Could Walmart’s new policy cost you more at checkout? What shoppers need to know about the surprise fee
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If you’re a regular Walmart shopper—especially if you rely on SNAP benefits or the Walmart+ Assist program—there’s a new policy you need to know about before your next grocery run.
Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, has quietly reinstated a $6.99 minimum basket fee for certain orders, and it’s already causing a stir among millions of Americans.
Here at The GrayVine, let’s breaking down what’s changing, who’s affected, and how you can shop smarter in the face of rising prices.
What’s Changing? The Return of the Minimum Basket Fee
Walmart has reinstated a $6.99 basket fee for SNAP recipients using EBT cards, as well as those enrolled in its Walmart+ Assist program. This fee now applies to pickup and delivery orders under $35.
While the retailer has long required a $35 minimum for free delivery, the basket fee was previously waived during the COVID-19 pandemic to support food stamp users amid social distancing protocols.
The fee is now being brought back to help offset the operational costs of assembling and processing customer orders.
"We're reinstating minimum basket fees for customers with EBT cards saved to their Walmart account," stated an internal memo shared with Walmart customer service staff, according to Reuters.
It added, "If an EBT customer asks why we charged them a minimum basket fee, explain this is the correct fee for orders under $35."
Walmart is a major destination for SNAP users, accounting for around 26% of total food stamp spending, according to data from analytics firm Numerator.
These customers use EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards, which function similarly to prepaid debit cards. Members of Walmart+ Assist—a discounted version of the Walmart+ membership for those on government aid—are also subject to the reinstated fee.
Tighter Budgeting Amid Economic Tensions
The fee's return comes as Walmart navigates financial pressures tied to ongoing global trade tensions.
Also read: Your local Walmart might look totally different soon—Is your store on the list?
The administration’s tariff disputes with various countries have driven up the cost of imports, which in turn affects retailers like Walmart that rely on a broad range of international suppliers.
Although importers—often American businesses—pay the tariffs, companies like Walmart have already taken steps to curb costs.
These include closing some offices and encouraging staff to relocate to headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas. Additionally, Walmart has asked some suppliers to absorb the price increases caused by tariffs.
Despite these efforts, shoppers are likely to feel the financial impact. "We never want to raise prices," said Walmart CFO John David Rainey in an earlier interview with CNBC.
"Our model is everyday low prices, but there probably will be cases where prices will go up for consumers."
As a result of the tariffs, Americans have been urged to buy certain goods before prices rise, and experts warn that empty shelves may follow.
One retail analyst even specified when consumers might start seeing product shortages due to trade disruptions.
Also read: Walmart’s latest move is shaking up how Americans get their groceries
How Can You Avoid the Fee?
1. Plan Ahead:
If you’re shopping online for pickup or delivery, make sure your order totals at least $35 before taxes and fees. This is the simplest way to dodge the $6.99 charge.
2. Shop In-Store:
The minimum basket fee only applies to online pickup and delivery orders. If you’re able, shopping in person at your local Walmart can help you avoid the extra cost.
3. Combine Orders:
If you tend to place several small orders throughout the week, try consolidating them into one larger order to meet the $35 minimum.
4. Check for Promotions:
Walmart occasionally offers free pickup or delivery promotions—keep an eye on your email or the Walmart app for special deals that might waive the fee.
Have you been hit by Walmart’s new minimum basket fee? How are you adjusting your shopping habits? Do you have tips for stretching your grocery budget or navigating rising prices? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, has quietly reinstated a $6.99 minimum basket fee for certain orders, and it’s already causing a stir among millions of Americans.
Here at The GrayVine, let’s breaking down what’s changing, who’s affected, and how you can shop smarter in the face of rising prices.
What’s Changing? The Return of the Minimum Basket Fee
Walmart has reinstated a $6.99 basket fee for SNAP recipients using EBT cards, as well as those enrolled in its Walmart+ Assist program. This fee now applies to pickup and delivery orders under $35.
While the retailer has long required a $35 minimum for free delivery, the basket fee was previously waived during the COVID-19 pandemic to support food stamp users amid social distancing protocols.
The fee is now being brought back to help offset the operational costs of assembling and processing customer orders.
"We're reinstating minimum basket fees for customers with EBT cards saved to their Walmart account," stated an internal memo shared with Walmart customer service staff, according to Reuters.
Walmart has reinstated a minimum basket fee of $6.99 for pick up and delivery orders under $35. Image source: Marques Thomas / Unsplash.
It added, "If an EBT customer asks why we charged them a minimum basket fee, explain this is the correct fee for orders under $35."
Walmart is a major destination for SNAP users, accounting for around 26% of total food stamp spending, according to data from analytics firm Numerator.
These customers use EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards, which function similarly to prepaid debit cards. Members of Walmart+ Assist—a discounted version of the Walmart+ membership for those on government aid—are also subject to the reinstated fee.
Tighter Budgeting Amid Economic Tensions
The fee's return comes as Walmart navigates financial pressures tied to ongoing global trade tensions.
Also read: Your local Walmart might look totally different soon—Is your store on the list?
The administration’s tariff disputes with various countries have driven up the cost of imports, which in turn affects retailers like Walmart that rely on a broad range of international suppliers.
Although importers—often American businesses—pay the tariffs, companies like Walmart have already taken steps to curb costs.
These include closing some offices and encouraging staff to relocate to headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas. Additionally, Walmart has asked some suppliers to absorb the price increases caused by tariffs.
Despite these efforts, shoppers are likely to feel the financial impact. "We never want to raise prices," said Walmart CFO John David Rainey in an earlier interview with CNBC.
The move comes ahead of anticipated price hikes resulting from a global trade war and increased tariffs, which are driving up the cost of imported goods. Image source: News4JAX The Local Station / Youtube.
"Our model is everyday low prices, but there probably will be cases where prices will go up for consumers."
As a result of the tariffs, Americans have been urged to buy certain goods before prices rise, and experts warn that empty shelves may follow.
One retail analyst even specified when consumers might start seeing product shortages due to trade disruptions.
Also read: Walmart’s latest move is shaking up how Americans get their groceries
How Can You Avoid the Fee?
1. Plan Ahead:
If you’re shopping online for pickup or delivery, make sure your order totals at least $35 before taxes and fees. This is the simplest way to dodge the $6.99 charge.
2. Shop In-Store:
The minimum basket fee only applies to online pickup and delivery orders. If you’re able, shopping in person at your local Walmart can help you avoid the extra cost.
3. Combine Orders:
If you tend to place several small orders throughout the week, try consolidating them into one larger order to meet the $35 minimum.
4. Check for Promotions:
Walmart occasionally offers free pickup or delivery promotions—keep an eye on your email or the Walmart app for special deals that might waive the fee.
Have you been hit by Walmart’s new minimum basket fee? How are you adjusting your shopping habits? Do you have tips for stretching your grocery budget or navigating rising prices? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
