In the ever-evolving world of retail, convenience is key, and membership programs like Walmart+ have become increasingly popular for their perks and savings. However, Walmart+ isn't the only option out there. For those seeking alternatives, there are several other membership programs that offer a range of benefits, from free shipping to exclusive discounts. This article explores some of the top Walmart+ membership alternatives, helping you find the right fit for your shopping needs.
What Is Walmart+?
Before diving into the alternatives, it's important to understand what
Walmart+ offers. Walmart+ is a membership program designed to compete with Amazon Prime, offering a suite of benefits for $98 per year or $12.95 per month. Key features include free same-day delivery on over 160,000 items, fuel discounts, and access to a Scan & Go feature that allows for contactless shopping in Walmart stores. While these benefits are appealing, they may not suit everyone’s needs, prompting the search for other options.
BONUS: Check out the latest Walmart deals available while you are here!
Amazon Prime: The Original Membership Powerhouse
When discussing alternatives to Walmart+,
Amazon Prime inevitably comes to mind. As the pioneer of membership programs, Amazon Prime offers an extensive array of benefits that go beyond just shopping.
- Free Two-Day Shipping: Prime members enjoy free two-day shipping on millions of items, making it a go-to for quick deliveries.
- Prime Video: Access to a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content.
- Prime Music: Ad-free music streaming with over two million songs.
- Prime Pantry and Amazon Fresh: Exclusive access to grocery delivery services.
Amazon Prime is priced at $139 per year or $14.99 per month. For those who value a broader range of digital services alongside their shopping benefits, Amazon Prime may be a worthy alternative to Walmart+.
Target Circle: The Free Rewards Program with Big Benefits
For shoppers who frequent Target,
Target Circle is a compelling alternative to Walmart+. Unlike Walmart+ and Amazon Prime, Target Circle is completely free to join and offers a different approach to savings.
- 5% Off on Birthday: Members receive a special discount on their birthday.
- Exclusive Deals: Access to special offers and deals tailored to your shopping habits.
- Community Support: Target donates to local schools and charities based on member votes.
While Target Circle doesn't offer the same level of delivery perks as Walmart+ or Amazon Prime, it’s an excellent option for those who prefer in-store shopping and appreciate earning rewards on their purchases.
BONUS: and don't forget to check out the latest Target deals while you are here!
Costco Membership: Bulk Savings for the Family
If you’re someone who buys in bulk, a
Costco membership could be a great alternative to Walmart+. Costco is renowned for its bulk products at discounted prices, and a membership opens the door to significant savings.
- Warehouse Prices: Access to deeply discounted prices on groceries, household items, and electronics.
- Free Sample Days: Take advantage of in-store free sample events.
- Discounted Fuel: Costco members receive discounts on gasoline at Costco gas stations.
- Kirkland Signature: Exclusive access to Costco’s private-label brand, known for quality and value.
Costco memberships start at $60 per year for the basic Gold Star membership and go up to $120 per year for the Executive membership, which includes an annual 2% reward on qualifying purchases. Costco’s focus on bulk buying and savings makes it an attractive option for larger households.
Instacart Express: A Flexible Grocery Delivery Service
For those who value the convenience of grocery delivery without the commitment to a single retailer,
Instacart Express offers a flexible alternative. Instacart partners with a variety of stores, allowing members to shop from multiple locations.
- Unlimited Free Delivery: Free delivery on orders over $35.
- Reduced Service Fees: Lower fees on every order.
- Flexibility: Shop from various stores including supermarkets, drugstores, and specialty shops.
Instacart Express costs $99 per year or $9.99 per month. This option is ideal for those who want the freedom to shop from different stores without being tied to one retailer, providing a level of flexibility not found in Walmart+.
Shipt: Personalized Grocery Delivery with a Human Touch
Similar to Instacart,
Shipt is another grocery delivery service, but with a focus on personalized service. Shipt members can expect a more tailored shopping experience, with shoppers who communicate directly with them about their order.
- Same-Day Delivery: Groceries delivered to your door in as little as one hour.
- Personal Shopper: Direct communication with your shopper for customizations and special requests.
- Wide Selection: Shop from multiple stores within the Shipt network.
Shipt memberships are priced at $99 per year or $10.99 per month. For those who appreciate a more personalized shopping experience, Shipt offers an appealing alternative to Walmart+.
