Walmart operates thousands of fuel stations across the United States, offering gasoline at prices that often beat nearby competitors. Understanding how Walmart prices its fuel, what membership benefits apply, and how to locate these stations helps you make informed decisions about where to fill up your vehicle.
This guide explains Walmart fuel pricing, discount programs, station locations, fuel quality, payment methods, and practical tips for saving money every time you need gas.
How Much Does Gas Cost at Walmart?
Walmart gas prices vary by location and change daily based on wholesale costs, local competition, and regional taxes. Walmart typically prices fuel three to ten cents per gallon below nearby stations, with Walmart+ members receiving an additional discount of up to ten cents per gallon at Walmart and Murphy USA stations.
Finding Current Walmart Gas Prices
Walmart does not publish a national fuel price on its website because gas costs differ significantly by state, county, and city. You can check current prices before you drive by using the Walmart app, which shows real-time fuel costs at nearby Walmart and Murphy USA stations.
Most fuel-price apps and websites also list Walmart station prices alongside competitors. GasBuddy, Waze, and similar services rely on user reports and direct data feeds to display up-to-date pricing.
Regional Price Variation
State fuel taxes, environmental regulations, and distance from refineries create substantial regional differences. For example, drivers in California and Hawaii typically pay significantly more per gallon than those in Texas or Oklahoma, even at Walmart stations.
Local competition also influences pricing. Walmart stations near other discount retailers or warehouse clubs often match or undercut those competitors by a few cents.
Walmart+ Fuel Discount Program
Walmart+ is a paid membership program that costs $98 per year or $12.95 per month and includes a fuel discount at more than 12,000 stations nationwide. Members save up to ten cents per gallon at participating Walmart, Murphy USA, Murphy Express, and Sam’s Club stations.
The fuel savings alone can offset the membership cost if you purchase enough gas each year. For instance, if you buy 50 gallons per month at a ten-cent-per-gallon discount, you save $60 annually, recovering more than half the membership fee.
How to Use the Walmart+ Fuel Benefit
To redeem your discount, open the Walmart app at the pump and select the fuel station you are visiting. The app generates a unique code or activates the pump remotely, applying the discount automatically before you pay.
You can also link your Walmart+ membership to your payment card in the app for seamless discounts without entering a code each time. Check the app before your first fill-up to ensure your membership is active and the discount applies at your chosen station.
Walmart Fuel Station Locations
Not every Walmart Supercenter has a fuel station. Walmart partners with Murphy USA and Murphy Express to operate most of its gas stations, which are typically located in the parking lot of a Walmart Supercenter.
The Walmart app and website include a store locator that shows which locations have fuel stations. You can filter search results to display only stores with gas pumps, saving time when planning a trip.
Murphy USA and Murphy Express Partnership
Murphy USA is a separate publicly traded company that operates fuel stations at Walmart locations under a long-term agreement. Murphy Express stations are smaller kiosk-style locations also operated by Murphy USA.
Both Murphy brands accept the Walmart+ discount and typically match Walmart’s competitive pricing strategy. The fuel quality, payment options, and discount programs are the same whether the station is branded Murphy USA or Murphy Express.
Fuel Quality at Walmart Stations
Walmart and Murphy USA stations sell Top Tier gasoline at many locations, meeting higher detergent standards set by major automakers to reduce engine deposits. Top Tier certification applies to all grades of fuel sold at participating stations.
You can verify whether a specific Walmart or Murphy station sells Top Tier fuel by checking the Top Tier website, which maintains a current list of licensed retailers. Stations not certified as Top Tier still meet federal minimum fuel quality standards enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Octane Grades Available
Most Walmart fuel stations offer three octane grades: regular (87), mid-grade (89), and premium (91 or 93, depending on region). Some high-altitude locations sell 85-octane regular fuel, which is acceptable for vehicles designed to operate at those elevations.
Your vehicle’s owner’s manual specifies the required or recommended octane rating. Using a lower octane than required can cause engine knock and reduced performance, while using a higher octane than recommended provides no benefit and wastes money.
Payment Methods Accepted
Walmart and Murphy fuel stations accept major credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Many locations also accept Walmart gift cards and mobile payment options through the Walmart app.
If you pay inside with cash, you typically need to prepay or leave a deposit before pumping. Paying at the pump with a card is faster and does not require interaction with the attendant.
Credit Card Holds
When you pay at the pump with a credit or debit card, the station may place a temporary authorization hold on your account, often between $75 and $125. This hold ensures you have sufficient funds to cover a full tank.
The actual charge processes within one to three business days and reflects only the fuel you purchased. If you are using a debit card and cannot afford a large temporary hold, pay inside with the exact amount you want to spend.
Additional Ways to Save on Fuel at Walmart
Beyond Walmart+ membership, you can maximize fuel savings by combining discounts, choosing the right payment method, and timing your fill-ups strategically. Small changes in your fueling habits add up over months and years.
Some credit cards offer cashback or rewards points on gas purchases, which stack with the Walmart+ discount. Check your card benefits to see if fuel is a bonus category.
