a walmart membership just became a little more accessible for millions walmart announced thursday that it launched walmart assist a program offering americans on food stamps and other government assistance a monthly or yearlypaid membership for halfprice the price tag for a standard walmart membership is 98annually paid upfront 817month or 1295month those eligible for walmart assist can sign up for 49annually or 647month benefits include savings of up to 10 cents per gallon at walmart sam’s club murphy’s and exxon and mobil gas stations exclusive discounts both instore and online free shipping with no minimum free and often sameday delivery from local stores on orders over 35 and a free subscription to paramount included with membership the company says it will offer walmart assist to new and existing customers based on eligibility eligibility will be determined using sheerid the company says “existing members who qualify and sign up will receive a prorated refund and the new price will start immediately” the release says new members will also have the opportunity to try walmart using a 30day trial to learn more or sign up visit walmartcomplusassist even if you pay full price for a walmart subscription it may be worth it pros say though that depends when walmart was launched last year smart shopping expert trae bodge of truetraecom told marketwatch picks that the membership program was developing into a solid alternative to an amazon prime membership currently 139annually “they’re clearly taking a page out of the amazon prime playbook offering these exclusive deals to walmart members thereby making walmart more valuable” said bodge the extra savings walmart provides can be especially helpful amid historic inflation as grocery and household necessities become increasingly expensive and frequentregular walmart shoppers can reap the benefits of the extra savings offered by a membership those who shop several times a month at walmart and plan to order things for delivery will likely find the price worth it “walmart is really about shopping and delivery benefits so if you like to place small orders as you need them it’s worth it” blackfridaycom shopping expert kristin mcgrath said “the free sameday delivery on a 35 minimum order is also great for families who don’t have time to jump in the car to pick up what they need” the marketwatch picks team has put together this guide to see if springing for any walmart membership is right for you