Are Idaho Walmart Stores Really Going To Charge For Self-Checkout?

A Facebook video is causing serious panic for Walmart shoppers in the Treasure Valley. The video claims you need to subscribe to Walmart Plus for $12 per month or $98 per year to use their self-checkout system. It shows a Walmart store sign saying, "This checkout is reserved for Walmart+ and Spark Members Only." The video has been shared over 44,000 times on Facebook, Threads, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

What is Walmart Plus?

Walmart Plus is Walmart's answer to Amazon Prime. It allows you to get free grocery delivery, free shipping on items you purchase on their website or app with no minimum, gas discounts, and a free subscription to Paramount Plus. Depending on how much you use these services, Walmart claims this could save you over $6,000 per year.

What is Spark?

Spark is Walmart's answer to InstaCart and DoorDash. You can order something from Walmart's website or app, and a Spark Driver will deliver it to you in hours. Drivers earn money for shopping and delivering the items using their own cars.

So, is self-checkout changing at Idaho Walmart stores?

Yes, but not the way the video described. A Walmart spokesperson told USA Today that stores can adjust self-checkout lanes based on customer flow. However, some stores have created self-checkout lanes exclusively for Walmart Plus subscribers and Spark Drivers.

Will Walmart start charging $98 per year to use the self-checkout?

No. According to another Walmart representative, there are no plans to shut self-checkout down for regular customers. However, stores may choose to close self-checkout completely at slower times. During these hours, even when the lanes are closed, Walmart Spark Drivers can still use self-checkout.