The Walmart Associate Discount Program is a significant component of the total benefits package offered to employees, providing tangible savings on everyday purchases. This program is designed to reward associates for their contributions and to help them manage household expenses more effectively. The discount is an immediate financial perk that works alongside a wide range of other financial, educational, and wellness benefits, providing value beyond an associate’s regular paycheck.
The Standard Associate Discount
The primary, year-round benefit is a 10% discount applied to eligible merchandise purchases made both in-store and online through Walmart’s platform. This percentage is consistently applied to a broad spectrum of items, including apparel, home goods, electronics, and automotive supplies, provided they are at their regular price.
The 10% discount now also applies to nearly all regularly priced grocery items year-round, which was previously a limited-time holiday benefit. This includes dairy, meat, seafood, frozen foods, and dry groceries, dramatically increasing the discount’s value for routine household shopping. The discount is only applicable to items sold directly by Walmart, excluding third-party marketplace sellers.
Items and Services Excluded from the Discount
The standard associate discount is not universal and has specific product and service exclusions. Items already marked down, such as clearance items, Rollbacks, or products on sale, are ineligible for the extra 10% reduction, as the discount only applies to items at their regular price point.
Certain categories of goods and services are excluded due to regulatory constraints or company policy. These exclusions include:
- Purchases of gasoline or fuel, tobacco products, and alcoholic beverages.
- Financial instruments like gift cards, pre-paid cards, and money orders.
- Services such as prescriptions and wireless service plans.
- Items like firearms and ammunition.
Seasonal and Promotional Discount Programs
Beyond the consistent year-round discount, associates frequently receive opportunities for temporary, increased savings, typically during the holiday season. The company often offers an additional 15% discount on a single purchase during the late-year period. This extra percentage is applied on top of the standard 10% discount, resulting in a total 25% reduction for that one transaction.
This one-time, higher discount serves as an appreciation bonus for associates working during the busiest shopping days. It provides an opportunity to purchase higher-value items or stock up on holiday needs. The expanded holiday program often includes a wider range of items, such as most food categories, that are not covered under the standard year-round discount.
Associate Financial and Wellness Perks
The associate discount program is supplemented by a wide array of non-merchandise perks that offer financial and wellness benefits. All U.S. field associates receive a complimentary Walmart+ membership, which provides savings on fuel and free shipping or delivery from stores.
For associates seeking professional development, the Live Better U program offers 100% company-paid college tuition and books for certain degrees and certificates. This educational benefit supports career advancement.
The company also provides access to an Associate Discount Center, which offers special pricing on third-party services, including:
- Cell phone plans
- Gym memberships
- Travel and entertainment tickets
Financial planning resources, a 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match, and an associate stock purchase plan are also available to help build long-term financial security.
Eligibility and Discount Card Usage Rules
To qualify for the discount program, new associates must first complete a specific waiting period, typically 90 days of active employment. After this probationary period, both full-time and part-time employees are eligible to receive the Walmart Associate Discount Card. This card is required to apply the savings at the register for in-store purchases.
The discount privilege extends beyond the individual employee to cover their spouse or domestic partner, who can also be issued a card. Dependents of the associate are permitted to use the discount card for purchases, though the associate remains responsible for all transactions made. The card must only be used for personal purchases by the authorized users, and misuse, such as allowing unauthorized individuals to use the card, can lead to disciplinary action.