Does Best Buy Price Match Walmart What You Should Know

For savvy shoppers, price matching can be a powerful tool to save money without waiting for sales or hunting down coupons. Best Buy has long been known for its customer-friendly price match policy—but how does it apply when comparing prices to Walmart? With both retailers offering competitive pricing on electronics, appliances, and tech gear, knowing whether and how Best Buy matches Walmart’s prices can make a real difference at checkout.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Best Buy’s price match policy in relation to Walmart. From eligibility requirements to common pitfalls, we’ll cover the practical details that help you maximize savings—without frustration.

Understanding Best Buy’s Price Match Policy

Best Buy offers a comprehensive price match guarantee for most in-stock items sold by major competitors, including Walmart. The goal is simple: if you find a lower advertised price on an identical item at a qualifying retailer, Best Buy will match it. This applies both in-store and online, though specific conditions must be met.

The policy covers new items only—refurbished, open-box, or clearance products are generally excluded. The product must also be identical in brand, model number, color, size, and bundled accessories. Even minor differences, such as a slightly different SKU or included bonus item, can disqualify a price match request.

Walmart is considered a qualifying competitor under Best Buy’s policy, but only if the lower price is available through walmart.com or in a local Walmart store serving the same market area as the Best Buy location.

Tip: Always check the exact model number before requesting a price match. A $50 discount means nothing if you’re looking at a different version of the product.

Key Conditions for a Successful Price Match

Not every lower price at Walmart qualifies for a Best Buy price match. The following criteria must all be satisfied:

• The item must be in stock and available for immediate purchase at Walmart (online or in-store).
• The price must be current and publicly advertised—not from a membership club, auction site, or third-party marketplace like eBay or Amazon Marketplace.
• The product must be sold and shipped directly by Walmart (not a third-party seller on Walmart.com).
• The price match must be requested at the time of purchase.
• Proof of the lower price (e.g., printed ad, screenshot, or live website) must be provided.

Best Buy reserves the right to verify the availability and legitimacy of the competing offer. Employees may call the Walmart store or check inventory online to confirm the item is truly in stock.

What’s Not Covered?

Certain exclusions apply even if the item appears identical. These include:

• Shipping costs (unless free shipping is offered by both retailers).
• Bundle deals that include unrelated items.
• Financing promotions or credit card discounts.
• Rebates, gift cards, or loyalty rewards.
• Prices from international websites or stores outside the U.S.

“Price matching only works when the playing field is level—same product, same terms, same availability.” — Sarah Lin, Retail Consumer Analyst

Step-by-Step Guide to Requesting a Price Match

If you’ve found a lower price at Walmart, follow this process to request a match at Best Buy:

1. Verify the product match: Confirm the brand, model number, and specifications are identical. Check the box or manufacturer’s website if needed.
2. Gather proof: Take a clear screenshot of the Walmart.com listing showing the price, availability, and seller information. If using an in-store price, bring a photo or printout.
3. Visit Best Buy: Go to the store during business hours or mention the price match when speaking to an online representative.
4. Speak to a supervisor if needed: While most associates can process price matches, some locations require manager approval.
5. Complete the purchase: The adjusted price will be applied at checkout. Note that price adjustments after purchase are not allowed unless due to a register error.

Tip: For online purchases, use Best Buy’s “Price Match” form on their website before buying. This avoids post-purchase disputes.

Comparison: Best Buy vs. Walmart Price Match Policies

Feature	Best Buy	Walmart
Matches Competitor Prices?	Yes (including Walmart)	Limited; only in select states and for online orders
In-Store & Online Eligible?	Yes	Varies by location
Time Window for Request	At time of purchase only	Within 7–14 days of purchase (online)
Third-Party Sellers Accepted?	No (must be sold by Walmart)	No
Requires Identical Model?	Yes	Yes

While Best Buy actively matches Walmart, the reverse is far less reliable. Walmart’s price match program is inconsistent across regions and often limited to online transactions. This makes Best Buy the more dependable option for securing the lowest verified price.

Real Example: Saving $80 on a Laptop

Mark was shopping for a Dell XPS 13 laptop. He found it priced at $999.99 at his local Best Buy. Before purchasing, he checked Walmart.com and discovered the same model (Dell XPS 13, 13.3\", Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) listed for $919.99 with free shipping.

He took a screenshot of the Walmart listing, including the model number and “Ships from Walmart” note. At checkout, he showed the associate the proof. After verifying the item’s availability and matching the specs, the Best Buy employee processed the price match. Mark paid $919.99—saving $80 instantly.

Had he waited until after purchase, he would have lost the opportunity. Best Buy does not honor retroactive price adjustments for competitor pricing.

Checklist: How to Successfully Price Match Best Buy to Walmart

• ✅ Confirm the product model number is identical
• ✅ Ensure the item is in stock at Walmart (online or local store)
• ✅ Verify Walmart is selling and shipping the item (not a third-party)
• ✅ Capture a dated screenshot or bring a printed ad
• ✅ Request the match at the time of purchase
• ✅ Be prepared to wait while staff verifies the offer
• ✅ Ask to speak with a manager if initially denied

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Best Buy price match Walmart+ member prices?

No. Best Buy does not match prices restricted to membership programs, including Walmart+. Only publicly available advertised prices qualify.

Does Best Buy match Walmart’s online-only discounts?

Yes, as long as the item is in stock, sold directly by Walmart, and the price is visible on walmart.com. Flash sales and limited-time online deals are eligible if they meet all other criteria.

What if the Walmart website shows the item as “out of stock”?

Best Buy requires the item to be available for purchase. If Walmart lists it as out of stock—even if it’s scheduled to restock—it won’t qualify for a price match.

Final Thoughts: Maximize Your Savings Smartly

Yes, Best Buy does price match Walmart—under the right conditions. The key is preparation. Knowing the exact model, having verifiable proof of the lower price, and understanding the limitations can turn an ordinary purchase into a smart saving win.

While the process may take a few extra minutes, the payoff is immediate: you get the product you want at the lowest available price, backed by Best Buy’s warranty, service plans, and return policy. In many cases, that combination offers better value than simply buying cheaper elsewhere.

🚀 Next time you shop at Best Buy, don’t assume the tag price is final. Check Walmart first, come prepared, and walk out with guaranteed savings.