The Straight Answer on AARP Discounts at Walmart
Many shoppers ask, "Do you get a discount at Walmart if you have AARP?" The direct answer is no; Walmart does not offer a general, store-wide discount for AARP members. The company's pricing strategy focuses on "Everyday Low Price" for all customers rather than specific demographic-based discounts. As of 2025, there is no dedicated senior discount day or age-based percentage off your total bill. However, this doesn't mean your AARP membership is without value at the retail giant. There are targeted benefits and numerous other ways for seniors to reduce their spending significantly.
The AARP and Walmart+ Partnership: Your Primary Benefit
The most significant AARP-related benefit at Walmart is a substantial discount on a Walmart+ membership. AARP members can save $40 on an annual Walmart+ plan. This reduces the yearly cost from $98 to just $58. This offer is the main partnership between the two companies and unlocks a suite of valuable perks far beyond a simple one-time discount.
What Do You Get With a Walmart+ Membership?
A discounted Walmart+ membership offers a wide range of benefits that are especially useful for seniors:
- Free Grocery Delivery: Get groceries and more delivered from your local store to your home for free on orders over $35.
- Free Shipping: Enjoy free shipping with no order minimum on items shipped by Walmart.
- Fuel Savings: Save up to 10 cents per gallon at over 14,000 Exxon, Mobil, Walmart, and Murphy gas stations.
- Paramount+ Subscription: A complimentary Paramount+ Essential plan is included, offering thousands of movies and TV shows.
- Mobile Scan & Go: Use your phone to scan items as you shop in-store and pay at a self-checkout station for a fast, contact-free experience.
- Early Access: Get first dibs on special promotions and events, including Black Friday deals.
To claim this discount, AARP members must sign up or verify their membership through a specific portal on the Walmart website.
More Ways for Seniors to Save at Walmart
Beyond the Walmart+ partnership, seniors can leverage several other programs and strategies to save money. These methods are not exclusive to AARP members but are highly effective for anyone on a budget.
Walmart+ Assist Program
For seniors receiving government assistance—such as SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or SSI—Walmart offers the Walmart+ Assist program. This provides a full Walmart+ membership for 50% off the regular price, making it either $6.47 per month or $49 per year. This is an even greater discount than the AARP offer, so it's crucial to check your eligibility if you qualify for these government programs.
The $4 Prescription Program
Walmart’s generic prescription program can be a major source of savings, often costing less than using a Medicare plan's co-pay. The program offers a 30-day supply of many common generic medications for just $4 and a 90-day supply for $10. While not all generics are included, it covers a wide range of medications for chronic conditions. The AARP® Prescription Discounts provided by Optum Rx can also be used at Walmart Pharmacy for additional savings on medications not covered by insurance.
Rollbacks, Clearance, and Flash Deals
These are Walmart's bread and butter for savings. Always be on the lookout for:
- Rollbacks: Temporary price reductions on items across the store.
- Clearance: Markdowns on seasonal, discontinued, or overstocked items, often found on endcaps.
- Flash Deals: Online-only, limited-time sales with discounts up to 65% off or more.
Using the Walmart App and Walmart Cash
The free Walmart app is an essential tool for savers. You can create shopping lists, check prices, and find item locations in-store. More importantly, it's the gateway to earning Walmart Cash. By adding manufacturer offers in the app, you can earn rewards on eligible items, which can then be redeemed on future purchases or cashed out.
Savings Method Comparison
To maximize your savings, it helps to see how different strategies stack up. Here’s a comparison of the key ways to save at Walmart.
| Feature | AARP Walmart+ Discount | Walmart+ Assist | General Savings Strategies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Requirement | Active AARP Membership | Qualifying Government Assistance | Open to All Shoppers |
| Walmart+ Annual Cost | $58 ($40 off) | $49 (50% off) | $98 (Full Price) |
| Key Benefits | Free delivery, fuel savings, free shipping, Paramount+ | All standard Walmart+ benefits | Price matching, coupons, clearance deals |
| Best For | AARP members who do not qualify for government assistance but want membership perks. | Seniors on SNAP, Medicaid, or other qualifying programs seeking the deepest membership discount. | Shoppers who prefer not to have a membership and save via in-store deals and coupons. |
Conclusion: Strategic Savings Are Key
While you can't flash your AARP card at checkout for a direct discount, being a member unlocks the door to significant savings through the Walmart+ program. For seniors, the value of free delivery, fuel savings, and prescription benefits can far outweigh the cost of membership. It’s crucial to evaluate your own needs and eligibility for programs like Walmart+ Assist to choose the most effective path. By combining these membership perks with smart shopping habits like hunting for rollbacks, using the app for Walmart Cash, and taking advantage of the prescription program, seniors can make their dollars go much further at Walmart. For more information on member benefits, you can visit the official AARP website.
