Walmart has brought back a controversial minimum basket fee for online orders paid with Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, which has sparked widespread backlash. The $6.99 fee affects Walmart+ Assist members when their orders total less than $35. This fee was paused during the pandemic but is now being reinstated to cover the costs associated with picking and packing orders from stores.
An internal memo stated, “We’re reinstating minimum basket fees for customers with EBT cards saved to their Walmart account.” This policy, which was quietly tested last year, has now been implemented across America. Its return has raised concerns among customers, especially those who rely on government assistance. The return of this policy has also reignited debates about corporate responsibility and support for vulnerable shoppers.
Customer Outrage and Social Media Reaction
The reintroduction of the fee caused immediate backlash across social media. Many shoppers took to X, Reddit, and Instagram to express their frustration, arguing that the policy unfairly targets people who are already struggling financially.
Some critics even questioned the legality and ethics of charging extra fees to EBT users, with some calling the practice “outright fraud.” Others feared that the fee would pressure low-income families to either overspend or pay a penalty, further straining their limited resources.
Shopper Struggles: “I’m Buying Snacks Just to Hit $35”
Websites with support groups and forums are where people write about how the surcharge affects them. A Ohio single mom talked about having to include miscellaneous snacks just to reach the $35 threshold—even though she doesn’t need them.
A Florida retiree talked about going to the store in person, despite mobility issues, just to avoid paying the fee. These vignettes illustrate how a $6.99 charge can force tough decisions on people living paycheck-to-paycheck.
Walmart’s Official Response
In response to the criticism, Walmart issued statements clarifying its position. The company stated that other retail giants commonly use the basket fee, and that it is not unique to Walmart. The official response states that this fee is necessary to cover the costs of picking and packing online orders.
Walmart also emphasized that the fee only applies to online orders under $35 and that it does not impact in-store purchases. Company representatives stressed that the decision was made to support operational costs and not to target or penalize low-income customers.
Dispelling Tariff Rumors
Speculations soon arose that the fee was linked to increased tariffs on imported goods. “Penalizing people who use EBT due tariffs @Walmart? What if they don’t have the cash for the fee or the EBT to bring the order up to your minimum?” One person wrote on X.
Some customers wondered if the fee was Walmart’s way of offsetting higher costs caused by these tariffs. However, Walmart denied that there was any connection between the basket fee and tariffs, stating that the fee is a standard business practice unrelated to trade policy changes.
What Putting Through an Online Grocery Order Really Costs Walmart
Specialists cite the average cost of selecting, packaging, and loading an online grocery order as $5–$10. Walmart says the $6.99 charge simply reflects those business costs.
Opponents say the cost shouldn’t fall on those most in need, particularly when Walmart recorded billions in profits last year. The outcry continues over whether big companies like Walmart should cover more of these expenses as a matter of social responsibility.
The Walmart+ Assist Program
Walmart+ Assist is a discounted membership program that offers 50% discount on the standard Walmart+ subscription for individuals receiving government assistance, like SNAP or Medicaid. The program was put in place to make online shopping more accessible for low-income families by reducing membership costs.
Unfortunately, Walmart’s decision to reinstate the basket fee for orders under $35 has dampened enthusiasm for the program, as it introduces a new expense for people who are already budget-conscious.
“We Can’t Go In-Store”: The Fee’s Impact on Disabled and Elderly Shoppers
Disabled or elderly customers, who use delivery out of necessity rather than choice, are gravely affected by the fee, advocacy groups claim.
In-store shopping is off-limits to these individuals. Disability activists are calling on Walmart to provide exemptions or waivers for medically documented cases to avoid further penalizing these groups.
Industry Standards and Comparisons
To defend this decision, Walmart pointed out that minimum basket fees, just like this one, were common across the retail industry. Other popular stores, like Target and Amazon, also have order minimums for free pickup or delivery.
Walmart explained that the fee is necessary to help cover the additional operational costs involved in picking and packing online orders, which are more expensive than in-store purchases. The company stated that this policy aligns with industry standards and is necessary for maintaining service quality.
City Leaders Speak Up: Local Governments Weigh In on Walmart’s Fee
Some are calling for probes on whether the fees constitute a violation of rules that govern federal assistance programs in some sections.
Others are debating local incentives for grocers that would exempt fees for low-income shoppers. Although no legislation has been proposed yet, the fee has clearly caught policymakers’ attention.
