Walmart Erases $35 Free Delivery Minimum for Membership Program

Walmart is ditching the $35 free shipping minimum for shoppers in the Walmart+ membership program it launched in September (see 2009010032) as a competitor to Amazon Prime. Beginning Thursday, Walmart is “expanding the benefit list” of the membership -- $12.95 a month or $98 per year vs. Prime’s $12.99, $119 for free one- and two-day shipping. Walmart’s membership doesn’t include video and audio streaming services, unlike Amazon. Walmart said Wednesday the perk is “just in time for the holidays.” Orders placed on Walmart.com and fulfilled by third-party shippers no longer have a purchase minimum for Walmart+ members, a spokesperson told us, confirming elimination of the $35 minimum is a new benefit for Walmart+ members that will continue beyond the holiday season. She clarified that grocery deliveries from Walmart stores remain subject to a $35 minimum. Amazon has a similar stipulation with purchases through Amazon Fresh. Other benefits to Walmart+ are fuel discounts and the Scan and Go feature, which allows members to shop and check out with their phone. Walmart also added locations where members can get fuel discounts.