Walmart Savings Hacks: These 14 Tips Will Save You Tons of Money

Walmart has long been a go-to destination for low prices, but even the savviest shoppers often leave extra savings on the table. The truth is, behind the familiar rollback signs and weekly ads, there’s a world of hidden discounts and Walmart savings hacks that can make those price tags even friendlier. Whether browsing the aisles in Walmart stores or filling an online cart, understanding these lesser-known opportunities can help shoppers stretch their budgets further than they ever thought possible. From special markdown schedules to clever coupon stacking, these strategies can be the difference between a good deal and a great one.

This guide pulls back the curtain on some of the best Walmart savings hacks used by top bargain hunters nationwide. These aren’t just generic tips; they’re tried-and-true methods for anyone curious about how to save at Walmart, especially when it comes to everyday essentials. Readers will find practical Walmart shopping tips for everything from electronics to fresh produce, plus smart ways to maximize rewards programs and seasonal sales. For those wondering how to save on groceries at Walmart without sacrificing quality, these expert-approved suggestions are designed to help save money every time the checkout line calls. 

Keep reading to discover the strategies that turn ordinary shopping trips into major wins for the wallet, and master these Walmart savings hacks for even bigger wins.

1. Maximize Cash-Back Opportunities

One of the simplest ways to save money at Walmart (and a ton of other retailers) is to use a cash back app like Upside, which rewards you for everyday purchases, or use a cash back credit card.

Cash back credit cards are great because they make your spending work for you. Whether you’re stocking up on groceries at Walmart, filling up your tank or grabbing dinner, a cash back credit card lets you earn a percentage back on everything you buy. If you’re wondering which cards are the best to have for this perk, we made a list. 

There are several cash back apps to choose from, but one of our favorites is Upside. The free app helps you earn money back on not just groceries, but also on gas and dining. Just download the Upside app, set up a free account and check the map to find participating stores near you.

2. Shop Online and Use In-Store Pickup

If you’ve been comparing prices in your local Walmart store to those online at other retailers and find another store sells the item for less, Walmart will match the price. But sometimes even Walmart’s own online prices are cheaper than their in-store prices.

To make life easier, order the items online and choose to pick them up. Most Walmart items sold online are available for pickup within 24 hours (and often on the same day). Simply put the item in your online shopping cart, select Free Pickup and choose your store location.

3. Check End Caps for Clearance Items

Prices can change throughout the week, and clearance items aren’t always in one spot. When you’re not in a hurry, spend some time browsing your local store and become familiar with the areas where each department displays its clearance stock. Sale items are often placed in the back of a department or on end caps to force you past the full-priced merchandise in that section of the store. Sometimes they’re displayed with large “clearance” signs, but other times the sale items are a bit less conspicuous, and their locations can vary by store.

Don’t forget to look in the grocery, household cleaners, and health and beauty departments. You’ll usually find clearance sections with discontinued items or older models marked down significantly.

4. Use Coupons

Just because you expect Walmart to have the lowest prices doesn’t mean you can’t save even more by using coupons.

Check for digital coupons in the Walmart app, browse popular couponing sites and look out for manufacturer coupons in your Sunday paper. Many of these coupons can be used on items you’re already planning to buy. The Walmart app makes it easy to organize your shopping list and keep track of eligible deals, so you never miss an opportunity to save.

Just remember, Walmart doesn’t double or stack coupons, and its coupon policy has changed a lot in recent years. If your coupon’s value exceeds the item’s price, any extra amount (the overage) will be applied to your total purchase at checkout, reducing what you owe. However, you will not receive cash back for overage. Instead, remaining balances are simply forfeited if your transaction total reaches zero. 

Always check the latest Walmart coupon policy in the app before heading out to shop.

5. Shop Early

If you’re looking for the best deals on meat and other perishables, try setting your alarm clock a little earlier than usual. In my experience, stores usually mark down meat and produce close to their “sell by” dates in the morning. The exact time can vary by store, so check with the managers of your store’s meat and produce departments to know when you should be shopping.

By getting to the store an hour earlier than usual, you’ll increase your chances of finding a great deal on meat or packaged fruits and veggies. (Then you’ll have to make sure you’ll use them or freeze them quickly.)

6. Buy Yesterday’s Baked Goods

Another department to check early in the day is the bakery, where yesterday’s baked goods will usually be marked down for a quick sale. There’s nothing wrong with yesterday’s bread or muffins, and if you’re not going to use them right away you can always freeze them.

If you do find that a loaf of bread is a little stale, you can always revive it in the microwave or oven, or with a little celery.

