The mega-retailer is bringing back a $6.99 charge on some online orders, but dismisses speculation that global tariffs are to blame.
Walmart has revived a $6.99 “basket fee” for online grocery delivery and pickup requests under $35 by participants in the Walmart+ Assist program. The charge was suspended during the height of the COVID crisis to provide relief, but it returned in April. While rumors suggest new tariffs triggered the fee, the company insists that’s simply not the case.
Why Walmart’s reinstated $6.99 basket fee is causing nationwide debate and confusion among shoppers
Questions popped up after The Daily Mail connected the return of Walmart’s basket fee to tariffs. However, a Walmart spokesperson clarified that the company’s change is not tied to global trade policies. The spokesperson added that a minimum order charge is common among retailers providing home delivery services, mentioning that Target and similar businesses employ comparable fees.
Tariffs have become a hot topic because they can lead to higher costs for both businesses and consumers. Walmart, which operates thousands of stores across the United States, typically absorbs price shifts more easily than smaller competitors. The company’s CEO, Doug McMillon, has assured investors that Walmart remains dedicated to offering low-cost essentials, even with international trade fluctuations in play.
Will the revived basket fee affect shoppers who rely on Walmart+ Assist benefits right now?
The Walmart+ Assist program allows recipients of food stamps, EBT cards, or Medicaid to access Walmart+ at a 50% reduced annual price. Although the $6.99 fee only applies to orders under $35, some low-income consumers worry it may add to their financial burden. Yet Walmart emphasizes that in-store purchases remain exempt from the basket fee, offering shoppers a way to avoid extra costs. Below is a quick breakdown of the Walmart+ Assist membership:
- Sign-up available to verified low-income beneficiaries.
- Half-price membership fee ($49 annually vs. $98 standard).
- Benefits include discounted prescriptions, free pharmacy delivery, and lower gas prices.
Important details about Walmart+ membership fees and benefits for eligible recipients
Consider this table for a clear snapshot of the current fees and perks:
| Program | Annual Price | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart+ (Standard) | $98 | Free delivery (min. purchase), fuel discounts, select Rx benefits |
| Walmart+ Assist | $49 | Same benefits as above, designed for low-income qualifiers |
Still have questions about whether this program is worth it? Some shoppers find that it saves them time and money overall, especially for bulk grocery orders.
It appears that tariffs are not behind the basket fee, and Walmart maintains that this standard service charge is to offset smaller online purchases. Shoppers using Walmart+ Assist can still minimize extra costs by combining items to meet the $35 threshold or by shopping in-store. Ultimately, Walmart aims to keep prices affordable while navigating broader economic shifts.