How to Save at Walmart: A Complete Guide

Walmart's "Everyday Low Prices" are a great start, but they're not the end of the story. With a few smart strategies, you can unlock deeper savings on nearly every trip. This guide cuts through the noise and gives you the most effective tactics that work right now. From using the app as a secret weapon to stacking deals you didn't know existed, here's how to master savings at Walmart.

💡 Hack #1: Prioritize Walmart's Private Brands

This is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to save. Brands like Great Value (for groceries), Equate (for health and beauty), and Mainstays (for home goods) offer quality that's often identical to their name-brand counterparts at a fraction of the cost. Before you pay more for packaging, always check the Walmart brand alternative. It's a simple switch that adds up to significant savings over time.

💡 Hack #2: Master the Walmart App In-Store

Your phone is your most powerful savings tool inside a Walmart. Before you put anything in your cart, use the app's scanner feature. Shelf prices aren't always up-to-date, but the app's scanner shows the most current price in the store's system. If the app shows a lower price than the shelf tag, that's the price you'll get at the register. It's also perfect for building a shopping list to stay on budget.

💡 Hack #3: Hunt the Right Deals: Clearance, Rollbacks & Flash Picks

Not all deals are created equal. Knowing where to look is key:

• Clearance: This is where the deepest discounts hide. In-store, check the dedicated clearance aisle and the endcaps (the shelves at the end of aisles), especially in seasonal, home, and electronics sections. Online, there's a specific "Clearance" section to browse.
• Rollbacks: These are temporary price drops on specific items, lasting anywhere from a few weeks to 90 days. Think of them as extended sales on everyday products.
• Flash Picks: Found on Walmart.com, these are online-only deals that can last for a day or just a few hours. They feature limited quantities on trending items, so you have to act fast.

💡 Hack #4: Stack Savings with Cashback Apps

Double-dip on your savings by using a cashback app after you shop. Apps like Ibotta or Fetch Rewards allow you to earn cash back or gift cards just by scanning your Walmart receipt. The process is simple: you shop as you normally would, then take a picture of your receipt in the app to claim your rewards. It's like getting paid for a purchase you were already making.

💡 Hack #5: Use Walmart+ Strategically

Is Walmart+ worth it? It depends on your shopping habits. Consider it if you:

• Frequently order groceries for delivery ($35 minimum applies).
• Place multiple online orders and want free shipping with no minimum.
• Want to save on fuel at Exxon, Mobil, Walmart, & Murphy stations.
• Enjoy perks like a free Paramount+ subscription and using Scan & Go to skip checkout lines.

If you check a few of these boxes, the membership fee ($12.95/month or $98/year) can easily pay for itself.

💡 Hack #6: Understand the REAL Price Match Policy

Let's be clear to avoid frustration: Walmart does not price match competitors like Amazon, Target, or any other retailer.

The only exception is for an item you're buying in-store that is sold for a lower price on Walmart.com. The item must be identical (model, color, size) and sold and shipped by Walmart, not a third-party seller. To get the match, you must show the product page on your phone to the cashier.

💡 Hack #7: Use Free Pickup to Avoid Impulse Buys

The best feature of Walmart's free pickup service isn't just that it's free (on $35+ orders). It's that it keeps you out of the store. When you order online, you stick to your list and avoid the temptation of adding unplanned items to your cart as you walk the aisles. It's a powerful tool for budget control.

🏆 The Takeaway

For maximum savings at Walmart, make these habits your routine: always check the private brand alternative, use the app scanner on everything, hunt for clearance deals first, and scan your receipt with a cashback app after every trip. By layering these simple strategies, you'll go far beyond the "Everyday Low Price" and keep more money in your pocket.

P.S. Shopping beyond Walmart? Browse our always-fresh Deals & Coupons, sharpen your strategy with Savings Tips & Hacks, and pad your budget with Earn Cash Rewards.