Reader TTS

Amazon Prime dominates the world of retail membership and loyalty programs. Launched in 2005, the subscription offers online shoppers the convenience of two-day shipping for a $139 annual

fee. Now, according to financial data and news company PYMNTS, 67 percent of U.S. consumers have a Prime membership and, in turn, access not only to fast shipping on practically any product

but also video and music streaming, grocery and food delivery, gas discounts, cheap prescriptions and a whole host of other perks. However, as the benefits of a Prime membership have

increased, so has the price, which originally was $79 per year. That might have some consumers debating whether to stick with Prime or switch to a cheaper alternative, such as Walmart Plus.

Walmart’s membership program, launched in 2020, offers a wide range of benefits that rival Amazon Prime’s. But with only 30 percent of U.S. consumers subscribing (according to PYMNTS),

Walmart Plus has a long way to go to match the popularity of Prime. “[Walmart Plus] has a lot of catching up to do if it wants consumers to replace Prime, but I think it could differentiate

itself and prove to be the right choice for households where Prime isn't the right fit,” says Jen Smith, host of the _Frugal Friends_ podcast and co-author of _Buy What You Love Without

Going Broke_.  But not all money-saving experts agree that Walmart Plus is a worthy alternative to Prime. “I've always felt like Walmart Plus is the budget version of Amazon [Prime],”

says Jim Wang, founder of WalletHacks.com, a personal finance website. “It's cheaper, has fewer benefits, and Walmart simply doesn't have the size of Amazon.” That said, it’s

worthwhile to compare what you get for your money with Amazon Prime and Walmart Plus to determine which membership program is right for you, whether subscribing to both makes sense or if

neither is worth the cost.                                           PRICE At $139 per year, an Amazon Prime membership costs substantially more than a $98 Walmart Plus membership. “Price

matters, and $40 is significant for some shoppers,” Wang says. “But it comes down to which benefits you'll be using and which retailer has lower prices on the products you're

buying.” Both retailers offer the option to test out their membership programs for free for 30 days. And their memberships are half-price for recipients of some government benefits,

including SNAP and Medicaid. Amazon also offers a discounted student membership for $7.49 per month.  SHIPPING AND RETURNS Amazon Prime and Walmart Plus offer free same-day, one-day and

two-day shipping for eligible items. Free shipping is not available for third-party sellers on Walmart Marketplace. Some third-party sellers on Amazon Marketplace offer Amazon Prime members

free shipping but not all. Both membership programs include free returns, although some items may require customers to pay restocking fees.