Comparing Price-Matching Policies Across Major Retailers

Published on June 26, 2025

by Brandon Williams

If you are a savvy shopper, you probably know the importance of price matching policies when it comes to saving money. These policies allow you to get the best deal possible by matching the price of an item at one retailer with a lower price at another. But not all price matching policies are created equal. That’s why we’ve done the research and compared the price matching policies of some of the biggest retailers in the game, so you can make informed decisions about where to shop. Read on to learn about the price-matching policies at major retailers and how they measure up against each other.Comparing Price-Matching Policies Across Major Retailers

What is Price Matching?

Before we dive into the comparisons, let’s define what price matching actually is. Price matching is when a retailer promises to match or beat the price of a product if a customer finds it for a lower price at another store. This can save customers time and money by allowing them to purchase items at a lower price without having to go to multiple stores.

Why is Price Matching Important?

With the rise of online shopping and the ease of price comparison, shoppers are often able to find the same products at multiple retailers. This can make it difficult for retailers to stand out among the competition. Offering price matching policies not only helps customers save money, but it also helps retailers stay competitive in the market.

Major Retailers with Price Matching Policies

Now let’s take a look at some of the major retailers and their price matching policies to see how they differ from each other.

Walmart

Walmart offers a price matching policy, known as the “Savings Catcher.” Customers can scan their receipts into the Walmart app, and if a lower price is found at a competitor, Walmart will give the customer the difference on an eGift card. However, this policy only applies to certain items and does not include purchases made on third-party websites.

Target

Target also has a price matching policy called the “Price Match Guarantee.” Customers can show proof of a lower price on an identical item at a competitor and Target will match the price. However, the low price must be from a local competitor and certain items, such as clearance or holiday items, are not eligible.

Amazon

As one of the largest online retailers, Amazon has a price matching policy called “Amazon Price Match.” This policy only applies to items sold and fulfilled by Amazon and does not include prices from third-party sellers. Customers must contact Amazon within 24 hours of purchasing to request a price match.

Best Buy

Best Buy offers a price match policy called the “Price Match Guarantee.” Customers can request a price match in-store or online with proof of a lower price at a local competitor or select online retailers. The item must be identical, and certain items, such as Black Friday deals, are not eligible for price matching.

Costco

As a wholesale membership store, Costco does not have an official price matching policy. However, they do have a 30-day price match guarantee for online purchases. If the price of an item drops within 30 days of purchase, customers can request a price adjustment. This policy only applies to items sold directly by Costco and not third-party sellers.

Which Retailer Has the Best Price Matching Policy?

After comparing the price matching policies of these major retailers, it’s clear that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Each policy has its own limitations and restrictions, and it ultimately depends on the customer’s shopping habits and preferences. Some retailers may have more lenient policies but limited product options, while others may have strict policies but a wider range of products available.

In the end, it’s important for customers to do their research and understand the price matching policies of their favorite retailers in order to get the best deals and save money. And with the ever-changing market, retailers may continue to adjust their policies in the future, so it’s always a good idea to stay informed.

In conclusion,

Price matching policies can be a valuable tool for customers looking to save money while shopping. While each retailer has its own set of rules and restrictions, it’s worth understanding and utilizing these policies in order to get the best deals. Whether it’s Walmart’s “Savings Catcher” or Best Buy’s “Price Match Guarantee,” there are options for consumers to take advantage of when it comes to price matching. So, next time you’re making a purchase, remember to check for price matching policies and make sure to save some money in the process.