If you drive a gas guzzler, you might want to start fueling up at Walmart. That’s right, the retailer and grocer is now also involved in the gas station business. Hundreds of Walmart Fuel and Convenience stations are cropping up across the country, giving its rivals, like Costco, some stiff competition. But does Walmart have what it takes to become the No. 1 grocer-gas station retailer?
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The big-box retailer already operates 400 Walmart Fuel and Convenience stations in 34 states, but has plans to open and/or remodel an additional 50 stations in 2025. Palm Springs, California, is the most recent city to get a Walmart gas center. It opened for business in Dec. 2024.
A year from now, more than 450 Walmart Fuel and Convenience stores will be up and running across the country, the company confirmed via email to PYMNTS.
“By adding dozens of fuel and convenience stations this year, we are bringing even more value to our customers,” said Dave DeSerio, vice president of fuel and convenience at Walmart U.S. “Customers shop Walmart for our everyday low prices and convenience offerings, and fuel stations are another example of us responding to our customer and member needs.”
Unlike other grocery-operated gas stations, you don’t need a membership to fuel your car and stock up on road trip snacks at Walmart Fuel and Convenience stores. People have been quick to point out that this is a huge incentive to use Walmart gas over Costco gas. Additionally, Walmart says its mini-marts reflect the same low prices on snacks and drinks as its regular stores.
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In the pro column for Costco, however, is that it operates more than 700 gas stations across the country, as Quartz reports. And the company recently announced that its gas station will be open for extended hours, and those who have the the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi will now get 5 percent cash back on gas at Costco and 4 percent cash back on other eligible gas purchases.
However, there are perks to being a Walmart+ member (which costs $98 per year). Members can save up to 10 cents per gallon at Walmart fuel centers, as well as participating Exxon, Mobil, and Murphy stations. A Walmart+ membership will also get you member-exclusive gas prices at Sam’s Club stations.
“More access to a bigger discount will make a difference for our customers,” said former Walmart senior vice president Chris Cracchiolo back in 2022, per PYMNTS. “We want Walmart+ to help our customers save time and money, not only when they’re shopping with us, but throughout their day.”
Shoppers can use the Walmart Store Locator to find the nearest Walmart Fuel and Convenience station.