Sam’s Club Membership for Fuel
If you already have a Sam’s Club membership, you can access similar or better fuel discounts at Sam’s Club stations without paying separately for Walmart+. Sam’s Club members typically save five to ten cents per gallon, and Sam’s Club stations often have competitive base prices.
Walmart+ members can use their fuel discount at Sam’s Club stations, but you cannot use a Sam’s Club membership to get discounts at Walmart or Murphy stations. Consider which stations are more convenient before choosing a membership.
Timing Your Fill-Up
Fuel prices fluctuate throughout the week and often rise before weekends and holidays. In many regions, prices are lowest early in the week, particularly Monday through Wednesday.
Monitoring prices with a fuel app helps you identify patterns in your area. Filling up when prices dip, even by a few cents, reduces your annual fuel cost.
Fuel Station Hours
Most Walmart and Murphy fuel stations operate from early morning until late evening, with hours varying by location. Some stations are open 24 hours, especially at Supercenters in urban areas.
The Walmart app and store locator display fuel station hours for each location. Station hours may differ from the retail store hours, so verify before planning a late-night or early-morning fill-up.
Fuel Rewards Stacking and Restrictions
Walmart+ fuel discounts cannot be combined with Murphy USA loyalty programs or other third-party fuel rewards at the same transaction. The discount applies per gallon, with a maximum number of gallons per transaction set by the station, usually 20 to 25 gallons.
If you are filling a vehicle with a larger tank, such as a truck or SUV, you may need to run two separate transactions to fill completely. Check the pump display for transaction limits before you begin fueling.
Comparing Walmart Gas Prices to Competitors
Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club often have the lowest base fuel prices, but require paid memberships. Grocery chains with fuel rewards programs, such as Kroger and Albertsons, offer discounts tied to in-store purchases.
Walmart’s combination of competitive base pricing and Walmart+ discounts makes it a strong option if you do not have access to a warehouse club or prefer not to juggle multiple fuel rewards programs. Use a fuel-price app to compare all nearby options before deciding where to fill up regularly.
Independent Stations and Brand-Name Competitors
Brand-name stations like Shell, Chevron, and ExxonMobil often charge more per gallon but may offer premium fuel quality, Top Tier certification, and loyalty programs. Independent stations sometimes undercut Walmart but may not offer the same fuel quality or consistency.
Your choice depends on your vehicle’s needs, your budget, and your priorities. For most drivers, Walmart and Murphy stations provide a good balance of price, quality, and convenience.
Environmental and Efficiency Considerations
Where you buy fuel matters less for your vehicle’s fuel economy than how you drive and maintain it. Aggressive acceleration, excessive idling, underinflated tires, and neglected maintenance all reduce miles per gallon.
Choosing a station close to your regular route also saves fuel by eliminating extra driving. A detour of several miles to save three cents per gallon often costs more in fuel than you save.
Fuel Station Safety and Features
Walmart and Murphy fuel stations are well-lit and located in high-traffic retail areas, which generally enhances safety. Most stations have security cameras and emergency shut-off buttons at the pumps.
Always turn off your engine while fueling, do not smoke or use a phone near the pump, and avoid overfilling the tank. If you spill fuel, notify the attendant immediately and do not attempt to start your vehicle until the area is clear.
Commercial and Fleet Fueling
Some Walmart and Murphy stations offer commercial fleet cards and bulk fueling options for businesses. Fleet pricing and availability vary by location, so contact the station or Murphy USA directly if you manage a vehicle fleet.
Walmart+ membership benefits apply only to personal accounts and cannot be used for commercial fleet transactions at most locations. Verify the terms with the station before assuming a discount applies.
Understanding Fuel Price Fluctuations
Wholesale gasoline costs change constantly due to crude oil prices, refinery capacity, seasonal demand, and geopolitical events. Walmart updates its fuel prices frequently, sometimes multiple times per day, to reflect these changes and remain competitive.
Prices typically rise in spring as refineries switch to more expensive summer-blend gasoline required by environmental regulations. Prices often drop in fall and winter when demand decreases and cheaper winter-blend fuel becomes available.
Taxes and Local Regulations
Federal, state, and local taxes make up a significant portion of the price you pay at the pump. Federal excise tax is currently 18.4 cents per gallon for gasoline, while state taxes range from less than ten cents to more than 50 cents per gallon.
Some cities and counties add additional fuel taxes to fund transportation projects. Walmart includes all applicable taxes in the posted price, so the price you see is the price you pay.
What to Know Before Choosing Walmart for Fuel
Walmart fuel stations work best for drivers who prioritize price, have convenient access to a Walmart location, and want a simple fuel discount without tracking grocery purchases or rotating bonus categories. The Walmart+ membership pays for itself if you fuel up regularly and use the other included benefits, such as free shipping and streaming services.
If you rarely drive, have access to cheaper warehouse club fuel, or already earn strong rewards with a grocery fuel program, Walmart may not offer enough additional savings to justify switching. Compare your total annual fuel cost across all available options, including membership fees, base prices, and discounts, to identify the best choice for your driving habits and budget.
Choosing where to buy fuel is a small decision with a measurable impact on your transportation budget, especially if you drive frequently or operate multiple vehicles in your household.