Walmart is all about saving money, so much so that it's in their slogan. From household essentials like food and clothing to home decor, many people shop there largely because of the low cost it offers.
But did you know you could also be leaving money on the table?
If you’re looking for ways to stretch your Walmart budget, consider these 10 foolish mistakes people make at Walmart to help you save more at the discount retailer.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today
Not buying Walmart brand
Walmart offers multiple brands — including Equate and Great Value — that are arguably just as good as name brands.
For instance, the Equate brand is a lower-cost alternative to higher-priced lotions, medications, and supplements.
Walmart’s Great Value brand also offers items on your grocery list (like potato chips) at a fraction of the price of name brands, so you can save money shopping.
Overlooking Walmart app perks
Many retailers have apps, and Walmart is no different. The app is an easy way to discover any items currently on sale or on clearance.
Additionally, if you place an order for $35 or more, you’re eligible for free, two-day shipping. The app also offers other time-saving features — like in-store maps — so you can find what you’re looking for fast.
Not asking for a price match
Another mistake people make is not taking advantage of Walmart’s price match policy. For example, if you find the exact same item for a lesser price at Amazon, Walmart might match the lower price depending on the item’s eligibility.
The policy extends to multiple big-name retailers, including Best Buy and Target. It may take some time to research prices, but it’s worth it when the savings are significant.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Forgetting about the free baby welcome box
Many parents-to-be create a baby registry at Walmart not only because of the retailer’s large selection of products but also for savings offered by the store’s own brands like Parent’s Choice baby formula.
When creating your registry, don't forget to sign up for the welcome box which includes free goodies for your new arrival.
Missing marked-down products
Although this trick varies by location, some Walmart stores will mark down meats and other perishable items when their “sell by” date is close.
Ask if your local store does this and, if so, on which day and at what time during the week. Keep in mind that you’ll want to either freeze or use the item shortly after buying it.
Trending Stories
Forgetting to check the online price
Sometimes, the price of a product is lower on Walmart.com than it is at the retailer’s physical location.
If the item is available at your local store, you can always buy it online and choose to pick it up in person. This can help you save even more money than having it shipped to your door.
Not transferring your prescriptions
If you have a decent number of prescription medications to pick up each month, consider moving them over to Walmart.
Many of their generic medications are priced quite low, and you’ll still get the same quality product.
Contact the pharmacy at your local store and ask about the cost of their generic brands. Most will give it to you over the phone.
Not signing up for Walmart+
Most people are familiar with Amazon Prime, but Walmart offers its own membership called Walmart+.
At $8.17 a month, members can take advantage of a ton of perks including access to Paramount+ and free shipping with no order minimum.
Additional benefits include fuel discounts at participating locations and exclusive access to product releases and Black Friday deals.
Forgetting about the clearance section
Many Walmart locations have a dedicated clearance aisle, though many also offer markdowns throughout the store. Look for those yellow tags.
Also, if the clearance price ends in “0,” that’s usually the lowest the company will drop the price to, meaning that’s the time to buy.
Stop overpaying when you shop online
Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.
Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.
Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!2
Not turning in old electronics
If you’re thinking about purchasing a new voice assistant, game console, or even a cell phone, you could turn in your gently used device to Walmart and make some extra money.
After you get an offer for your item, just send in your electronics using a prepaid shipping label. Once it's evaluated, you’ll earn a Walmart eGift card you can use.
Bottom line
Walmart is an affordable place to shop, especially if you're trying to stop living paycheck to paycheck. However, you may not be saving as much as you could if you’re making these mistakes.
Whether you choose to try a Walmart brand product or stop at the clearance section before you head out, using even one or two of these ways to avoid wasting money could save you some money.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.