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13 Shopping Secrets Walmart Won't Tell You About

Walmart is known for its affordable prices, but you might be able to save a little more money with these secret tips.

Walmart price tag
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
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Walmart is well known for its retail stores throughout the United States and has almost 10,500 stores in 24 countries. That gives you quite a few chances to stop off, find a good deal, and make smart money moves.

But even with their deep discounts, there are still some other options you may be able to find to keep more cash cash in your wallet.

Want to know Walmart’s secrets? Here are 13 of them to keep in mind the next time you go shopping.

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Find deals using the Walmart app

Thomas Dutour/Adobe Empty till in a Walmart supermarket

Like similar retailers, Walmart has an app that can get you discounts on products or weekly updates on what’s on sale. You may also be able to find specials on the app that aren’t listed in other places.

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Get a baby box with free products

FellowNeko/Adobe Man hold mobile phone with Walmart app

It can be challenging to get things ready for the arrival of a new baby, but Walmart can help you find some of your soon-to-be favorite products.

Create a baby registry and sign up for Walmart’s free baby box, which includes samples and other useful products that you might need when your baby arrives.

Walmart will match its online prices

svetlichniy_igor/Adobe hand holding a smartphone which displays Walmart logo

If you’re walking through Walmart and see a product that’s cheaper on its website, Walmart will match the online price.

You will need to inform a Walmart associate of the price and the item must be currently listed as in-stock online.

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Free two-day delivery

The Toidi/Adobe walmart delivery

Walmart offers free two-day shipping on millions of products, and you don’t need to be a member to enjoy this benefit.

Only items with a two-day delivery flag are eligible for two-day delivery, and your order must total at least $35. Two-day shipping does not include weekends and holidays.

Pro tip: If you're buying products in bunches instead of individually, you could keep more money in your bank account.

Cheap generic prescriptions

The Toidi/Adobe Walmart Pharmacy sign inside Walmart store.

Are you on a tight budget when it comes to your prescription medications? Check with Walmart pharmacy.

You may be able to get some generic medications for only $4 for a 30-day supply or $10 for a 90-day supply of common medications for diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure, and more.

In-store pickups may be cheaper

The Toidi/Adobe Walmart online order pickup in store sign

Sometimes there may be a difference in price between the cost online and the cost in person. If you want the item but don’t want to wait on shipping, you can buy it online and choose to pick it up at the store.

That way, you can get the lower price and pick up what you want locally.

Walmart has a markdown system

Eric BVD/Adobe Nintendo Switch digital games for sale at walmart

Retailers like Walmart use special systems to track how often a product has been marked down. 

Check the last number of the sale price on any item to crack the Walmart code. 

If the price ends in five, that means it’s been marked down once. A price ending in the number one could indicate it’s reached its final markdown and is likely the lowest price you will get.

Walmart's store brands can be as good as name brands

Brett/Adobe Generic bleach bottles on a supermarket shelf in a Walmart Supercenter

Walmart’s Great Value store brand might be able to help you save money if you choose those products over name brands. You may also find that the store brands taste just as good or work just as well as a name brand. 

What’s more, Great value products are often produced by big brands like Procter & Gamble, Kellog, and General Mills.

Pro tip: Regularly buying store brands at Walmart could help you lower your overall financial stress and save quite a bit per month if you're a regular shopper.

Affordable gluten-free products

Tanya Keisha/Adobe shelves with a various gluten free products from different manufacturers

Trying to cut gluten out of your diet? You may be surprised to find out that Walmart’s Great Value label includes several gluten-free options, including gluten-free pancake mix and pasta.

And unlike brand-name gluten-free options, which could be expensive, the Walmart versions could be more affordable for your budget.

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Use Walmart gift cards to save on gas

Kenishirotie/Adobe Hand giving out a Walmart gift card

Gas prices are on the rise again, and most of us are on the lookout for any way we can fill up for less. Some gas stations, such as Murphy USA, let you use your Walmart gift cards to pay for gas at the pump, which could save you some money.

You can find gas stations on Walmart’s website that offer up to 10 cents off per gallon. The retailer has more than 14,000 participating stations in 48 states. You may also pay less at your local’s Sam’s Club, which is also owned by Walmart.

You can buy refurbished electronics with a warranty

hedgehog94/Adobe Happy family buying laptop in store

It might be hard to manage your money when you need to buy an expensive electronic item. Fortunately, Walmart offers refurbished electronics at discounted rates, which can help save you money.

Check out the company’s refurbished electronics program, which includes televisions, laptops, smartphones, and more.

The products are tested and inspected before they are sold, and Walmart will give you a 90-day warranty to cover any issues after you purchase the product.

Pick up bakery discounts

Memories Over Mocha/Adobe FMCG products with staples like bread and frozen items on shelves

Walmart will usually discount their bakery items if they’re a day old, which may be the perfect way to save a little extra “dough.”

Even though loaves of bread and muffins might have been baked yesterday, they might still taste just as good today or even better with that discount.

Walmart offers grocery pickup

Sevenstock Studio/Adobe Grocery pickup signs in the parking lot of a Walmart Canada supercentre

If you’re in a hurry, go to your Walmart app or online and shop for groceries there instead of taking the time to actually walk through the store on a shopping trip.

You can choose the items you want and set a pick-up time. And when you arrive, a Walmart employee will load your groceries in your car for you.

Pro tip: If you don’t want to wait for rising rates to cool down your grocery costs, there are other ways to fight grocery price inflation that can save you money on groceries.

Bottom line

Kevin Brine/Adobe Walmart storefront

Walmart is known for its low prices and large selection, but there may still be a few easy ways to score some extra deals and discounts if you know where to look. 

Download the Walmart app or keep an eye on its website to find the best deals for Walmart customers.

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Author Details

Jenny Cohen

Jenny Cohen is a freelance writer who has covered a bit of everything, from finance to sports to her favorite TV shows. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and FoxSports.com.