Saving money is a top priority for budget-conscious families, and one of the best ways to ensure you never overpay is by using price matching. Many retailers offer price-matching policies, which means if you find a lower price at a competing store, they’ll match it—sometimes even after you’ve made the purchase. This guide will walk you through the ins and outs of price matching, including which stores offer it and how to maximize your savings.
What is Price Matching?
Price matching is a policy that allows shoppers to get the lowest available price on an item by showing proof of a lower price from another retailer. Some stores even offer price adjustments, meaning if the price drops after your purchase within a certain period, you can request a refund of the difference.
How to Use Price Matching Effectively
Follow these simple steps to make the most of price-matching policies:
- Find the Best Price – Before heading to the store, compare prices online using sites like Google Shopping, ShopSavvy, or Honey.
- Check the Store’s Policy – Every retailer has different price-matching rules, so review their terms before requesting a match.
- Show Proof of the Lower Price – Bring a digital or printed ad showing the lower price. Some stores require the competitor to be local or have the same item in stock.
- Ask at Customer Service or Checkout – Some stores allow price matching at checkout, while others require a trip to customer service.
- Request a Price Adjustment – If an item you purchased goes on sale within the store’s price adjustment period (often 7-14 days), bring in your receipt to get the difference refunded.
Stores That Offer Price Matching
Here are some of the top retailers that offer price matching and their key policies:
Major Retailers with Price Matching
- Walmart – Matches online prices from Walmart.com but does not match competitors.
- Target – Matches select competitors and offers price adjustments within 14 days.
- Best Buy – Matches local competitors and major online stores like Amazon.
- Home Depot – Matches competitors and offers a 10% discount if you find a lower price.
- Lowe’s – Matches competitor pricing and provides an extra 10% off.
- Staples – Matches online and local competitors, including Amazon.
- Macy’s – Matches select competitors but excludes clearance items.
- Bed Bath & Beyond – Matches competitors like Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
- Petco & PetSmart – Matches online competitors for pet food and supplies.
- Kohl’s – Matches select competitors but does not match online-only stores.
Retailers with Price Adjustments Only
Some stores do not match competitor pricing but will adjust prices if an item goes on sale after your purchase:
- Nordstrom – Offers price adjustments within 14 days.
- JCPenney – Adjusts prices within 14 days of purchase.
- Zappos – Provides price adjustments within 10 days.
Additional Ways to Take Advantage of Price Matching
Beyond traditional price matching, here are some services and strategies to ensure you always get the best deal:
✅ Use Price Comparison Apps: Apps like Honey, CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon), and ShopSavvy help track price changes and find the lowest prices.
✅ Sign Up for Retailer Alerts: Many stores notify customers of price drops if you sign up for email alerts or use their apps.
✅ Use Credit Cards with Price Protection: Some credit cards, like those from Chase and Citi, offer price protection, meaning they refund the difference if an item’s price drops after purchase.
✅ Use Cash Back Apps: Pairing price matching with cashback apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, or Fetch Rewards maximizes savings.
✅ Stack Coupons & Price Matching: Some stores allow you to use coupons in addition to price matching. Always ask if you can stack discounts! If you’d like more information on how to stack coupons, we’ve got you covered!
Final Thoughts
Price matching is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to save money on everyday purchases. By knowing which stores offer price-matching policies and using price comparison tools, you can make sure your family always gets the best deal possible.
Do you use price matching? Let us know your favorite success stories in the comments!