Walmart+ aims to be a one-stop shop for multiple services, and is targeting travel next. The next feature for its monthly subscription service is a travel hub powered by Expedia Group.
Walmart+ members can book hotels, reserve cars and buy vacation packages through WalmartPlusTravel, which offer special perks.
That includes 5% Walmart Cash for vacation rentals, hotel reservations, car rentals, and on thousands of select vacation activity reservations. Members can also get 2% Walmart Cash on plane tickets and vacation packages.
This marks another feature as Walmart+ loads up on the perks for its subscription service, which competes against Amazon’s Prime and a hodgepodge of other services. As consumers deal with subscription fatigue and an explosion of services, companies are keen to provide more justification to stick with them.
On TKTK, Walmart introduced Walmart Cash to replace Walmart Rewards last year. The “cash” can be used towards future Walmart purchases or cash-out credits in the store. These are basically loyalty points earned and have no monetary value. Walmart Cash appears in your Walmart Wallet 30 days after you’ve returned from your trip.
By tapping into Expedia’s travel network, Walmart+ members can choose from over 900,000 properties and 500 airlines. Members can also select from more than 100 car rental companies. Expedia will handle any questions or alterations you need to make to your travel plans.
“Together, we’re connecting Walmart’s massive customer base with Expedia Group’s extensive array of travel supply partners from all around the world,” Ariane Gorin, president of Expedia’s business unit, said in a statement released by Walmart on Tuesday.
Although Walmart+ Travel isn’t offering a discount on travel expenses, racking up Walmart Cash points could be appealing for seasoned travelers.
If you’ve already signed up for Walmart+, look under the member benefits hub on WalmartPlusTravel or in the Walmart+ app. From there, you’ll see all the available options and can book a vacation from start to finish.
A membership costs $98 a year or $12.95 a month and comes with a 30-day free trial for new accounts, and Walmart says membership could save customers more than $1,300 a year.