The $120 Walmart surcharge shocking shoppers at checkout
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Online shopping is supposed to save time and money, but some Walmart customers are finding themselves with unexpected—and costly—surprises at checkout.
Imagine ordering five everyday essentials totaling under $40, only to see your final bill climb past $150.
That’s exactly what happened to a shopper in the US Virgin Islands, who was stunned by a $120 “location surcharge.”
Their experience has drawn attention online, with other customers in places like Hawaii and Alaska reporting similar issues.
For shoppers on fixed budgets, these sudden charges raise serious questions about fairness and transparency in online retail.
The shopper’s receipt showed five items priced at $37.72.
Then came the surprise: a separate line item adding $120.49 to the total.
Others in the Virgin Islands, Hawaii, and Alaska have also reported these steep surcharges.
One Walmart Plus member even asked on social media why they were being charged extra despite all items shipping directly from Walmart, not third-party sellers.
Walmart’s shipping policy explains that items shipped to Hawaii, Alaska, US territories, and other overseas locations may carry additional fees.
These costs are applied automatically during checkout and appear as a separate charge.
Heavy or oversized items can increase the total even further.
While the rules are disclosed online, many shoppers say they didn’t expect the fees to be so high—or applied so broadly.
Longtime Walmart customers suggest the surcharges have become more frequent in recent years.
Rising shipping expenses, supply chain challenges, and higher delivery costs to remote areas may all play a role.
Whatever the reason, many customers describe the amounts as unreasonable.
Some have said they now avoid Walmart altogether and choose competitors like Amazon for online orders.
If you’re concerned about unexpected charges, there are steps you can take:
With shipping costs climbing everywhere, retailers are passing more of those expenses onto customers.
For those living in mainland states, the issue may be less common, but for people in US territories, it has become a frequent and frustrating part of online shopping.
For families already managing tight budgets, these surcharges can make Walmart’s convenience far less appealing.
Online shopping should bring convenience, not unexpected headaches.
By staying alert to checkout totals, comparing retailers, and speaking up when something doesn’t seem right, shoppers can protect themselves from unnecessary fees.
The more we share our experiences, the better equipped we all are to navigate these hidden costs and make smarter choices
Read next: Are you secretly paying these hidden fees every time you shop at Walmart, Target, or Costco?
Online shopping should make life easier, not more complicated. By staying alert to extra charges and exploring alternatives, shoppers can avoid costly surprises and keep more money in their pockets.
Have you ever run into hidden fees when shopping online, and how did you handle them? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Imagine ordering five everyday essentials totaling under $40, only to see your final bill climb past $150.
That’s exactly what happened to a shopper in the US Virgin Islands, who was stunned by a $120 “location surcharge.”
Their experience has drawn attention online, with other customers in places like Hawaii and Alaska reporting similar issues.
For shoppers on fixed budgets, these sudden charges raise serious questions about fairness and transparency in online retail.
Customers have reported significant fees added to their Walmart online orders. Image Source: YouTube / 11Alive.
The mysterious “location surcharge”
The shopper’s receipt showed five items priced at $37.72.
Then came the surprise: a separate line item adding $120.49 to the total.
Others in the Virgin Islands, Hawaii, and Alaska have also reported these steep surcharges.
One Walmart Plus member even asked on social media why they were being charged extra despite all items shipping directly from Walmart, not third-party sellers.
Also read: Surprising cost increase: Discover the new fee Waffle House is charging for this order!
Why are these surcharges happening?
Walmart’s shipping policy explains that items shipped to Hawaii, Alaska, US territories, and other overseas locations may carry additional fees.
These costs are applied automatically during checkout and appear as a separate charge.
Heavy or oversized items can increase the total even further.
While the rules are disclosed online, many shoppers say they didn’t expect the fees to be so high—or applied so broadly.
Also read: Are gas stations charging you more than advertised? The credit card trick catching drivers off guard
Why now, and why so high?
Longtime Walmart customers suggest the surcharges have become more frequent in recent years.
Rising shipping expenses, supply chain challenges, and higher delivery costs to remote areas may all play a role.
Whatever the reason, many customers describe the amounts as unreasonable.
Some have said they now avoid Walmart altogether and choose competitors like Amazon for online orders.
Also read: Shoppers beware: Is Walmart’s “basket fee” back—and what does it mean for your wallet?
How to avoid surprise fees
If you’re concerned about unexpected charges, there are steps you can take:
- Double-check the checkout screen – Always review the final payment breakdown before placing your order.
- Compare retailers – Shipping costs vary; Amazon, Target, or local stores may offer lower or no surcharges.
- Explore local options – Regional stores may have online ordering without extra fees.
- Read Walmart+ fine print – Membership perks don’t always cover surcharges in non-continental US areas.
- Call customer service – Occasionally, charges may be applied in error and can be corrected.
Also read: Dining out just got more complicated—what to know about new restaurant surcharges
The bigger picture
With shipping costs climbing everywhere, retailers are passing more of those expenses onto customers.
For those living in mainland states, the issue may be less common, but for people in US territories, it has become a frequent and frustrating part of online shopping.
For families already managing tight budgets, these surcharges can make Walmart’s convenience far less appealing.
Online shopping should bring convenience, not unexpected headaches.
By staying alert to checkout totals, comparing retailers, and speaking up when something doesn’t seem right, shoppers can protect themselves from unnecessary fees.
The more we share our experiences, the better equipped we all are to navigate these hidden costs and make smarter choices
Read next: Are you secretly paying these hidden fees every time you shop at Walmart, Target, or Costco?
Online shopping should make life easier, not more complicated. By staying alert to extra charges and exploring alternatives, shoppers can avoid costly surprises and keep more money in their pockets.
Have you ever run into hidden fees when shopping online, and how did you handle them? Share your thoughts in the comments!
