Walmart has lowered the price of its online subscription service by 50% for those on government assistance, a move that should help perk up membership.
The Bentonville-based retailer said the Walmart+ service will cost $49 a year, or $6.47 per month for those on Medicaid, Social Security, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (commonly known as food stamps) or other programs. Its regular membership costs $98 annually.
Perks for Walmart+ membership include free grocery deliveries, free shipping for online orders, gas discounts and access to Paramount+ streaming services.
More than 41 million people in the U.S. receive SNAP benefits, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Walmart started its subscription service in 2020, and has been adding more perks as a way to compete with Amazon Prime, which was unveiled in 2005. Amazon's annual membership now costs $139 per year.