When I decided to open the American Express Platinum Card® last year, I had my eyes on its lounge access and large welcome bonus. But the up to $12.95 monthly Walmart+ statement credit didn't even get a second look.
I wrote Walmart+ off as useless since I wasn't a frequent Walmart shopper. However, several months into being a Platinum Card holder, I decided to finally take a serious look at the program's perks. Rising grocery costs pushed me to turn to Walmart for lower prices — the perfect time to consider using my statement credit.
To my surprise, Walmart+ offers much more than just free delivery and no order minimum for free shipping. In fact, some of its perks don't even have anything to do with the brand at all. This statement credit is now a big part of what justifies the card's $895 annual fee (see rates and fees) for me.
If you're ignoring your Platinum Card's Walmart+ statement credit, you're making a mistake. Even if you're not a frequent Walmart shopper, there are ways to make a membership worth it — here's how.
What is the Amex Platinum Walmart+ credit?
It seems like every store has some kind of membership program. Walmart+ is Walmart's pay-to-join program, offering members a range of benefits to help them save money at Walmart and its partners.
A monthly membership costs $12.95 (plus taxes). Your Amex Platinum provides a statement credit to cover that amount every month, totaling $155 each calendar year (subject to auto-renewal; Plus Ups excluded). You need to enroll to receive this statement credit, so do that first before signing up for a membership.
Free delivery and shipping with Walmart+
Now that Walmart is my primary grocery store, I've come to rely on the Walmart-linked perks that come with Walmart+. I don't have to pay extra fees to have my groceries delivered as long as my order is $35 or more. With grocery prices continuing to climb, hitting that minimum isn't hard. While I'm all for shopping small when I can, making my dollars stretch counts for a lot these days.
I don't enjoy grocery shopping in person, so I'm happy to have someone else do that for me without paying more out of pocket. TPG credit cards writer Augusta Stone also loves receiving free same-day delivery on her grocery orders; she noted that this benefit saves her a lot of time "on random essentials like shampoo, conditioner and cleaning supplies."
I haven't had to pay for shipping either when I've had an order shipped instead of delivered. Walmart's online selection includes plenty of products that aren't always stocked in its physical stores. If something is out of stock at your local store, Walmart can often ship it directly from one of its warehouses. Best of all, unlike delivery, there's no minimum spending amount required to receive free shipping.
Without Walmart+, the added delivery and shipping fees would negate any savings I get by shopping at Walmart. If you haven't considered choosing Walmart for your groceries, it's worth a look, as you might save more than expected.
Complimentary Peacock Premium or Paramount+
Streaming services are a dime a dozen nowadays. If you want to watch a specific movie, show or sports event, you often have to do some sleuthing and sifting through your options to find the streaming platform it's on.
With our favorite entertainment spread across multiple services, we have to spend a chunk of cash each month to maintain access to it all. Back when I still gave Walmart+ a cold shoulder, I missed out on a way to save money on my streaming.
Walmart+ members can receive a complimentary Paramount+ Essential or Peacock Premium subscription. Paramount+ Essential usually costs $7.99 a month, and Peacock Premium is $10.99. (Note that plans include ads.)
As a college football fan and Oregonian, I love to follow the Oregon Ducks. Their games are often available on Paramount, so receiving a free Paramount+ subscription makes Walmart+ even easier to appreciate. And once football season ends, I can switch my selection to Peacock to enjoy some of my favorite shows, like House, M.D. (You can switch between the two services every 90 days.)
Augusta also highlights the Walmart+ streaming perk as one of her favorite parts of the program. She chooses to receive a complimentary Paramount+ subscription so she can access live feeds for her favorite shows, such as Big Brother.
If you already pay for either streaming service, using your Amex Platinum Walmart+ credit can net you real savings — up to $96 a year for Paramount+ or $132 for Peacock (based on a monthly subscription). Separate activation may be required.
Burger King savings
Admittedly, I've been on a Taco Bell kick lately when I'm in the mood for fast food. But I'll still argue that Burger King receives too much negativity as a fast food option, so I'm a fan of Walmart+ Burger King benefits.
These perks are available any time I'm in the mood for Burger King. Walmart+ members receive 25% off a digital Burger King order every day. While I don't eat Burger King that frequently, it's nice to know that I can get these savings any (or every) day of the week.
Walmart+ members also get a free Whopper every three months. Unlike the 25% discount, this benefit can be used digitally or in-store. In-store will save you the most money, since you won't pay any delivery fees.
If you like ordering out or occasionally find yourself without time to cook dinner, your Walmart+ membership can get you food for less than you'd pay without it.
Bottom line
Amex Platinum cardmembers receive up to $155 each calendar year to cover a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal; Plus-Ups excluded; enrollment required).
I've saved more money than expected by using some of Walmart+'s key perks. I definitely appreciate this benefit a lot more than I used to, and I don't even use all of the perks Walmart+ members can enjoy, such as fuel savings, access to remote veterinary services, free pharmacy delivery and free tire repair.
Even if you don't shop often at Walmart, give your Amex Platinum's Walmart+ statement credit real consideration. You might be surprised at how much money you can save.
To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Platinum.
Related: Don't overlook Resy: How to maximize dining experiences and save money with this Amex benefit
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, please click here
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
