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Convenience often comes at a cost. Retail membership programs like Amazon Prime and Target Circle 360 come with monthly or annual fees. The same applies to Walmart Plus. Membership fees are expected, but sometimes other fees sneak into the picture. If you use Walmart Plus Assist, there’s one fee to keep an eye on.

Walmart recently reinstated a minimum basket fee for store delivery orders for Walmart Plus Assist, a program designed for customers who rely on government assistance. The $6.99 fee applies to orders under $35. Regular Walmart Plus members are already accustomed to the fee.

The minimum basket fee isn’t a new idea, but Walmart had removed the fee from the Assist program during the peak of COVID-19. Now, the fee is back, at this time of economic uncertainty, as the Trump administration continues its push for tariffs on foreign goods.

Reuters first reported on the fee’s return in late April after obtaining an internal Walmart memo.  

Here’s what you need to know about the Walmart Plus Assist minimum basket fee.

What is Walmart Plus Assist?

Walmart Plus Assist is an offshoot of the Walmart Plus membership program. The perk-filled program offers special savings, free shipping of eligible items, free pharmacy delivery, fuel discounts, a Paramount Plus streaming subscription and 25% off at Burger King, among other enticements.

Regular Walmart Plus costs $13 per month. Walmart Plus Assist is $6.47 per month or $49 for a year.

Who is eligible for Walmart Plus Assist?

The Assist program is meant for shoppers who qualify for government assistance programs like SNAP, WIC and Medicaid. You’ll need to verify your eligibility and re-verify it annually. There’s a one-month free trial.

What is a ‘minimum basket fee’?

It costs a retailer money to have an employee gather groceries and goods for customers. Offering delivery service also costs money. Minimum basket fees encourage consumers to place larger orders or pay for the privilege of receiving smaller orders. Target, for example, charges a fee for store delivery orders under $35 for Target Circle 360 members. 

Why did Walmart reinstate the fee?

The fee puts Walmart on similar footing as other retailers like Target and Amazon. Amazon charges a $3 same-day delivery fee for Prime orders under $25. Walmart told Mashable the basket fee is not related to tariffs. Walmart did not immediately respond to a CNET request for comment.

Every dollar counts when money is tight. Walmart Plus Assist store delivery users can avoid the basket fee by compiling a longer list of the items they need so the order total is over $35. You can also avoid the fee by shopping in person or ordering from Walmart’s eligible items online with free shipping. 

Evaluate whether the convenience and accompanying perks are worth the membership fee for your household. Looking for alternatives? Here are CNET’s recommendations for the best grocery delivery services.