Retailers know that shoppers are constantly looking for the best deals, and many stores now offer price matching to keep customers from taking their business elsewhere. Price matching allows you to pay the lowest advertised price for an item by showing proof that another store is selling it for less. However, not all price match policies are created equal—some stores have strict rules, exclusions, or time limits. To make the most of price matching, here are five stores that offer this money-saving perk and tips on how to use it to your advantage.
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1. Target
Target has a solid price match policy, allowing customers to request a price adjustment if they find an identical item for a lower price at a competitor. They will match prices from select major retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and local competitors.
How to Use It:
- You must request the price match at the time of purchase or within 14 days after buying the item.
- The item must be identical in brand, model number, and size.
- You can show proof of the lower price through a website or print ad, or a Target employee can verify it online.
- Price matching cannot be combined with Target Circle discounts or manufacturer coupons.
Pro Tip:
Take advantage of Target’s price matching during major shopping events like Black Friday or back-to-school sales. If you buy early and notice a lower price later, request a price adjustment within 14 days to get the best deal.
2. Best Buy
Best Buy offers one of the most shopper-friendly price match policies, matching prices from major online and local retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and Target. They also price-match their website prices if there’s a difference between the in-store and online prices.
How to Use It:
- Price matches must be requested at the time of purchase.
- The product must be new and identical in brand, model, and specifications.
- Best Buy does not price match during major holiday sales like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
- Open-box, refurbished, or clearance items are not eligible for price matching.
Pro Tip:
If you’re shopping for electronics, use price matching to your advantage by checking competitor prices before purchasing. Best Buy also has a return and price adjustment policy, so if you buy an item and the price drops within your return window, you can request a refund for the difference.
3. Walmart
Walmart has a more limited price match policy than in previous years, but they still offer price matching for online prices from Walmart.com and select competitors. However, in-store purchases will only be matched to Walmart.com prices, not other retailers.
How to Use It:
- The item must be identical in brand, model, and color.
- Price match requests must be made before purchasing, not after the fact.
- Only applies to items sold and shipped directly by Walmart.com (not third-party sellers).
- Price matching does not apply during holiday shopping events like Black Friday.
Pro Tip:
If you’re shopping in-store and find a lower price on Walmart.com, use your phone to show the price at checkout. Many Walmart employees will honor the price adjustment on the spot, helping you avoid unnecessary markups.
4. Home Depot
Home Depot offers a price match policy that applies to both in-store and online purchases. If you find a lower price at a competitor, Home Depot will match it—and for in-store purchases, they will beat the competitor’s price by 10%.
How to Use It:
- Price match requests must be made at the time of purchase.
- Applies to identical products from retailers like Lowe’s, Menards, and Amazon.
- Does not apply to clearance items, special orders, or installation services.
- The 10% price beat applies only to in-store purchases, not online orders.
Pro Tip:
For big-ticket items like appliances, power tools, and home improvement supplies, price matching can save you a lot of money. Always check competitor prices before heading to Home Depot and ask for the extra 10% discount in-store.
5. Lowe’s
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Lowe’s offers a competitive price match guarantee, allowing customers to match a lower price from local and online competitors. Like Home Depot, Lowe’s will also beat a competitor’s price by 10% for in-store purchases.
How to Use It:
- The price match request must be made before purchasing the item.
- Applies to identical items from competitors like Home Depot, Amazon, and Walmart.
- Excludes clearance items, refurbished products, and special promotions.
- Price matches for online competitors must include shipping costs in the comparison.
Pro Tip:
Use Lowe’s price matching for major home improvement purchases, such as appliances or flooring materials. If Home Depot has a lower price, take proof to Lowe’s and request the extra 10% discount to get the best possible deal.
How to Maximize Price Matching
To get the most out of price matching, follow these tips:
- Compare prices before shopping: Use price comparison websites, store apps, and Google Shopping to check for lower prices.
- Bring proof of the lower price: A screenshot or printout of the competitor’s price can make the process easier.
- Ask for price adjustments after purchase: Some stores allow price adjustments if an item’s price drops within a certain time frame.
- Know the exclusions: Certain items like clearance, refurbished, or third-party seller products may not qualify.
- Use price matching for big purchases: Appliances, electronics, and home improvement products often have the biggest savings when price matching.
Price matching is one of the best ways to save money on everyday purchases without having to shop at multiple stores. Retailers like Target, Best Buy, Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowe’s all offer price match policies that can help you get the lowest price available. By understanding each store’s rules and using smart shopping strategies, you can take advantage of price matching and ensure you never overpay again.
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