Compare the Memberships side by side
Feature/Benefit | Walmart+ | Amazon Prime | Target Circle | Costco Membership | Instacart Express | Shipt |
Annual Cost |
$98/year |
$139/year |
Free |
$60/year (Gold Star) |
$99/year |
$99/year |
Monthly Cost |
$12.95/month |
$14.99/month |
Free |
N/A |
$9.99/month |
$10.99/month |
Free Shipping |
Yes, same-day on 160,000+ items |
Yes, two-day shipping on millions |
No |
No |
Yes, on orders over $35 |
Yes, same-day delivery |
Minimum Order for Delivery |
$35 minimum for delivery |
No minimum for free shipping |
N/A |
N/A |
$35 minimum |
No minimum, but $35 for free delivery |
Exclusive Discounts |
Yes, fuel discounts |
Yes, various categories |
Yes, personalized deals |
Yes, warehouse prices |
No, but lower service fees |
No, but personalized shopping |
Grocery Delivery |
Yes, on eligible items |
Yes, through Amazon Fresh/Prime Pantry |
No |
No |
Yes, from various stores |
Yes, from various stores |
Streaming Services |
No |
Yes, Prime Video & Prime Music |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Rewards |
No |
Yes, rewards on certain purchases |
Yes, earn rewards on purchases |
Yes, 2% rewards on qualifying purchases (Executive membership) |
No |
No |
Personal Shopper |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes, direct communication |
Fuel Discounts |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes, at Costco gas stations |
No |
No |
Trial Period |
30 days |
30 days |
N/A |
N/A |
14 days |
14 days |
Conclusion: Finding the Right Membership for You
Walmart+ provides a valuable suite of benefits for many shoppers, but it's not the only option available. Depending on your shopping habits, budget, and what perks you value most, one of these alternatives might be a better fit for you. Whether you’re looking for a program with broader digital services like Amazon Prime, a cost-effective rewards program like Target Circle, or a grocery delivery service like Instacart or Shipt, there’s an alternative out there that can meet your needs. Evaluate what each membership offers and choose the one that aligns best with your lifestyle and shopping preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Walmart+ and how does it work?
Walmart+ is a membership program offered by Walmart, providing subscribers with a variety of benefits such as free same-day delivery on many items, fuel discounts, and a contactless shopping experience with Scan & Go. Members can choose to pay either $98 per year or $12.95 per month. Once subscribed, they can start taking advantage of these perks both online and in Walmart stores.
2. How does Amazon Prime compare to Walmart+?
Amazon Prime and Walmart+ offer similar benefits, such as free shipping and access to exclusive deals. However, Amazon Prime extends its offerings with additional services like Prime Video for streaming content, Prime Music for ad-free music, and access to grocery delivery through Prime Pantry and Amazon Fresh. Amazon Prime is slightly more expensive at $139 per year or $14.99 per month, but it offers a broader range of digital services.
3. Is Target Circle a paid membership program?
No, Target Circle is not a paid membership program. It’s a free rewards program that offers members exclusive deals, 5% off on their birthday, and the ability to earn rewards on purchases. Members can also influence Target’s charitable donations by voting for local causes.
4. What are the key benefits of a Costco membership?
A Costco membership provides access to bulk products at discounted prices, making it ideal for families or those who prefer to buy in bulk. Members can also enjoy additional perks such as discounted fuel, free sample days, and access to Costco’s private-label brand, Kirkland Signature. The basic Gold Star membership costs $60 per year, while the Executive membership, which includes extra rewards, is $120 per year.
5. How does Instacart Express differ from Walmart+?
Instacart Express offers a flexible grocery delivery service that allows members to shop from various stores, unlike Walmart+, which is tied to a single retailer. Instacart Express members benefit from unlimited free delivery on orders over $35, reduced service fees, and the ability to shop from a wide range of supermarkets, drugstores, and specialty shops. The membership costs $99 per year or $9.99 per month.
6. What makes Shipt a good alternative to Walmart+?
Shipt is a grocery delivery service that offers a more personalized shopping experience compared to Walmart+. Members enjoy same-day delivery, direct communication with their personal shopper, and the ability to shop from multiple stores within the Shipt network. Shipt memberships are priced at $99 per year or $10.99 per month, making it a great option for those who value personalized service.
7. Can someone join more than one membership program?
Yes, it’s entirely possible to join multiple membership programs, depending on one’s needs and preferences. For example, someone might subscribe to both Walmart+ for its retail benefits and Amazon Prime for its digital services. Each program offers unique perks, so joining multiple memberships can provide a more comprehensive shopping and entertainment experience.
8. Is there a trial period for these membership programs?
Many membership programs offer a free trial period. For example, Walmart+ offers a 30-day free trial, allowing potential members to explore the benefits before committing to a paid subscription. Similarly, Amazon Prime also offers a 30-day free trial. It’s recommended to take advantage of these trials to see if the program meets one’s needs before subscribing.
9. Are there any discounts available for students or seniors?
Some membership programs offer discounts for students or seniors. For example, Amazon Prime offers a discounted rate for students through Prime Student, which includes many of the same benefits at a lower cost. It’s worth checking with each specific program to see if they offer any discounts or special pricing for different groups.
10. How does one cancel a membership if they’re not satisfied?
Canceling a membership is usually straightforward. For Walmart+, members can cancel through their account settings on Walmart’s website or app. Amazon Prime and other services also allow cancellations through their respective account management sections. It’s important to note any cancellation policies, such as whether the remaining subscription fee will be refunded or if the membership will continue until the end of the billing cycle.
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