How To Cancel Walmart Plus Membership

In today’s fast paced world, subscription services have become an integral part of our daily lives. Walmart Plus, launched to compete with Amazon Prime, offers a range of benefits to its members. But what if you’ve decided it’s time to part ways with this service?

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about canceling your Walmart Plus membership, from understanding what you’ll be giving up to the nitty-gritty of the cancellation process.

Understanding Your Walmart+ Membership:

Before we dive into the cancellation process, let’s take a moment to review what Walmart Plus offers. Launched in September 2020, Walmart Plus is the retail giant’s answer to Amazon Prime.

It’s designed to enhance the shopping experience for frequent Walmart customers, providing a suite of benefits that can save both time and money.

Current Membership Plans and Pricing

Walmart Plus keeps its pricing structure simple, offering two main options to suit different needs:

Plan Price Billing Cycle
Monthly $12.95 per month Monthly
Annual $98 per year Annually

Compared to Amazon Prime’s $139 annual fee, Walmart Plus positions itself as a more affordable alternative. This pricing strategy makes it an attractive option for budget conscious shoppers who frequently use Walmart’s services.

The 30-Day Free Trial: What You Need to Know

One of the most attractive features of Walmart Plus is its 30-day free trial. This allows potential members to test drive the service before committing to a paid subscription. During this trial period, you’ll have full access to all Walmart Plus benefits, giving you a comprehensive experience of what the service offers.

However, it’s crucial to remember that if you don’t cancel before the trial period ends, you’ll automatically be enrolled in the paid membership. This is a common practice among subscription services, but it can catch some users off guard.

Pro Tip: Set a reminder on your phone for a few days before your trial ends. This way, you’ll have time to make an informed decision about whether to continue with the paid service or initiate the Walmart Plus cancellation process.

Key Features You’ll Lose Upon Cancellation

Before you decide to cancel, it’s worth reviewing the benefits you’ll be giving up. Walmart Plus offers a range of features designed to make shopping more convenient and cost-effective:

  • Free unlimited delivery on orders $35+: This includes same-day delivery in some areas, which can be a significant time-saver for busy households.
  • Fuel discounts at Walmart and Murphy gas stations: Members can save up to 10 cents per gallon, which can add up to substantial savings for frequent drivers.
  • Mobile scan & go for in-store shopping: This feature allows you to scan items as you shop and pay through the app, bypassing long checkout lines.
  • Early access to special deals and events: This can include early access to Black Friday deals or exclusive product launches.
  • Free shipping with no order minimum: Unlike the standard free shipping on orders over $35, Plus members get free shipping on any order size from Walmart.

Before You Cancel: Things to Consider

Walmart Plus Membership

Canceling a service shouldn’t be a hasty decision. Take a moment to evaluate if Walmart Plus is still providing value for you. This reflection can help ensure you’re making the right choice for your needs and lifestyle.

Evaluating if Walmart plus is Still Worth It for You

Ask yourself these questions to gauge the value of your membership:

  • How often do you shop at Walmart?
  • Do you frequently order groceries or other items for delivery?
  • Are you taking advantage of the fuel discounts?
  • Have you used the mobile scan & go feature?
  • Do you often place small online orders that benefit from free shipping?
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If you’re not using these features regularly, it might be time to consider cancellation. If you find yourself frequently using even just one or two of these benefits, the membership might still be worthwhile.

Potential Savings vs. Membership Cost

Let’s break down potential savings to help you make an informed decision:

  1. Delivery: If you order groceries weekly, you could save $10-$15 per order on delivery fees. That’s potentially $40-$60 per month.
  2. Fuel: Members save up to 10 cents per gallon at Walmart and Murphy stations. For a 15 gallon tank, that’s $1.50 per fill-up. If you fill up weekly, that’s about $6 per month.
  3. Time: Mobile scan & go can save you time waiting in checkout lines. While harder to quantify, time savings can be significant, especially during busy shopping periods.
  4. Shipping: Free shipping on small orders can add up, especially if you frequently purchase low-cost items online.

Calculate your monthly savings and compare them to the $12.95 monthly fee (or $98 annual fee) to see if you’re coming out ahead. Remember, even if the monetary savings are close, the convenience factor might tip the scales in favor of keeping the membership.

