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Price matching still exists, but it has shrunk. Several big chains now match only their own prices, while others still match named competitors. Policies change often, so treat this as a starting point and check the store's current policy page before you go.
Key takeaways
- Best Buy matches 19 named competitors at the time you buy, then only its own lower price during the return window.
- Home Depot and Lowe's match identical, in-stock items from qualifying competitors, including each other.
- Target stopped matching Amazon and Walmart in July 2025 and now matches only its own prices within 14 days.
- Walmart stores match Walmart.com prices, not competitors.
Price match vs. price adjustment
A price match is when a store lowers its price to match a competitor's current price on an identical item. A price adjustment (sometimes called price protection) is when a store refunds the difference if its own price drops shortly after you buy. Many stores that dropped competitor matching still offer adjustments.
Major US store policies at a glance
These summaries reflect each store's published policy as of October 2026.
| Store | Matches competitors? | Matches its own lower price after you buy? |
|---|---|---|
| Best Buy | Yes, 19 named "qualified competitors" such as Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco, at the time of purchase | Yes, during the return window (15 days standard, 60 for paid members, 14 for phones) |
| Target | No, ended July 28, 2025 | Yes, within 14 days, Target.com and Target stores |
| Walmart | No | In store only, to match the Walmart.com price, at checkout |
| Home Depot | Yes, local stores and named online retailers such as Lowe's, Amazon and Walmart | Contact the store; check its current policy |
| Lowe's | Yes, local retailers and qualifying online retailers, including shipping cost | Contact Lowe's by chat or phone |
Common exclusions
- Marketplace or third-party sellers (for example, an item sold by a seller on Amazon rather than by Amazon itself)
- Clearance, open-box, refurbished and closeout items
- Limited-time "lightning," daily or hourly deals
- Membership-only prices and warehouse clubs
- Black Friday weekend pricing (Best Buy, for example, excludes competitor prices from the Thursday before Thanksgiving through the Monday after)
- Different model numbers, bundles or items that aren't in stock
How to ask for a price match
- Find the identical item: same brand, model number, size and color.
- Make sure the competitor has it in stock and sells it directly.
- Have the live listing open on your phone. Some stores, like Target, don't accept screenshots.
- Ask at checkout or customer service before you pay. Online, use the store's chat or phone line.
- If you already bought it, bring your receipt and ask about a price adjustment within the window.
Other ways to get a lower price after you buy
- Return and rebuy: if the store doesn't adjust prices but has a generous return policy, some shoppers return and repurchase. Check that you won't pay restocking fees.
- Credit card benefits: a few cards used to offer price protection, but most major issuers have dropped it. Check your card's current benefits guide.
- Price trackers: set an alert so you know when to ask. See how to check an item's price history.
Tips for success
Be polite, have everything ready and know the policy wording, because staff discretion often decides borderline cases. Combine price matching with the timing tips in best times of year to buy, and remember that a store's own coupon can sometimes beat a match.
What about Amazon and Costco?
Amazon generally doesn't match other stores' prices or refund the difference when its own price drops, and its prices can change several times a day. That's why a price tracker is so useful for Amazon purchases: you can see whether today's price is near its recent low before you buy. Costco doesn't match competitors either, but it has long offered a price adjustment if its own price on an item drops within 30 days of purchase. In-store purchases are adjusted at the warehouse and online orders through Costco's website. Warehouse clubs, including Costco and Sam's Club, are usually excluded from other stores' price-match policies, so a club price rarely helps you at Best Buy or Lowe's.
Is price matching worth the hassle?
For a small item, the time spent may not be worth a dollar or two. For a TV, appliance or laptop, a successful match or adjustment can save tens or even hundreds of dollars, and it often takes just a few minutes on chat. A good habit is to screenshot or bookmark the competitor listing and set a reminder to check your purchase price once before the adjustment window ends.
Frequently asked questions
Does Target still price match Amazon?
No. Target ended competitor price matching on July 28, 2025. It now matches only lower prices at Target.com, Target stores and Target Circle deals, within 14 days of purchase.
Does Walmart price match other stores?
No. Walmart stores will match the price of an identical in-stock item on Walmart.com, with exclusions, but Walmart doesn't match competitors' prices.
Does Best Buy price match Amazon?
Yes, if the item is identical, in stock and sold by Amazon itself, at the time you buy. After purchase, Best Buy only matches its own lower price during the return window.
Can I get a refund if the price drops after I buy?
Many stores offer a price adjustment if their own price drops within a short window, such as 14 days at Target or the return window at Best Buy. Keep your receipt and ask.
Sources
Official sources this article relies on, checked October 15, 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm details at the source.
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