A Walmart shopper claims she was automatically signed up for a Plus membership after using self-checkout and plans to cancel it.
This follows false rumors that customers at Walmart and Target would have to pay to use self-checkout under a subscription model.
Unexpected Enrollment at Walmart
In a recent Facebook post, Jenny Johnson described a troubling experience with Walmart's self-checkout system. According to The U.S. Sun, she had been automatically signed up for a Walmart+ membership-a service she had not knowingly joined.
After discovering an unexpected charge of $12.95 for Walmart+ on her account, Johnson contacted Walmart's customer service. They confirmed that using the self-checkout could lead to automatic enrollment in Walmart+.
The representative confirmed this, processed a refund, and canceled the subscription for Johnson. The US Sun has attempted to contact Walmart for confirmation on Johnson's experience but has not received a response yet.
Walmart's official website does not indicate that self-checkout or any other store service will automatically enroll users into the Walmart+ membership program. The only way to join Walmart+ is by signing up voluntarily.
Walmart+ is designed to help customers save time and money. The retailer's website highlights that customers need a Walmart account and the Walmart app to utilize the benefits.
Membership perks include free shipping without a minimum order requirement and delivery from local stores. Members also enjoy fuel savings at participating Exxon, Mobil, Walmart, and Murphy stations.
Additionally, Walmart+ offers the Mobile Scan & Go feature via its app, allowing members to scan items and check out in-store directly. Members also receive access to Paramount+ for entertainment and early access to special promotions and events.
For those interested in joining, Walmart+ provides flexible payment options: $12.95 monthly or $98 annually plus tax.
Also Read: Costco Customers Eligible for $2 Million Settlement Payout in False Advertising
Subscription Myths at Retail Checkouts
There have been rumors that Walmart and other retailers like Target would start charging customers to use self-checkout as part of a subscription model.
However, these claims have been debunked by Verify This, confirming that neither Walmart nor Target impose annual fees for self-checkout use. Both companies offer subscription services but do not restrict access to self-checkout kiosks.
Target has introduced new updates to its self-checkout system, including an Express Self-Checkout option and flexible operating hours determined by store leaders. Still, these changes are not exclusive to members of any subscription program.
Loni Monroe from Target clarified to VERIFY that the retailer does not charge for self-checkout usage.
Similarly, Walmart's self-checkout remains open to all customers. While Walmart requires a paid subscription for its "scan & go" feature, which lets shoppers scan items with their phones, it still concludes with payment at the general self-checkout stations, which are not exclusive to subscribers.
Walmart representative Robert Arrieta affirmed this information to VERIFY, ensuring broad access to their checkout options.
Walmart has clarified that not all self-checkout kiosks are operational during all store hours. Like Target, Walmart may adjust the availability of these kiosks based on staffing and customer traffic.
Arrieta noted that varying operational hours could lead to misunderstandings if customers notice kiosks closed at certain times, although Walmart's Spark delivery drivers have access at any time.
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