Economic Pressures and Company Strategy
Walmart has decided to reintroduce this fee during a challenging economic environment. The company has issued cautious forecasts for 2025, citing uncertainties in consumer behavior, inflation, and global trade dynamics.
Walmart’s core customers are cutting back on discretionary spending, while Walmart is focused on managing costs and maintaining low prices. The reintroduction of this fee is part of a larger strategy that aims to cover operational costs while still serving millions of low-income shoppers.
Brand Loyalty at Risk: How the Fee Could Hurt Walmart’s Reputation
Branding professionals caution that the fee risks eroding the trust Walmart has built with low-income families.
Most customers perceive Walmart as the cheapest and most consistent choice—particularly during the pandemic. The risk of alienating price-conscious shoppers can, in turn, impact long-term loyalty.
Political and Social Implications
The changes to this policy have political and social implications, especially since it affects a large portion of the population that relies on government assistance. Lawmakers and advocacy groups have given their two cents, and some are arguing that the fee unfairly burdens vulnerable communities.
Walmart is currently facing pressure to reconsider this policy, but the company insists that it is committed to supporting all of its customers while ensuring business viability.
Communication and Transparency
Walmart has released internal memos and public statements in an attempt to address customer concerns. Customer service representatives have also been instructed to explain the reasoning behind the fee and clarify that it applies only to online orders below $35.
Despite Walmart’s efforts, many customers feel that the company could do more to help those experiencing financial hardship and provide a clearer explanation for why the fee is necessary.
Looking Elsewhere: How EBT Shoppers Are Exploring Alternatives
Due to the fee, numerous EBT shoppers are seeking lower-cost options. Neighborhood markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA) boxes, and small delivery outfits that don’t charge low-order fees are gaining traction. This trend may cap Walmart’s e-commerce market share if customers feel the service no longer offers good value.
Looking Forward
As Walmart navigates the backlash from the free, the company is still monitoring customer feedback and market trends. Executives have indicated that they are open to adjusting policies as needed, aiming to strike a balance between operational efficiency and customer needs.
Walmart’s decision to reinstate the basket fee shows the ongoing tension between business sustainability and social responsibility. Consumers and industry observers will be watching Walmart closely for the next while as the debate over equitable access to essential goods continues.
Affects On The Fashion and Beauty Sectors
Walmart’s decision to reinstate the fee highlights broader trends in accessibility and affordability in the retail and fashion industries. As financial pressures mount for low-income shoppers, the fashion and beauty industries are facing similar struggles. Many of these brands are working hard to keep their prices accessible while also dealing with increasing operational expenses.
Just as Walmart’s policy impacts the people who are already facing financial hardship, fashion and beauty brands are also working to balance inclusivity with financial sustainability. This scenario emphasizes the importance of responsible pricing strategies and corporate transparency, as both industries try to stay relevant to budget-conscious shoppers.
The Hidden Costs of “Convenience” for SNAP Users
Although online grocery shopping is considered time-efficient, reinstating the fee increases hidden costs for low-income households.
In addition to the $6.99 expense, SNAP recipients could face additional fees for substitutes, limited product availability online, or lack of access to store-exclusive sales. Hidden costs accumulate and disproportionately impact those trying to make every dollar stretch.
Employee Perceptions and Internal Responses
Walmart workers anonymously posted varied reactions to the policy. Some accept the cost of operation that comes with handling orders, but others fear the move adds stress at the customer service end.
Employees who handle pickups reportedly receive more complaints and miscommunications, which they say increases work stress.
Customer Workarounds and Hacks
Online forum customers have also started providing tips on how to circumvent the charge.
Some customers use innovative workarounds, such as stocking up on non-perishable goods to reach the $35 minimum and then returning items, or scheduling pickups during off-peak hours for better service.
Others claim that the effort undermines the entire value of shopping online.
Retail Tech and Efficiency Tradeoffs
Walmart invested billions in automation and artificial intelligence to streamline its supply chain. But critics contend that the efficiencies have not been passed on to consumers in the form of lower prices or reduced fees.
It’s not surprising that the reinstated basket fee has raised questions about whether corporate-scale investments in technology aim to widen, rather than narrow, profit margins.
Can Big Retail Still Be Fair? This issue highlights a larger issue: do giant retailers actually balance profit and equity?
As Walmart and others digitize and optimize, the gap between what is profitable to the company and within reach for marginalized consumers widens. Walmart’s future actions will set the terms of public conversation for years to come.
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