Amazon’s October Prime Day is right around the corner (October 8 and 9), and it’ll serve up thousands of deals you won’t want to miss. There’s one catch: you have to be a Prime member to get the best deals. But with continually rising Prime subscription costs, it might not be cost-effective for your budget to become a member right now. Luckily, there’s another shopping membership option you can turn to at a much lower price: Walmart+. Plus, Walmart has a competing Prime Day sale, the Holiday Deals event happening at the same time as October Prime Day.
There are plenty of great reasons to join Walmart+ right now, namely the fact that members get early access to the Holiday Deals event early on Tuesday, October 8. Walmart+ members get exclusive early access to the Holiday Deals event starting at 12 a.m. ET on the Walmart site and app. That’s 12 hours earlier than anyone else.
Right now, you can start a 30-day free trial of Walmart+, or sign up annually for $98. If you’re on government assistance, you can even get 50% off. Note that you need to be a paid Walmart+ member to get early access to the Holiday Deals event.
Not sure Walmart+ is right for you? Not to worry. We’ve broken down everything you need to know about Walmart+ below and whether it will benefit you to become a member.
What is Walmart+?
Walmart+ is direct a competitor to Amazon Prime. It offers free two-day shipping on purchases made on Walmart.com, plus a host of other discounts on prescription drugs, gasoline and more. Walmart+ members can also get same-day delivery of purchases from their local store (where available), including groceries like milk and eggs. There’s even a new dining benefit with Burger King, offering you 25% off Burger King digital orders every day and a free flame-grilled Whopper every three months. And, of course, Walmart+ members get early access to special sales events like the Holiday Deals event and Walmart’s annual Black Friday sale.
If you’re a regular Walmart shopper, Walmart+ will save you money. A Walmart+ membership normally costs $98, or $40 less than its major membership service competitor, Amazon Prime. However, you can test it out for free for 30-days right now to get free shipping and same-day delivery.
Walmart+ is a less expensive alternative to Amazon Prime
An Amazon Prime membership costs $139 per year. Monthly subscribers, meanwhile, now pay $14.99 a month. Note that a 50% off membership discount is available for those on government assistance.
If you’re looking for a money-saving alternative to Amazon Prime, Walmart+ may be right for you. The service, which also offers quick and free shipping with no minimum purchase, is normally priced at $12.95 per month or $98 per year.
Another money-saving benefit: Walmart has lower minimums for free local grocery delivery than Amazon. And because Walmart has so many more physical retail locations than Amazon Fresh, you’re more likely to be within Walmart’s same-day grocery delivery area than Amazon’s.
Walmart+ members get Paramount+ included
Walmart+ subscribers also receive access to the Paramount+ streaming service at no extra cost. The included plan is the ad-supported Paramount+ Essential tier.
Note: CBS Essentials and Paramount+ are both subsidiaries of Paramount.
Paramount+ Essential includes access to tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” “Yellowstone” spin-offs “1883” and “1923,” “Star Trek: Lower Decks,” “NCIS” and “Survivor.” Essential plan members also get access to NFL on CBS live.
Save money on gas with Walmart+
For some relief to your bank account, consider becoming a Walmart+ member for a discount on gas. Walmart+ members get 10 cents off of gas at more than 14,000 Exxon, Mobil, Walmart, & Murphy stations nationwide. You simply scan the QR code that appears on the Walmart gas station pump screen to get started and save cash.
Walmart+ members can also enjoy member prices at Sam’s Club fuel centers.
Members get free tire repair at Walmart’s Auto Care Centers
If Walmart+ members buy tires at Walmart, they can get free flat tire repair at Walmart’s Auto Care Centers and will receive a free road hazard warranty. Since Walmart tends to have tons of major tire deals throughout the year, this is a nice benefit for Walmart+ members living near a Walmart Auto Care Center (they are typically attached to Walmart stores).
What is the Walmart Holiday Deals event?
Amazon’s October Prime Day sale has been announced for October 8 and 9, and Walmart has a response to that. The first Walmart Holiday Deals event will be held from Oct. 8 through 13 this year. It will include deals on electronics, home, fashion, the best toys of Christmas 2024 and more. We’re talking brands like Lego, Bissell and Better Homes & Gardens. You can get started on your holiday shopping early thanks to this sale.