Upcoming Walmart+ Exclusive Deals or Events

Before canceling, check if there are any upcoming Walmart+ exclusive events. These could include:

  • Early access to Black Friday deals
  • Special discounts on popular items
  • New product launches with member-only availability
  • Exclusive partnerships or promotions

If there’s something on the horizon that interests you, it might be worth keeping your membership a bit longer. These events can often provide significant value, potentially offsetting several months of membership fees in a single purchase.

Step-by-Step Cancellation Guide:

If you’ve decided that canceling is the right move for you, here’s how to do it. Walmart plus provides several methods to cancel your membership, catering to different preferences.

Canceling Online Through the Walmart Website

  1. Go to Walmart.com and log into your account.
  2. Click on “Account” in the top right corner.
  3. Select “Manage Walmart+” from the dropdown menu.
  4. Scroll down to find the “Cancel membership” option.
  5. Follow the prompts to confirm your cancellation.

This method is often the quickest and most straightforward way to cancel your membership. It allows you to complete the process at any time, without needing to contact customer service.

Using the Walmart App to Cancel

  1. Open the Walmart app and sign in.
  2. Tap the menu icon in the bottom right corner.
  3. Select “Account” and then “Walmart+ membership.”
  4. Scroll down and tap “Cancel membership.”
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the cancellation.

Canceling through the app is convenient if you primarily use your mobile device for managing your Walmart account. The process is similar to the website method and equally efficient.

Canceling by Phone

If you prefer to speak with a representative:

  1. Call Walmart+ customer service at 1-800-925-6278.
  2. Navigate through the automated system to reach a Walmart plus specialist.
  3. Inform them you’d like to cancel your membership.
  4. Be prepared to provide your account information for verification.

Note: Phone representatives might try to retain your membership by offering discounts or highlighting benefits. Stay firm if you’re sure about canceling.

While this method might take a bit longer, it can be helpful if you have specific questions about your account or if you encounter any issues with the online cancellation process.

What Happens After Cancellation:

Once you’ve gone through the cancellation process, here’s what you can expect:

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Immediate Effects on Your Account

  • You’ll lose access to Walmart plus benefits immediately upon cancellation.
  • Any orders placed before cancellation will still be honored with Walmart+ benefits.
  • Your account will revert to a standard Walmart.com account.

It’s important to note that while you lose the Plus benefits, your regular Walmart account remains active. You can still shop on Walmart and use the Walmart app, just without the Plus perks.

Prorated Refunds: Are You Eligible?

If you paid for an annual membership and cancel before the year is up, you may be eligible for a prorated refund. The refund amount will be based on the number of months remaining in your subscription.

For example, if you cancel six months into your annual subscription, you might receive a refund for the remaining six months. However, it’s best to check with Walmart customer service for the exact refund policy, as it may vary depending on your specific situation.

How Long Your Benefits Last Post-Cancellation

The duration of your benefits after cancellation depends on your membership type:

  • If you cancel during your free trial, your benefits will end immediately.
  • For monthly paid memberships, you’ll typically have access to Walmart+ benefits until the end of your current billing cycle.
  • For annual memberships, you might retain benefits until the end of the month in which you cancel, but this can vary.

It’s a good idea to plan your cancellation timing if there are any Walmart+ benefits you want to use one last time before they expire.

Troubleshooting Common Cancellation Issues:

Even with a straightforward process, you might encounter some hiccups. Here’s how to handle common issues:

What to Do If You Can’t Find the Cancel Option

If you’re having trouble locating the cancellation option:

  • Clear your browser cache and cookies
  • Try using a different browser
  • Ensure you’re logged into the correct account
  • Check if you’re using a business account, which might have different cancellation procedures

If none of these steps work, it might be a temporary glitch on Walmart’s end.

Dealing with Website or App Glitches

If you’re experiencing technical difficulties:

  • Try the cancellation process on a different device
  • Check if Walmart’s website or app is experiencing known issues (you can often find this information on Walmart’s social media accounts)
  • Wait a few hours and try again
  • Ensure your app is updated to the latest version

When to Escalate to Customer Service

If you’ve tried the above steps and still can’t cancel:

  • Contact Walmart+ customer service via phone or chat
  • Be prepared to explain the issues you’ve encountered in detail
  • Ask for a confirmation email once they process your cancellation
  • If you’re near the end of your billing cycle, request that they note your cancellation attempt in case you’re charged for another period

Remember, persistence is key. If one customer service representative can’t help, don’t hesitate to try again or ask to speak with a supervisor.

