How to save money shopping online
Here’s how to look for deals while shopping online.
Problem Solved
If your holiday shopping list is getting a bit out of hand, you might want to consider signing up for a membership program to help you save some money.
Membership programs like Amazon Prime, Walmart+ and REI Co-op offer users a slate of benefits, including exclusive discounts, deals and access to sales. There’s also the added benefit of free or expedited shipping and extended returns, which could really come in handy this holiday season.
Some retailers, including Walmart and Sam’s Club, are offering discounts on their membership programs to help consumers save some money this holiday season.
Here’s what Arizonans need to know about Black Friday membership deals to Walmart, Target, REI, Sam’s Club and more.
Walmart+
The major retailer is offering 50% off its Walmart+ membership program. A Walmart+ membership offers a host of benefits to make shopping easier, more affordable and more rewarding.
- Mobile checkout:Â Skip the checkout lines with the mobile scan and go feature in the Walmart app. Simply scan your items, pay via your phone, and be on your way. This time-saving benefit is particularly advantageous during the busy holiday shopping period.Â
- Free shipping: Walmart+ members get unlimited free delivery from their local store and free shipping with no order minimum on items shipped by Walmart. This benefit makes it easier to get all your holiday essentials and gifts delivered to your doorstep without extra costs.Â
- Early access: Members will have early access to the Walmart Black Friday 2024 deals and other special promotions throughout the year, ensuring you snag the best deals before they sell out.Â
- Member prices on fuel:Â Save up to 10 cents per gallon at over 14,000 participating gas stations nationwide. This perk is especially useful during the holiday season when travel increases and every penny saved on fuel counts.
How much does it cost? There are two Walmart+ pricing plans. You can become a member for $12.95 per month or for $98 annually. With the current 50% off membership deal, instead of $98 for 12 months of benefits, you’ll pay just $49 for a year of special deals and exclusive benefits.
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Amazon Prime
If you aren’t already an Amazon Prime member, you might consider signing up to get discounts and extra perks during the holiday shopping season. Amazon Prime members can get the following perks:
- Expedited delivery options: Members can access same-day, one-day or two-day delivery on many products.
- Deals on groceries and prescriptions: Prime members can get discounts on hundreds of groceries in-store or online at Amazon Fresh. Members can also access discounts on prescriptions at pharmacies, including Walgreens, CVS and Amazon Pharmacy.
- Exclusive access to other programs: Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Music, Amazon Photos and Prime Gaming. Members can also get free access to GrubHub+, meaning $0 delivery fees and lower service fees.
- Discounts on gas: Amazon Prime members can get a new perk at the pump: 10 cents off every gallon of gas. Prime members can get the 10 cent-discount, effective immediately, at about 7,000 Amoco, AM/PM and BP gas stations across the U.S.
How much does it cost? A standard membership costs $14.99 per month or $139 for a one-year subscription. Students and those who qualify for government assistance can receive a 50% discount.
Sign up for Amazon Prime today
My Best Buy
While Best Buy’s free My Best Buy membership provides access to free standard shipping, two other paid tiers of the program — My Best Buy Plus or My Best Buy Total — offer even more perks.
- Free two-day shipping
- Exclusive access: Members can get discounted or special prices on some items. They also can get “exclusive access” to sales, events and products.
- Extended returns: Members can have 60 days to return most products with a My Best Buy Plus or My Best Buy Total plan.
- Added perks for My Best Buy Total plan: Those paying for the highest membership tier can also get protection plans, 24/7 tech support, VIP member support and 20% off repairs.
How much does it cost? There are several tiers of the membership. For $49.99 a year, My Best Buy Plus members can access most benefits. For the full slate of benefits, including discounts on repairs and access to tech support, you can sign up for My Best Buy Total for $179.99 a year.
Early Black Friday deals: Watch USA Today on Good Day New York
USA Today talked with Rosanna Scotto and Curt Menefee on Good Day New York about a few of the best early Black Friday deals available at Michael Kors, Our Place, Amazon.
Nike Rewards
A Nike membership nets you a lot of worthwhile benefits.
- Free shipping: Nike members get free shipping on any delivery of $50 or more.
- More time to return products: Members get 60 days to return products, rather than the standard TK return time.
- Exclusive access to sales and savings: Nike also hosts frequent sales that only members can shop. In fact, members often receive more savings than non-members on shoes, athletic wear, and other items. There’s even a designated “Member Product” section featuring special kicks, fleeces and more exclusively available for Nike reward members.
How much does it cost? A Nike membership is free. While some retailer memberships require you to pay for the best sales and shopping perks, Nike does not.
Target Circle
Target Circle is a free program to join. Membership benefits include exclusive savings and rewards and 1% in Target Circle earnings rewards every time you make an eligible purchase.
Target also offers a paid membership program called Target Circle 360, which offers even more perks.
- Same-day delivery: Members can get unlimited same-day delivery on orders of $35 or more on top of the typically free two-day shipping all members get.  Â
- Extended return window: Target Circle 360 members get an extra 30 days to return items.
How much does it cost? It’s free to join Target Circle. However, Target Circle 360 costs $99 a year or $10.99 a month. Those with a Target Circle Card can join for just $49 a year.
REI Co-op
REI’s Co-op membership program gives exclusive access to discounts, deals and products for a one-time fee.
- Exclusive discounts and deals: Co-op members typically get 10% back annually on eligible purchases. They also get special access to certain offers, discounts and coupons.
- Extended returns: Members can typically get a full year to return an item for a replacement or refund.
- Free standard shipping
- Early access: Members get special access to some products and limited-edition gear.
- Discounts on rentals, experiences, bike and snow shop services: REI Co-op members save 20% on bike and snow shop services, in addition to a free tube with flat tire repair and free machine wax for skis or snowboards. Members also get up to 33% off rentals and special pricing on REI Co-op classes, day trips and more experiences.
How much does it cost? There is a one-time $30 cost to become a REI Co-op member. The program doesn’t require annual payments or fees.
Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club is offering hundreds of weekend doorbuster deals and a limited-time membership deal to help new members join for just $25, a significant reduction from the standard $50 annual fee.Â
How much does it cost? The standard Club membership at Sam’s Club usually costs $50 for one year of shopping benefits. However, you can sign up for just $25 with the current membership deal. You can also opt for the Plus membership for only $50 instead of the full $110 price tag.Â
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Kasey Caminiti contributed to this article.