7. Join Walmart+ for Exclusive Perks and Discounts

Joining Walmart+ can be smart for those wondering how to save more on groceries and other essentials at Walmart. For an annual fee, members enjoy perks like free delivery from Walmart stores, free shipping with no order minimum and discounts on fuel. Exclusive Walmart+ events also give members first pick on hot-ticket items and seasonal sales, helping them shop early for the best deals. Frequent online shoppers who use the Walmart app to track their orders and access perks often find the membership pays for itself quickly, especially when paired with discounted Walmart gift cards or reward points for maximum savings.

8. Use Rollbacks, Daily Flash Deals, and Walmart+ Events

One of the most effective Walmart hacks is to build a shopping list around Rollbacks, weekly ad deals and Walmart+ events. Rollbacks are limited-time price reductions on everyday items, and the weekly ad, available both in-store and on the Walmart website, showcases current promotions across multiple departments. Walmart+ members often get early access to exclusive offers, meaning they can shop early and snag the best deals before popular items sell out. For shoppers who want to know how to save money at Walmart, combining Rollbacks with weekly ad specials can help achieve maximum savings without clipping a single coupon.

9. Scan with the Walmart App for Hidden Clearance and Decode Price Tags

The Walmart app is a secret weapon for uncovering hidden clearance prices that may not be marked on the shelf. By scanning an item’s barcode, shoppers often discover it’s discounted well below the sticker price. Savvy bargain hunters also learn to decode Walmart price tags; items ending in “.00” or “.97” often signal final markdowns. This is one of those Walmart hacks that makes it easy to find the best deals while browsing in-store. For maximum savings, pair clearance finds with manufacturer coupons or use Walmart gift cards purchased at a discount.

10. Switch to Walmart Private Label Brands

Switching to Walmart’s generic products, like Walmart’s Great Value, Equate and Marketside brands, is one of the easiest ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality. Walmart’s generic products are often made by the same companies that produce national brands, but are sold at a fraction of the price. Shoppers looking for how to save money on groceries at Walmart and stretch their grocery budget can switch to store-brand pantry staples, over-the-counter medicines, and household goods for consistent maximum savings. Pairing these items with sales from the Walmart website or Walmart app can help secure some of the best deals in the store.

11. Search for Promo Codes, Digital Coupons, and Discounted Gift Cards

Before finalizing a purchase, it’s worth searching for promo codes or digital coupons that can be applied to online or in-store orders. Many shoppers also buy discounted Walmart gift cards from third-party marketplaces, providing instant checkout savings. This tactic works especially well with the Walmart app for deal alerts or manufacturer coupons for additional discounts. For anyone serious about saving more on groceries at Walmart, stacking these offers can lead to maximum savings without changing shopping habits.

12. Track Markdown Schedules and Shop Post-Holiday or Seasonal Sales

Each department in Walmart has its markdown schedule, and learning these patterns can lead to significant savings. For example, electronics might drop in price midweek, while apparel gets marked down at the start of a new season. Shopping post-holiday clearance is another proven Walmart hack, especially for Walmart dollar items like décor, gift wrap and kitchen gadgets. Those who shop early after a holiday often grab the best deals before shelves are cleared. Checking the Walmart website or using the Walmart app can also reveal hidden clearance prices online that may not be available in every store.

13. Ask Staff and Use Inventory Tools for Hidden Deals

Walmart associates often know about unmarked clearance or upcoming discounts before they’re advertised. Politely asking staff or using inventory-checking tools can help locate high-demand products at hidden clearance prices in nearby Walmart stores. This method is a favorite among those who know how to save money at Walmart, as it can uncover deals that aren’t visible to the average shopper. Pairing these finds with discounted Walmart gift cards or manufacturer coupons can create an unbeatable combination for maximum savings.

14. Earn and Use Walmart Cash and Digital Rewards

Shoppers can earn Walmart Cash or rewards through certain cash back apps, loyalty programs and credit cards that partner with Walmart. These rewards can be redeemed on future purchases, creating a cycle of ongoing savings. This is an underrated Walmart hack for those committed to saving more on groceries at Walmart or household items. For extra value, rewards can be combined with discounted Walmart gift cards, Walmart’s generic products, and sales found on the Walmart website or Walmart app, making it easy to hit maximum savings every month.

FAQs: Walmart Savings Hacks

Shoppers often have questions about the best ways to stretch their dollars at Walmart, from uncovering hidden deals to making the most of rewards programs. Here are quick, practical answers to some of the most common questions about Walmart savings hacks to help every shopper leave with more in their wallet.