Walmart+ Membership Options

Choosing the right plan depends on your eligibility and shopping habits. This table provides a quick overview of the different Walmart+ membership tiers.

Feature Standard Walmart+ Membership Walmart+ Assist (Discounted) AARP Walmart+ Offer
Annual Cost $98/year $49/year $58 for the first year (renews at standard)
Monthly Cost $12.95/month $6.47/month N/A
Eligibility Open to everyone Recipients of government programs (SNAP, Medicaid, WIC) AARP members
Free Shipping Yes Yes Yes
Free Grocery Delivery Yes ($35 minimum) Yes ($35 minimum) Yes ($35 minimum)
Fuel Savings Yes Yes Yes
Paramount+ Yes Yes Yes
Free Trial 30-day trial for new members 30-day trial for new members No free trial with this specific offer

Other Savings Opportunities for Seniors at Walmart

Beyond specific membership discounts, seniors can leverage other strategies to save money when shopping at Walmart.

  • $4 Generic Prescription Program: This program allows access to many common generic medications for a low price, regardless of your insurance or membership status. This can often beat out-of-pocket costs with Medicare plans.
  • Walmart Cash: Shoppers can earn Walmart Cash rewards on eligible manufacturer offers, both in-store and online, to use on future purchases.
  • Medicare Over-the-Counter (OTC) Benefits: Some seniors with Medicare Advantage plans can use their OTC benefits at Walmart to purchase eligible health items, which can be linked to a Walmart.com account for easy use.
  • Rollback and Flash Deals: Keeping an eye on Walmart's frequent rollback and flash deals can lead to significant savings on a wide range of products. The Walmart mobile app can alert you to these promotions.

Conclusion: Navigating Walmart+ as a Senior

When it comes to a Walmart membership, seniors should understand that there is no automatic, age-based discount. The standard membership costs $12.95 monthly or $98 annually and includes benefits like free shipping, grocery delivery, and fuel discounts. The best savings come through alternative programs for eligible individuals. Seniors receiving government assistance can secure a Walmart+ Assist membership for a 50% discount, paying only $49 annually. Similarly, AARP members can get their first year for $58. By exploring these targeted discounts and other savings programs, older adults can effectively reduce their overall shopping expenses at Walmart.

For more information on the Walmart+ Assist program, visit the official Walmart website.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard Walmart+ membership costs $12.95 per month or $98 per year for an annual plan, and it comes with a 30-day free trial for new members.

No, Walmart does not offer a senior discount based solely on age. Discounts are available through specific programs like Walmart+ Assist or the AARP partnership.

Walmart+ Assist is a discounted membership program for individuals receiving government assistance, such as SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid. It reduces the annual membership price by 50% to $49 per year.

AARP members can receive $40 off their first year of an annual Walmart+ membership. This reduces the price from $98 to $58. This offer does not come with a free trial.

While there isn't a specific low-income discount beyond Walmart+ Assist, seniors can save money through other benefits like the $4 generic prescription program, fuel savings, and earning Walmart Cash on purchases.

The discounted Walmart+ Assist membership includes all the same benefits as the standard plan, such as free shipping on online orders, free local grocery delivery, fuel discounts, and a Paramount+ subscription.

To sign up for Walmart+ Assist, you can visit the dedicated sign-up page on Walmart's website, where your eligibility for government assistance will be verified through a third-party service called SheerID.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.