Taking a shopping trip to Walmart can be overwhelming because the store has so many products to offer. Also, because Walmart is so popular, the checkout lines might be long and have longer wait times.
If you want to save time while shopping at Walmart, you may have heard of Scan and Go at other retail stores.
If you have the Walmart mobile app, you might be wondering, does Walmart have scan and go? If you’d like to find out, keep reading!
Does Walmart Have Scan and Go In 2024?
Walmart offers a Scan and Go feature in the Walmart mobile app exclusively for Walmart+ members as of 2024. The Scan and Go feature saves you time and helps you avoid close contact with store associates. However, weighted produce and alcohol purchases can slow down your shopping trip because they require extra steps.
If you want to learn more about Walmart’s Scan and Go feature, like how you use scan and go, what the downsides are, and how much a Walmart+ membership costs, keep on reading for more facts!
What Is Walmart Scan and Go?
Walmart Scan and Go is a feature on the Walmart mobile app that allows customers to shop and scan items with their smartphones.
Walmart designed the Scan and Go feature to save customers time while shopping and provide a contact-free shopping option.
However, you must be a Walmart+ member to use the Scan and Go feature in the Walmart app.
How Do You Use Walmart Scan and Go?
Using the Walmart Scan and Go feature is designed to be as easy as possible, even if you’ve never used the technology before. To use this feature, utilize the following steps:
- Sign in to your Walmart+ account on the Walmart mobile app (available in the Google and Apple app stores).
- Next, open the Walmart app as you enter the store and click on the “Scan & Go” icon in the “Services” menu towards the bottom of your screen.
- Afterward, simply find and scan the barcode of the items you plan on purchasing.
If you’re buying fresh fruits or vegetables that need to be weighed to receive a price, you’ll need to do so at the self-checkout station at the end of your shopping trip.
After you find all your items, head over to the self-checkout station and scan your QR code to finalize payment.
Additionally, a Walmart associate may request to scan your e-receipt to ensure you’re not stealing as you leave the store.
Can You Buy Alcohol with the Walmart Scan and Go Feature?
If alcohol is on your shopping list, you can still buy it with Walmart’s Scan and Go feature. However, a Walmart associate will need to check your ID before paying for your items.
According to some customers, it’s quicker to go to a regular checkout station when buying alcohol through the Scan and Go feature.
However, Walmart associates monitor the self-checkout stations, so that’s certainly an option when using the Walmart app.
What Are the Benefits of Using Walmart+?
In addition to having access to Walmart’s Scan and Go feature in the app, there are several other benefits to enrolling in a Walmart+ membership.
According to Walmart, you can save one and a half hours each week when you utilize free delivery to your local Walmart store.
As well, Walmart claims you can save $84 a year on gas at Walmart, Murphy, and Sam’s Club gas stations.
You can also save over $800 a year by getting your weekly groceries with free delivery to your store.
Additionally, Walmart+ members gain access to other deals and promotions throughout the year.
Does Walmart Scan and Go Actually Save Time?
Walmart’s Scan and Go feature will save you time during your shopping trip, but it depends on what you’re buying.
For example, if you’re buying fresh produce or alcohol, your shopping trip might take a little longer when using the Scan and Go feature.
Therefore, previous Walmart+ members recommend only using the app for shopping trips where you don’t have to buy produce or alcohol.
Additionally, some customers noted that it was awkward to pull out their phone every time they wanted to add something to their cart.
Still, the Walmart Scan and Go feature can save you a significant amount of time overall, while also avoiding close contact with others.
What Are the Downsides of Using Walmart Scan and Go?
Naturally, there are some downsides to Walmart’s Scan and Go, as the app and the mobile scanning feature are still relatively new.
Therefore, it’s likely the Scan and Go feature will continue to evolve and get even better in the future!
Still, some of the most common parts of the Scan and Go feature that customers felt were a downside include the following:
- App glitches periodically
- Have to buy alcohol and weighted product separately
- Not user-friendly for new Walmart+ members
When Is the Best Time to Use Walmart Scan and Go?
If you want to know whether the Scan and Go feature is right for you while shopping at Walmart, there are a few circumstances that can tell you if that’s the case.
For example, the Scan and Go feature is convenient in the following scenarios:
- You want to avoid close contact with Walmart associates
- You don’t have produce or alcohol on your shopping list
- Regular checkout lines are long
- Your Walmart store is particularly busy
- You prefer a digital receipt to a hard copy
How Much Does a Walmart+ Membership Cost?
A Walmart+ membership costs $98 a year, or $12.95 a month if you prefer to pay monthly. However, keep in mind that purchasing the annual membership upfront will save you a little extra money.
Also, if you want to test out a Walmart+ membership before actually buying it, you can take advantage of a 15-day free trial.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on how to scan Walmart receipts, if Walmart removes price scanners, and the Walmart price adjustment policy.
Conclusion
Walmart’s Scan and Go feature on the Walmart mobile app allows you to scan the barcodes of items you plan on purchasing as you shop.
Additionally, Scan and Go saves you time while shopping in-store at Walmart. To use the Scan and Go feature, you must log in and be a Walmart+ member. Currently, Walmart+ memberships cost $98 a year or $12.95 a month.