Smart shoppers know that getting the lowest price often means more than waiting for a sale. Price-matching policies at major retailers let you pay less by comparing identical items and asking for the lower price. Knowing where such policies are upheld — and how to use them properly — can really boost your savings. Understanding which major chains in the United States offer price-match policies can help you shop confidently and strategically.
Best Buy: Tech Deals and Competitor Price Matches
Best Buy’s Price Match Guarantee covers new, identical items sold from Best Buy that are also offered by “qualified competitors” at a lower price. If you find the same model number and condition (new, not open box) at a qualifying competitor and it’s currently available, you can request a match at purchase — or in some cases get a price adjustment if Best Buy later drops the price during the return/exchange window.
To leverage this: when shopping for electronics or appliances, check competitor websites (as long as they count as “qualified”) and show proof (online listing or ad) before purchasing. This policy makes Best Buy a good option for tech items when you want to avoid overpaying.
Lowe’s: Home Improvement and the Lowest-Price Guarantee
Lowe’s offers a “ Lowest Price Guarantee ” which states that if you find a current lower price on an identical in-stock item from another local retailer (or online competitor) that can ship to your location, they will match it. The policy covers both in-store and online purchases under qualifying terms.
Key tips for Lowe’s: Ensure the competitor’s item is truly identical (brand, model, color, size) and available. Bring a screenshot, ad, or printout for verification. Limitations do apply (for example, special bundles or clearance items may not qualify). If you’re planning a home-improvement purchase, comparing Lowe’s to other local retailers and asking for the match can save you real money.
The Home Depot: Wide Coverage and 30-Day Price Adjustments
Home Depot’s price-match policy covers identical items in stock and available for purchase — both in-store and online from qualifying competitors. You can ask for a price adjustment up to 30 days after purchase if the price drops. This gives you extra flexibility and ensures you didn’t overpay.
To use this, keep your receipt, monitor the item’s price, and request the adjustment if you find a lower qualifying price. This policy makes Home Depot especially strong for tools, appliances, and big-ticket items.
Walmart: Limited but Still Useable for Price Matching
Walmart’s current price-matching policy is narrower than some other retailers. According to their official page , Walmart will match the price of an identical item advertised on Walmart.com when purchased in a Walmart U.S. store. This means you cannot match competitor store prices or many online retailer prices.
Therefore, the opportunity is more limited — but if you spot a lower price listed on Walmart.com itself while in store, you can request the match. If you shop at Walmart regularly, comparing its app or website prices before checkout is a smart move.
Target: Recent Changes Make It More Internal-Focused
Target’s public policy shows that it is moving away from matching competitor prices and now focuses on matching prices within its own ecosystem .
So while Target still offers some price protection (adjustments if the price drops internally), it no longer provides broad competitor price-matching. Those looking for widest match coverage may focus on other retailers instead.
Use Price-Matching Wisely to Stretch Your Dollar
If you’re looking to pay less, using price-match policies can be a smart strategy — but it works best if you know how to use them. Here are key takeaways:
- Always check whether the policy applies to identical items (same brand, model, size, color).
- Bring proof (photo, ad, screenshot) showing the lower price and availability.
- Check the retailer’s list of exclusions — bundles, clearance, used items, or special promos may not qualify.
- Act before you purchase (or within the store’s window for adjustments).
- Use the matching retailer’s policy that offers the best coverage for your item category.
By knowing which stores still offer strong price matching — like Best Buy, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Walmart (to a limited degree) — and how these policies work, you give yourself extra leverage as a shopper. You’ll be better able to compare, ask for fairness at checkout, and avoid paying more than you need to.