Walmart Plus launched in Septemer 2020 and is Walmart's answer to Amazon's Amazon Prime membership service. Similar to Amazon Prime, potential Walmart Plus members can take advantage of a Walmart Plus risk-free 30-day free trial before committing to the $12.95/mo. or $98 yearly membership fee.
With incentives like free unlimited delivery, fuel discounts and more, Walmart Plus is a formidable Amazon Prime alternative. If you're a budget and time conscious shopper, chances are you're wondering how the two member benefits programs compare.
Like Amazon Prime, Walmart's subscription service offers exclusive membership perks. Unlike Amazon, Walmart has thousands of physical stores in addition to an online presence. Some of the benefits of Walmart Plus are unlimited free delivery from 4,742 Walmart stores, fuel discounts, and contactless shopping.
Walmart Plus was initially slated to launch this spring, but due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it was put on pause.
Amazon Prime debuted in February 2005 and has since then amassed more than 200 million members. Although Amazon has a 15 year head start in membership services, Walmart's initiative is a strong challenger. And for the millions of households that rely heavily on Amazon, Walmart Plus offers an alternative means of saving time and money.
Here's a quick look at how Walmart Plus stacks up to Amazon Prime.
Price
Walmart Plus costs $98 a year or $12.95 a month. If you want to try before you buy, sign up for a Walmart Plus 30-day trial. There here's no risk, you can cancel any time.
Amazon Prime costs $119 for a one-year membership and $12.99 for monthly subscribers. Amazon offers a 30-day free trial. For those of you who like to crunch numbers, Walmart Plus is $21 cheaper per year than Amazon Prime.
Contactless shopping
Walmart Plus membership benefits include access to Scan & Go within the Walmart app. This means Walmart Plus members can avoid long lines and experience a fast and easy contactless shopping experience.
Amazon Prime benefits do not include a Prime-members only app for contactless, self-checkout shopping. However, the Amazon Go app lets customers shop and pay for breakfast, lunch, snacks and even groceries at Amazon Go neighborhood stores.
Delivery
Walmart Plus members get unlimited same-day free delivery that covers over 160,000 items from tech to household essentials.
Amazon Prime offers free same-day delivery service in select zip codes. Free two-day shipping is also available on eligible items within the US.
Grocery delivery
Walmart Plus membership benefits includes access unlimited free same-day delivery for groceries.
Amazon Prime account holders can get Prime Pantry for an additional $4.99 a month in addition their Prime membership fee. This service offers low-priced groceries and household products for a discount. It includes unlimited free shipping on orders of $40 or more.
Video streaming
Walmart Plus membership benefits include free video streaming via Paramount Plus. Both Walmart Plus free trial and paid members get a free Paramount Plus Essential subscription (valued at $4.99/month).
Paramount Plus features popular TV shows, original dramas, and movie blockbusters like "1883" and "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" and "Sonic the Hedgehog 2". Subscribers get access to NFL on CBS live, top soccer games, limited ads, CBSN 24/7 live news and more.
Amazon Prime offers a host of customer loyalty perks for streaming under Prime Video. Prime members get unlimited TV series and movie streaming with the option to add channels like A&E, AMC, Showtime, Starz, and more.
Fuel discounts
Walmart Plus membership holders get fuel discounts to the tune of 10 cents per gallon. Gas discounts can be redeemed at any 1,4000 Walmart, Exxon, Mobil, Murphy USA and Murphy Express. Members can also get discounts at Sam's Club fuel centers.
Amazon Prime doesn't offer direct gas discounts at the pump per se. However, Prime members who are also Prime Visa Signature Card holders get 2% back at gas stations.
Bottom line
Walmart Plus and Amazon Prime offer enticing membership perks that help you save money and time in the long run. If you primarily shop online for essentials and groceries, you'll appreciate the unlimited free same day delivery options these subscription services provide.
Now that Walmart Plus includes video streaming, it's a great alternative to Amazon Prime. Both services benefit anyone looking for a cheaper cable TV alternative alongside savings on everyday items.
With both online and in-store benefits and Scan & Go access, Walmart Plus is a solid choice for anyone who prefers contactless shopping at physical stores.
