Did You Know You Can Skip the Long Line at Sam's Club and Walmart? Here's How

The grocery store nearest to our home is a Walmart Supercenter. It's one of those mega-stores that carries everything from paint supplies to produce. While lines at Walmart have always been notoriously long, the problem has worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic. As customers estimate how long it might take to get through the line, some of them could be taking advantage of a Walmart+ perk.

Scan & Go: Perfect for the technically challenged

Anyone who has a Walmart+ membership has access to a Scan & Go feature on their smartphone to pay for purchases. No matter how many items are purchased, Walmart+ members can skip the long lines and head directly to self check-out to complete payment. At Sam's Club, a member never even has to approach a cash register but can head straight for the door.

What I've learned is that Scan & Go not only saves time, but also allows me to sock a little extra into my savings account each week. That's because I am far less likely to make impulsive purchases when I'm focused on every single item in my cart. It's impossible to toss something in and forget about it when I'm responsible for making sure it's been scanned and paid for. While it may not work for everyone, it makes me a more mindful shopper.

Here's how it works:

• Download the Sam's Club or Walmart app on your iPhone or Android. You'll want to download both apps if you have both a Sam's Club and Walmart+ membership.
• Once the app is downloaded, you'll need to create an account. As you do so, you'll be prompted to enter payment sources. Let's say you plan to pay with a credit or EBT card. Follow the prompts and add information as it's requested. Once you add payment options (such as your credit card), that information is securely stored.
• The next time you're in one of Walmart's 4,717 U.S. stores or one of the nearly 600 Sam's Clubs, you're ready to use the Scan & Go feature. On the Walmart app, there are four dots at the bottom of the home page with the word "Services" under it. Click on that. It will take you directly to store tools, including Scan & Go.
• The Sam's Club app features a Scan & Go logo on the homepage, also at the bottom. Once you've indicated that you plan to use Scan & Go, both apps will request permission to access your camera. They need it to read the bar codes you'll be scanning. If you agree, you'll automatically be taken to your phone's settings. All you need to do is switch the camera toggle on.
• As you choose merchandise, scan the product's UPC and place the item in a bag or box. You can bring your own from home. Or, at Walmart, get bags from an associate when you enter the store. At Sam's Club, you can typically pick boxes up at the front of the store.
• Once you have everything you want, you're ready to use your chosen payment method to make the purchase. But first, click "View Cart" to ensure everything is scanned. If not, you can take care of it now.

Sam's Club checkout process

• If you're at Sam's Club, click the "Check Out" button, choose the payment method you wish to use, and press "Pay." You'll be provided with a digital receipt via the app.
• On the way out of the store, simply show the receipt on your phone.

Walmart checkout process

At Walmart, you'll need to take one extra step (although it should still be faster than standing in a long line and waiting for a cashier to scan and bag your items).

• Once you're done shopping and sure you scanned all items, hit the blue "Check Out" button in the app. Instead of a receipt, you'll receive a QR code.
• Head to the nearest self-checkout machine.
• Scan the QR code.
• Confirm your method of payment.
• Receive an "Exit Pass" and receipt.

Membership costs

If you're in the market for a new credit card, you'll notice that many credit cards offer perks, large and small. For example, one perk of The Platinum Card® from American Express is having the $12.95 Walmart+ membership fee reimbursed monthly. (Terms apply; enrollment may be required.) It's nice to have access to Walmart+ benefits without having to pay a monthly fee.

Some things in life can't be avoided, including long lines. Fortunately, both Sam's Club and Walmart offer an alternative to those who can't stand the idea of one more long line.