Free Shipping Thresholds in December: What Retailers Require
See $35, $49 and $89 cutoffs, membership waivers and exclusions that shape December shipping costs.
A free shipping threshold is the minimum merchandise total a retailer requires before standard shipping costs drop to zero. In December, most large retailers in this review set that line at $35, while Kohl's and Macy's set it at $49 for many shoppers. Store memberships often lower or remove the cutoff.
The details below show who pays the stated minimum and who does not.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 05, 2026.
Which retailers use a $35 cutoff?
According to Walmart Corporate, nonmembers need $35 in eligible items for free two-day shipping, while Walmart+ members face no order minimum Ask Walmart FAQs. Target Help applies a similar $35 merchandise-subtotal rule for free standard, 2-day or next-day shipping shipping options guide. Amazon Customer Service sets free delivery over $35 for non-Prime orders shipped by Amazon, with no minimum for Prime members.
Best Buy Help sets free standard shipping at a $35 order total after discounts. Marketplace products and select delivery types stay outside that offer. Target Help lists a $5.99 charge when an order falls below $35.
Target Circle Card users and Circle 360 members have that minimum waived.
Which stores require $49?
Kohl's Shipping Charts require a $49 merchandise total for free standard shipping, measured after discounts shipping charts and methods. Size, weight or special handling can add a surcharge. Macy's Customer Service sets $49 for other shoppers in the contiguous U.S.
Silver and Bronze members using a Macy's Card or Bronze membership need $25. Platinum and Gold members using a Macy's Card face no minimum in the contiguous U.S. The tier, card use and location decide the cutoff.
How do memberships change the cutoff?
Walmart Corporate gives Walmart+ members free shipping with no order minimum. Amazon Customer Service gives Prime members free shipping with no minimum spend. Target Help waives the $35 minimum for Target Circle Card users and Circle 360 members.
Best Buy Help waives the $35 minimum for My Best Buy members. Macy's Customer Service ties lower or zero minimums to Silver, Bronze, Gold and Platinum status with required card use. Shoppers who order often may compare membership cost against shipping fees.
Shoppers who order once may find reaching $35 or $49 costs less.
Why do Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack differ?
Nordstrom states that standard shipping is free all the time with no minimum. That policy helps December gift buyers who place small or separate orders. According to Nordstrom Rack, orders over $89 qualify for free standard shipping, while smaller orders pay $9.95 shipping and return policy.
Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico orders can carry added surcharges.
How can shoppers keep shipping free?
Check whether the total counts before or after discounts. Best Buy and Kohl's measure the qualifying total after discounts, so a cart that looks large enough can fall short. Confirm who ships each item.
Amazon limits its over-$35 free delivery to items shipped by Amazon, and Best Buy excludes Marketplace products and select delivery types.
- Add eligible items to reach $35, $49 or over $89 before checkout.
- Keep Marketplace, special-handling and remote-address items apart.
- Place one combined order when gift timing allows.