By Matthew Coan
In recent years, American Express (Amex) has consistently enhanced the benefits of its Platinum card to offer more value to cardholders. One of the most exciting and recent additions to the Amex Platinum is the Walmart+ benefit. For frequent shoppers, this benefit can make a significant difference in their everyday shopping experience. This article dives deep into the Amex Platinum Walmart+ benefit, detailing what it is, how to access it, and why it’s a valuable perk for cardholders.
What Is the Walmart+ Benefit on the Amex Platinum Card?
The Walmart+ benefit on the American Express Platinum card provides cardholders with a complimentary Walmart+ membership, which is typically valued at $98 annually. Walmart+ is a membership program offered by Walmart, aimed at providing savings and convenience for shoppers both online and in-store.
Walmart+ offers several benefits that make shopping easier and more affordable. Some of the key features include free delivery from your local Walmart store, early access to deals, and discounts on fuel at participating gas stations. With the Amex Platinum Walmart+ benefit, cardholders can enjoy these perks without having to pay the annual fee associated with a standard Walmart+ membership.
Key Benefits of Walmart+
Before we dive deeper into how the Amex Platinum Walmart+ benefit works, let’s take a look at some of the most popular features of the Walmart+ membership.
- Free Delivery from Your Local Walmart Store
Walmart+ members can enjoy free same-day delivery on orders over $35 from their local Walmart store. This is a huge convenience for those who need groceries or other essentials quickly and don’t want to make a trip to the store. Delivery is available seven days a week, often with a faster turnaround time than traditional grocery delivery services. - Fuel Savings
One of the standout benefits of Walmart+ is the ability to save money at participating fuel stations. Walmart+ members receive up to 10 cents off per gallon of gas at over 14,000 participating locations across the United States. This can add up to significant savings for anyone who frequently fuels up. - Early Access to Deals
Walmart+ members are granted early access to Black Friday deals, holiday promotions, and other special sales events. This ensures members can snag the best bargains before they’re available to the general public, often securing highly sought-after items. - Free Scan & Go
Walmart+ members can use the Scan & Go feature within Walmart’s app to skip the checkout line. This feature allows users to scan items as they shop and pay directly through the app, making in-store shopping faster and more efficient. - Discounts on Prescription Medications
Walmart+ members can also access discounted pricing on prescriptions at Walmart pharmacies. This can be an especially valuable benefit for individuals who regularly take medications and want to reduce their pharmacy costs.
How to Access the Walmart+ Benefit on Your Amex Platinum Card
If you're an Amex Platinum cardholder and want to take advantage of the Walmart+ benefit, the process is simple. Here’s how you can access your free Walmart+ membership:
- Log Into Your American Express Account
Start by logging into your American Express account online or through the Amex mobile app. - Navigate to the Benefits Section
Once logged in, go to the "Benefits" tab. Here, you’ll see a list of all the benefits associated with your Platinum card. - Claim Your Walmart+ Benefit
In the benefits section, look for the Walmart+ benefit and click on the option to “Enroll” or “Activate.” This will prompt you to create or log into your Walmart account. - Follow the Activation Instructions
After logging into your Walmart account, follow the on-screen instructions to complete your Walmart+ membership activation. You should receive a confirmation once the process is complete. - Start Enjoying Walmart+ Benefits
After activation, you’ll be able to enjoy the full suite of Walmart+ benefits, including free delivery, fuel savings, and more.
It’s important to note that this benefit is only available to eligible Amex Platinum cardholders. Additionally, the membership benefit is limited to one Walmart+ membership per eligible cardholder. If you already have a Walmart+ membership through another service, such as a family plan, activating the Amex Platinum benefit will replace your current membership.
Why Is the Walmart+ Benefit Valuable for Amex Platinum Cardholders?