Alternatives to Walmart Plus:

If you’re canceling Walmart+ but still want similar benefits, consider these alternatives:

Other Retail Membership Programs Compared

Program Annual Cost Key Benefits
Amazon Prime $139 Free 2-day shipping, Prime Video, Music
Target Circle Free 1% earnings on purchases, personalized deals
Instacart+ $99 Free delivery on orders over $35, reduced service fees
Shipt $99 Same-day delivery from various retailers

Each of these programs has its own unique features. Amazon Prime, for instance, offers a broader range of services including streaming, while Target Circle focuses more on in-store savings and personalized deals.

Non-Membership Ways to Save at Walmart

  1. Use the Walmart app for in-store savings: The app often has exclusive coupons and deals.
  2. Take advantage of price matching: Walmart will match prices from select competitors.
  3. Shop clearance and rollback items: These can offer significant discounts on a wide range of products.
  4. Use cashback apps like Ibotta or Rakuten: These apps offer cashback on purchases at Walmart and many other retailers.
  5. Sign up for Walmart’s credit card: It offers cashback on Walmart purchases and gas.
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Combining Strategies for Maximum Savings

To maximize your savings without a Walmart+ membership:

  • Stack manufacturer coupons with Walmart’s prices: This can lead to substantial discounts, especially on grocery items.
  • Use a cashback credit card for additional savings: This works well in combination with other saving strategies.
  • Check for seasonal sales and events: Walmart often has major sales during holidays and at the end of seasons.
  • Join Walmart’s free rewards program: While not as comprehensive as Walmart+, it still offers some benefits.
  • Follow Walmart on social media: They often post about flash sales and special deals.

By combining these strategies, you can often achieve savings comparable to a Walmart+ membership, especially if you’re a savvy shopper.

Reactivating Your Membership: If You Change Your Mind:

If you decide to give Walmart+ another shot after canceling, here’s what you need to know:

How Soon You Can Rejoin After Canceling

You can reactivate your Walmart+ membership at any time after canceling. There’s no waiting period or “cooling off” time required. This flexibility allows you to rejoin whenever you feel the service aligns with your needs again.

Any Penalties or Restrictions for Rejoining

Currently, Walmart doesn’t impose any penalties for rejoining after cancellation. This customer-friendly policy means you can leave and come back without any additional costs or hurdles. However, you may not be eligible for another free trial if you’ve used one in the past.

Taking Advantage of New Member Promotions

Keep an eye out for special promotions for new or returning members. Walmart occasionally offers:

  • Discounted rates for the first few months
  • Extended trial periods
  • Bonus gifts or credits with new memberships
  • Special seasonal promotions (e.g., holiday deals)

These promotions can make rejoining more attractive, potentially offering even better value than your original membership. Check Walmart’s website regularly or sign up for their email newsletter to stay informed about these offers.

FAQs:

Q: Can I share my Walmart+ membership with family members?

A: Walmart+ allows one additional adult household member to be added to your account, sharing the benefits under one membership.

Q: Will canceling Walmart plus affect my regular Walmart.com account?

A: No, canceling Walmart plus only removes the Plus benefits. Your standard Walmart.com account remains active for regular online shopping.

Q: Can I get a refund if I forgot to cancel my Walmart+ membership after the free trial?

A: Walmart typically doesn’t offer refunds for forgotten cancellations, but you can contact customer service to discuss your specific situation.

Conclusion:

Canceling your Walmart Plus membership is a personal decision that depends on your shopping habits and needs. Here’s a quick recap of the cancellation methods:

  1. Online through Walmart.com: Quick and available 24/7
  2. Via the Walmart mobile app: Convenient for mobile users
  3. By phone with customer service: Helpful for complex situations or questions

Remember to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Consider your usage of Walmart+ benefits, potential savings, and alternative options before making your final decision.

Ultimately, the goal is to make smart consumer choices that align with your lifestyle and budget. Whether you choose to keep, cancel, or explore alternatives to Walmart Plus, being an informed consumer is key to maximizing value and minimizing unnecessary expenses.

By following this guide, you’ll be well equipped to navigate the cancellation process and make the best decision for your circumstances. Remember, what works best for you may change over time, so it’s worth reassessing your needs periodically.

Happy shopping, with or without Walmart+!

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