Walmart Plus Assist Reinstates Minimum Basket Fee for Store Deliveries

Walmart Plus Assist is a discounted membership program designed for customers who qualify for government assistance programs such as SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid. It offers many of the benefits of the regular Walmart Plus membership, including free shipping on eligible items, pharmacy delivery, fuel discounts, and entertainment perks, but at a reduced cost of $6.47 per month or $49 annually.

Recently, Walmart reinstated a minimum basket fee of $6.99 for store delivery orders under $35 for Walmart Plus Assist members. This fee had been temporarily removed during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic but is now back amid ongoing economic challenges.

The minimum basket fee is a common practice among retail membership programs to offset the costs associated with picking and delivering smaller orders. For example, Target charges a similar fee for orders under $35 for its Target Circle 360 members, and Amazon applies a $3 same-day delivery fee for Prime orders under $25.

Walmart has clarified that the reinstated fee is not related to tariffs or external economic policies but is intended to align Walmart Plus Assist with industry standards. Customers can avoid this fee by consolidating orders to exceed the $35 minimum or by shopping in-store or online with free shipping options.

For households relying on Walmart Plus Assist, evaluating the balance between membership benefits and additional fees is crucial, especially during times of economic uncertainty. Strategic shopping can help minimize costs while maximizing convenience.

Key Takeaways on Walmart Plus Assist Minimum Basket Fee

• Walmart Plus Assist targets customers eligible for government assistance programs.
• The $6.99 minimum basket fee applies to store delivery orders under $35.
• Fee reinstatement aligns Walmart Plus Assist with competitors like Target and Amazon.
• Customers can avoid fees by placing larger orders or shopping in-store.

Understanding these fees helps consumers make informed decisions about membership value and shopping habits.