Walmart is known for its competitive low prices, but you have to know how to get them. Without the right information, you might find yourself overspending on items that, while cheap, could be even cheaper. Since you deserve to save as much money as possible, we've rounded up some of the best shopping secrets that only Walmart experts know. And for more shopping tips that'll maximize your savings, don't miss these 30 Amazing Secrets Target Managers Don't Want You to Know.
1 | Use the Walmart Savings Catcher app.
Walmart's Savings Catcher app makes it easier than ever to price match. All you have to do is use Walmart Pay and submit your eReceipt on the app.
From there, the app will compare the price you paid to the prices other retailers are offering. If Savings Catcher finds an advertised price that is lower than what you paid, you will receive the difference in price via a Savings Catcher eGift Card.
2 | Some items have a "pickup discount."
If the item or items you're interested in are marked as "pickup discount eligible" online, then you can choose to pick your order up in store and receive a price cut just for doing so.
3 | Use coupons!
Though Walmart's coupon policy became slightly more strict in November 2017, the store still accepts manufacturer coupons and BOGO offers.
Though couponing can be tedious, taking the time to clip and print can result in some serious savings.
4 | Do your shopping early in the morning.
While it's not especially convenient to go shopping at 5 or 6 a.m., hitting up Walmart as the sun's rising will allow you the best chance at finding everything you need.
Since many Walmarts are open 24 hours a day, the stores tend to be restocked in the wee hours of the morning, and you'll therefore have the best chance of finding what you're looking for if you do your shopping before work rather than after.
5 | Compare the store's online prices to its in-store prices.
Sometimes Walmart's online prices are cheaper than its in-store offerings—and in these cases, the store is willing to match the online price so that you can get the best deal possible.
6 | Shop generic.
You'll score the best savings at Walmart if you buy the store's generic products rather than the name brand ones.
From disinfecting wipes to sandwich bags, Walmart offers a generic version of pretty much everything you can imagine, and many of their products are just as good as any brand name's.
7 | Always check Walmart's prices against Amazon's.
ShutterstockBefore you commit to purchasing anything from Walmart, make sure that you first check that item's price on Amazon, where it can be even cheaper.
It only takes a few seconds to find out whether or not you're getting the best deal. If you do find the same item with a lower price on Amazon, you can either just order it there or use Amazon's price to price match at Walmart.
8 | Scour the aisle end-caps for concealed clearance items.
Sometimes clearance items and other promotions are hiding in the end-caps at Walmart. So, to avoid missing out on any deals, make sure to go fully up and down each aisle before checking out.
9 | Use a cash back app.
Image via IbottaYou're already doing your shopping at Walmart, so there's no reason not to sign up for Ibotta. It's an app that offers cash back when you buy specific groceries and other everyday essentials.
Right now, the app is offering tons of great deals redeemable at Walmart, such as $2 cash back on any pint of So Delicious Dairy Free Mousse and $7 back when you buy any seven frozen Lean Cuisine meals.
10 | You can return items without waiting in line.
If you're not happy with your Walmart purchase and want to return it, there's an easy way to do so—and it doesn't require any waiting whatsoever.
With the Walmart App, all you need to do is fill out the necessary forms and then head to the Mobile Express Line to complete your return. It's seriously that easy!
11 | Look for Freeosks.
Freeosks, which are free sample machines, are now in more than 1,300 Walmarts and Sam's Clubs nationwide. But these are not just any free samples.
At other stores, freebies are measly and leave you wanting more, but the trial sizes Freeosks provide are nearly the size of the actual in-store offering.
12 | Shop at Walmart in July.
Every year, more and more companies choose to participate in "Black Friday in July" in order to compete with Amazon Prime Day.
But perhaps no company is more competitive with Amazon than Walmart, which holds its Ultimate Summer Savings event every year just to keep up with its main competition. During this time, you'll find steep discounts on electronics, kitchen appliances, and more. So it pays to wait until then to buy big ticket items.
13 | Walmart customers can buy gas on the cheap at Murphy USA.
ShutterstockGas isn't cheap, but it can at least be cheaper if you fill up at Murphy USA and pay with a Walmart gift card, Walmart credit card, or Walmart MasterCard.
The national gas chain is always offering different savings when you use a Walmart-affiliated card. Right now, for instance, you can save $0.03 per gallon, which definitely adds up.
14 | Shop online and get free shipping all the time.
ShutterstockSome websites only offer free shipping during special sales or once you reach a lofty minimum. But Walmart always offers free shipping on orders of $35 or more.
If you're the kind of person who prefers shopping online to driving to the store, then this perk will save you quite a bit of money.
15 | You can buy great refurbished electronics at a steep discount.
ShutterstockThough Walmart doesn't always have the best deals on new electronics, the retailer offers discounts on refurbished items that are hard to beat.
If you don't mind buying a camera or cellphone that's been returned or lightly used, then you can search the term "refurbished" on the store's website and find iPhones, iPads, and more for hundreds of dollars off.
16 | Several generic prescriptions are just $4.
Prescription medicine doesn't come cheap—unless you're filling your Rx orders at Walmart, that is.
Currently, the store's pharmacy offers generic versions of many common medicines for just $4. No membership is required to take advantage of these prices, so if you're prescribed a new medication, don't hesitate to check whether it's offered at Walmart.
17 | Don't forget to print your coupons.
ShutterstockCoupon apps might make it easier to organize and store your savings, but unfortunately any coupons you plan to use at Walmart need to be printed.
Though Walmart will accept valid manufacturer coupons, they'll only do so if those coupons are printed out, not if they're on your phone.
18 | New parents can sign up for free baby boxes.
ShutterstockIf you're not sure which products to buy for your newborn, sign up to receive Walmart's Baby Box. Minus a $5 shipping fee, the box is gratis, and it's full of samples for you to check out.
These items can allow you to figure out which brands you like and which you don't as you experience being a new parent.
19 | Don't be fooled by "clearance" stickers.
The clearance stickers at Walmart aren't always what they seem. Though you would naturally assume that any clearance price shown is lower than a retail price, that isn't always the case at Walmart.
Make sure to look up the item online and compare Walmart's cost against other retailers before you check out.
20 | Sign up for a Walmart credit card for year-round savings.
If you do most of your shopping at Walmart, then consider signing up for a Walmart credit card.
The card has many perks, but some of the best are three percent savings on every online Walmart order, one percent savings wherever your Walmart card is accepted, and unlimited cash back rewards earned via qualifying purchases. And for more savvy shopping information, check out The Best and Worst Deals at Walmart in 2019.
To discover more amazing secrets about living your best life, click here to follow us on Instagram!
