The Direct Answer: Unlocking Your AARP Walmart+ Discount
For many years, shoppers have sought a straightforward AARP discount at the checkout counter, but Walmart's business model relies on maintaining 'Everyday Low Prices' for everyone.
Rather than offering age-based discounts on general purchases, the company provides a targeted benefit for AARP members through the Walmart+ annual membership.
This special offer allows AARP members to receive $40 off the yearly subscription fee.
Instead of paying the regular $98, members pay a discounted rate of just $58 per year, providing a significant saving on a range of premium services.
How to Claim the Walmart+ AARP Benefit
To access this exclusive offer, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the official AARP benefits page or Walmart's dedicated enrollment link. Do not attempt to sign up directly through the standard Walmart+ page, as the discount code is not available there.
- Verify your AARP membership. You will need to provide your AARP membership details to confirm your eligibility for the discount.
- Complete the enrollment. The system will apply the $40 discount to the annual fee, and you can finalize your purchase with your preferred payment method.
If you are already a Walmart+ member, you can still switch to the discounted plan. The system will convert your membership after your current billing cycle ends, ensuring you don't miss out on any savings.
The “Everyday Low Price” Philosophy Explained
Walmart's decision to not offer traditional senior discounts stems from its core business strategy. The retailer maintains that its focus on consistently low prices, rather than periodic or group-based discounts, provides the best overall value to the largest number of customers.
This approach differs from many other retailers who feature weekly senior days with a percentage off purchases.
While this might seem disadvantageous at first, it means that many items at Walmart are already priced lower than they would be at stores that rely on a higher initial price, with the expectation that customers will use a coupon or discount.
Alternatives to the AARP Discount: Smart Savings for All Seniors
Beyond the Walmart+ offer for AARP members, there are several other programs and strategies available to older shoppers.
Walmart+ Assist for Low-Income Seniors
For seniors on government assistance programs, the Walmart+ Assist program offers an even deeper discount on the Walmart+ membership.
- Who is eligible? The program is available to those who receive benefits through SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, SSI, and other qualifying programs.
- How much is the discount? Eligible members pay 50% off the standard rate, bringing the annual cost down to just $49, or $6.47 per month.
Walmart's Low-Cost Prescription Program
Walmart has long been known for its affordable pharmacy services. The retail giant offers a generic prescription program with common medications priced as low as $4 for a 30-day supply and $10 for a 90-day supply.
- AARP Prescription Discount Card: Separately, AARP also offers a Prescription Discounts provided by Optum Rx card, which can provide deeper discounts on FDA-approved medications at participating pharmacies, including Walmart.
Utilizing the Walmart Cash Rewards Program
Walmart Cash is a free loyalty program available to any shopper with a Walmart account.
- Earning Rewards: Shoppers can earn rewards on qualifying items by activating manufacturer offers found in the Walmart app or on Walmart.com.
- Redeeming Rewards: Earned Walmart Cash can be used to pay for future purchases or can be cashed out at a Walmart MoneyCenter.
Other Savvy Saving Strategies
- Rollbacks and Flash Deals: Pay attention to Walmart's 'Rollback' prices, which indicate temporary price reductions. The app and website also feature 'Flash Deals' for limited-time offers.
- Shop Online and Use the App: Use the Walmart app to check item availability, track deals, and use Walmart Pay for a streamlined checkout process. The app also helps you find eligible items for Walmart Cash.
- Clearance Aisle Hunting: Don't forget to check the in-store clearance aisles for steep discounts on a variety of products.
Comparison of Walmart Saving Opportunities
| Feature | AARP Walmart+ Discount | Walmart+ Assist | Standard Walmart+ Membership |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $58 ($40 off standard) | $49 (50% off standard) | $98 per year |
| Eligibility | AARP members | Recipients of SNAP, Medicaid, etc. | All customers |
| Key Benefits | Free delivery, free shipping, fuel savings, Paramount+, early access to deals | Free delivery, free shipping, fuel savings, Paramount+, early access to deals | Free delivery, free shipping, fuel savings, Paramount+, early access to deals |
| Enrollment | AARP member portal or special Walmart link | Walmart.com/Plus/Assist with government program verification | Standard Walmart+ sign-up |
How to Combine Your Savings for Maximum Benefit
To get the most out of your shopping trips, it's wise to combine several of these strategies. For example, an AARP member who also uses the Walmart app and the AARP Prescription Discount card can maximize their savings in multiple areas.
- Start with the Walmart+ AARP discount. Enroll for the discounted annual membership to secure free shipping and delivery benefits.
- Scan for Walmart Cash offers. While shopping, use the app to check for any manufacturer offers to earn cash back on your purchases.
- Check for Rollbacks. Look for items marked with Rollback tags for further in-store discounts.
- Use the AARP Prescription Card. If you need to fill a prescription, remember to present your AARP Prescription Discounts card for potential savings.
Conclusion: Strategic Shopping Over Traditional Discounts
For seniors wondering how to get an AARP discount at Walmart, the most important takeaway is to shift focus from a simple, age-based discount to a more strategic approach. While the coveted in-store discount may not exist, AARP membership provides a significant saving on the valuable Walmart+ service, and numerous other programs are available to help you stretch your budget further.
By leveraging the Walmart+ annual discount, the low-cost pharmacy program, and the rewards system, seniors can save a significant amount of money throughout the year.
For more information on AARP member benefits, visit the official AARP website. This proactive approach to saving money ensures you get the most value from one of the nation's largest retailers.
Remember, the best savings often come not from asking for a single discount, but from using a combination of all the tools available to you.
