10 Foolish Ways Most People Waste Money at Walmart

Walmart built its entire brand on low prices, and millions of shoppers count on it to keep their budgets in check on everything from groceries to home essentials. But shopping there doesn't automatically mean you're getting the best deal.

Even the savviest bargain hunters could be leaving money on the table without realizing it. If you want to save money at Walmart, make sure you're not making these 10 common mistakes.

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 of $35 or more, you'll get free shipping on items sold and shipped by Walmart, even without a membership. 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

Walmart's price match policy is narrower than many shoppers think, but it can still save you money. If you're shopping in a Walmart store in the U.S. and spot the identical item listed for less on Walmart.com, you can ask the store to match the online price.

The policy doesn't extend to competitors like Amazon or Target, and Walmart.com doesn't offer price matching at all. Restrictions apply, and the store manager on duty makes the final call, so have the Walmart.com listing pulled up on your phone before you head to the register.

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 the savings offered by the store's own brands like Parent's Choice baby formula. 

When creating your registry, don't forget to claim the welcome box, which includes free goodies for your new arrival. To qualify, your registry needs to be open for at least seven days, include at least 20 unique items, and have more than $25 in purchases made through it at Walmart.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Not signing up for Walmart+

Most people are familiar with Amazon Prime, but Walmart offers its own membership called Walmart+. 

At $12.95 a month or $98 a year, members can take advantage of a ton of perks, including free shipping with no order minimum and a streaming subscription to their choice of Paramount+ Essential or Peacock Premium. Members can switch between the two every 90 days.

Additional benefits include fuel discounts at participating locations and early access to deals, including Black Friday sales.

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 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 could help you avoid wasting money.

You May Also Like

11 Weird Little Hacks Costco Shoppers Should Know

By FinanceBuzz Editors

10 Things Seniors Born Between 1941-1969 Could Take Advantage Of

By FinanceBuzz Editors

How To Save Money on Car Insurance: 12 Ways to Lower Rates

By Elyssa Kirkham

19 Dumbest Things Smart People Waste Money On

By Team FBZ

2026 Award Winner Best Overall Cash Back Credit Card

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

Benefits Card Details

• Low spend threshold for its welcome offer
• Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
• Apply Now

• Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn a $100 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. 18.74%, 24.74%, or 28.74% 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.

5.0

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.

Apply Now

on Wells Fargo's secure website

Rates and fees

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

$100 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

+ -

Why we like it

• If you love earning cash rewards but prefer to avoid the hassle of tracking spending categories, the Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card could be a good option for you. Card members can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

• This card also offers a 0% intro APR on qualifying balance transfers and purchases for 12 months from account opening, then 18.74%, 24.74%, or 28.74% Variable. Those looking for straightforward rewards and an introductory APR will likely find value in this card.

• Apply Now

---

Subscribe Today

Learn how to make an extra $200

Get vetted side hustles and proven ways to earn extra cash sent to your inbox.

or

Subscribe Now →

By submitting this form you agree to receive emails from FinanceBuzz and to the privacy policy and terms