While the Amex Platinum card is known for its high annual fee, its suite of benefits makes it an attractive option for frequent travelers and shoppers alike. The addition of the Walmart+ benefit enhances the card’s value even further. Here are several reasons why this benefit is a game-changer for Amex Platinum holders.
- Cost Savings
The $98 annual fee for Walmart+ is completely covered with the Amex Platinum card benefit. For frequent Walmart shoppers, this can lead to significant savings, especially when factoring in the free delivery and fuel discounts. - Convenience
Walmart is one of the largest retailers in the U.S., offering everything from groceries to electronics to household goods. Having access to free delivery from your local Walmart store makes shopping much more convenient, especially for busy individuals or families who don’t have time to visit a physical store. - Fuel Savings
With gas prices fluctuating, the ability to save 10 cents per gallon at over 14,000 participating gas stations is a valuable perk. If you’re someone who drives regularly, this can result in a meaningful reduction in your annual fuel costs. - Early Access to Deals
Early access to Walmart’s sales events, especially during the holiday season, ensures that cardholders have a better chance of securing limited-quantity items. For shoppers who love finding deals, this is a major advantage. - Exclusive Access to In-Store Features
Walmart’s Scan & Go feature allows cardholders to bypass traditional checkout lines, saving time during in-store shopping. For those who are always on the go, this can streamline the shopping experience and reduce the hassle of waiting in long lines.
Other Notable Amex Platinum Benefits
While the Walmart+ benefit is one of the newest perks for Amex Platinum cardholders, it’s far from the only reason to carry this prestigious card. Below are some of the other key benefits that come with an Amex Platinum card:
- Travel Benefits
- Airport Lounge Access: Amex Platinum holders receive access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including the exclusive Centurion Lounges.
- Hotel Benefits: Enjoy elite status with hotel chains like Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, as well as room upgrades, late checkout, and complimentary breakfast.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck: Get a statement credit for the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, which helps speed up your airport security experience.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Receive up to $200 annually in statement credits to cover incidental airline fees, such as checked bags, seat upgrades, or in-flight refreshments.
- Shopping and Dining Perks
- Exclusive Offers: Amex Platinum cardholders have access to exclusive shopping and dining offers, ranging from discounts at select retailers to early reservations at fine dining restaurants.
- Purchase Protection: Enjoy extended warranties, purchase protection, and return protection for eligible purchases made with your card.
- Points and Rewards
- Membership Rewards Points: Earn 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, as well as 1X points on most other purchases.
- Bonus Categories: Amex Platinum members also earn bonus points in certain categories, including travel and dining.
Is the Amex Platinum Walmart+ Benefit Worth It?
Whether the Walmart+ benefit is worth it largely depends on your shopping habits. If you frequently shop at Walmart or use Walmart for grocery delivery, the benefit can easily outweigh the $695 annual fee of the Amex Platinum card. The free Walmart+ membership provides convenience and cost savings that can make it a practical perk for many cardholders.
However, if Walmart is not a store you visit often or you prefer shopping at other retailers, you might not find the Walmart+ benefit as valuable. In that case, you may want to consider other credit cards that better align with your spending preferences.
Conclusion
The Amex Platinum Walmart+ benefit is an exciting addition to the card’s already extensive roster of perks. By providing free access to Walmart+ membership, Amex has enhanced the value of this premium card for those who shop regularly at Walmart. From free delivery to fuel savings and exclusive access to sales, the Walmart+ benefit makes the Amex Platinum even more enticing.
For those who are already loyal Walmart customers, this benefit could easily justify the annual fee. Even for those who aren’t frequent Walmart shoppers, the convenience and savings of this perk could make it worthwhile. As with any financial product, it's important to evaluate your individual needs and spending habits to determine if the Amex Platinum card is the right choice for you.
In the competitive world of premium credit cards, the addition of the Walmart+ benefit strengthens the Amex Platinum's position, providing cardholders with even more value and convenience. So if you’re already carrying the Amex Platinum, make sure you take full advantage of this impressive perk.
