Enterthedeals Smart shoppers know that price matching can turn a good sale into a better one. But the rules have changed. Some major stores still match competitors, some only match their own website, and others have replaced price matching with limited price adjustment policies.
Policy note: Retail price match rules can change without much warning. Use this guide as a shopping starting point, then confirm the current policy and exclusions on the retailer’s official page before requesting a match.
Quick Answer: What Stores Price Match?
Stores that price match in 2026 include Best Buy, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Staples, Office Depot/OfficeMax, Kohl’s, Nordstrom, PetSmart, Petco, Michaels, Academy Sports + Outdoors, JCPenney, Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s, Advance Auto Parts, Dell, and B&H Photo. Some retailers, including Target, Walmart, Newegg, Costco, and Sam’s Club, offer limited self-price matching or price adjustments instead of broad competitor price matching. Target’s current policy matches Target.com, Target stores, and eligible Target Circle deals, while Walmart’s in-store policy only matches identical items advertised on Walmart.com.
Price Matching vs. Price Adjustment: Know the Difference
A price match usually happens before or at checkout: you show a lower advertised price from another eligible store, and the retailer agrees to sell the item at that price. A price adjustment happens after purchase: you already bought the item, then the store lowers its own price or an eligible competitor has a lower price, and the retailer refunds the difference. Consumer guidance often explains the difference mainly comes down to timing, and the exact rules vary widely by retailer.
For shoppers, the most important phrase is “identical item.” Almost every price match policy requires the same brand, model number, size, color, quantity, condition, and availability. If the lower price is from a marketplace seller, flash sale, clearance rack, coupon-only promotion, typo, or out-of-stock listing, it usually will not qualify.
At-a-Glance: Stores That Price Match in 2026
| Store | Does it price match? | Best use case |
|---|---|---|
| Best Buy | Yes, key online/local competitors | Electronics, appliances, TVs |
| Lowe’s | Yes, identical in-stock items | Tools, appliances, home improvement |
| The Home Depot | Yes, with exclusions | Hardware, appliances, DIY supplies |
| Staples | Yes | Office supplies, tech, custom print |
| Office Depot/OfficeMax | Yes | Office supplies, school supplies, printing |
| Kohl’s | Yes, direct competitors | Apparel, home, small appliances |
| Nordstrom | Limited competitor adjustment | Fashion, shoes, beauty |
| PetSmart | Yes | Pet food and supplies |
| Petco | Yes, online competitors | Pet food, pet products |
| Michaels | Limited online/in-store rules | Crafts, décor, seasonal supplies |
| Academy Sports + Outdoors | Yes, beats some prices by 5% | Sporting goods, outdoor gear |
| JCPenney | Yes | Apparel, home, department-store goods |
| Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s | Yes | Outdoor, fishing, camping |
| Advance Auto Parts | Yes | Auto parts and accessories |
| Dell | Yes, before/after purchase | Computers, monitors, electronics |
| B&H Photo | Case-by-case | Cameras, audio, pro tech |
Best Stores That Price Match Competitors
1. Best Buy Price Match Policy
Best Buy remains one of the strongest options for electronics price matching. Best Buy says it will match current product prices from qualified online and local competitors for immediately available new products sold by Best Buy. The policy excludes marketplace products, clearance, refurbished, and open-box items. Best Buy also matches its own online/app prices in store, its in-store prices online, and its own lower price during the return and exchange period when requested.
Best Buy’s qualified competitor list includes major names such as Amazon, Apple, B&H Photo Video, Costco, Crutchfield, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Sam’s Club, Target, Walmart, and others, but Best Buy does not match products sold or shipped by third-party marketplace sellers on those websites.
Best for: TVs, laptops, headphones, gaming gear, appliances, smart-home devices.
2. Lowe’s Price Match Policy
Lowe’s Lowest Price Guarantee is useful for home improvement shoppers. Lowe’s says that if you find a current lower price on an identical in-stock item from another local retailer, it will match the price after validating the website, ad, printout, or photo. For online requests, Lowe’s lets customers chat or call for validation. Its guarantee includes the item price plus shipping or delivery cost, and the competitor item must be available to ship to the customer’s location.
Lowe’s excludes several categories, including professional services, labor and installation, custom products, used/refurbished/open-box merchandise, clearance, closeout, damaged goods, and some seasonal or discontinued items.
Best for: Appliances, tools, lighting, garden supplies, hardware, flooring.
3. The Home Depot Price Match Policy
The Home Depot offers a Price Match Guarantee for qualifying items, but shoppers should pay attention to shipping, services, and special-order exclusions. Home Depot’s policy page states that it does not price match shipping or service costs with competitors and applies the price match only to the product cost.
Searchers often compare Home Depot with Lowe’s, Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy on tools, appliances, fixtures, and seasonal home products. The key is to show proof that the lower-priced item is identical and currently available, because most home improvement stores reject clearance, liquidation, special order, and pricing-error matches.
Best for: Tools, hardware, appliances, paint, storage, outdoor living.
4. Staples Price Match Policy
Staples has a detailed Price Match Guarantee for in-store and online purchases. Staples requires the item to be identical in brand, size, weight, color, quantity, model number, and warranty; it must be new, in stock, and available for purchase at the lower price. In-store Staples requests may use a printed ad, signage photo, or mobile online offer, and Staples accepts screenshots if the offer details are legible and verifiable.
For Staples.com, eligible competitors include Grainger, Office Depot/OfficeMax, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon.com, Quill, W.B. Mason, and Uline, but Staples does not match marketplace products sold or shipped by third parties.
Best for: Printers, ink, paper, office furniture, school supplies, custom print.
5. Office Depot and OfficeMax Price Match Policy
Office Depot/OfficeMax will match qualifying items from listed competitors, including Staples, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon.com, and certain copy/custom printing competitors such as FedEx Office and The UPS Store.
Its policy limits price matches to one competitor price match per identical item per guest and excludes marketplace items, ad or price errors, closeout, clearance, liquidation, out-of-stock items, special orders, location-specific offers, gift-card offers, holiday sale offers such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, tax promotions, and delivery/installation/extended warranty services.
Best for: School supplies, office tech, office furniture, paper, printing.
6. Kohl’s Price Match Policy
Kohl’s will price match direct competitors’ online prices when the competitor is a non-wholesale retailer with both physical stores and an online presence. The product must be identical to the item sold on Kohls.com, the price must be verifiable on the competitor’s website, and the competitor’s product must be new and in box.
Kohl’s also notes that coupons cannot be applied to a price-matched product, but Kohl’s Cash and Kohl’s Rewards can be earned and redeemed on price-matched products.
Best for: Clothing, shoes, bedding, kitchen items, small appliances.
7. Nordstrom Price Adjustment Policy
Nordstrom works more like a selective price adjustment program than a traditional broad price-match program. Nordstrom says that if Nordstrom or one of its select competitors marks down an item you already purchased, it may adjust the price within 10 days of the shipment date. The item must be identical in color and size and in stock at both Nordstrom and the competitor.
Eligible national competitors include vendor websites, Amazon when sold and shipped by Amazon, Bloomingdale’s, Finish Line, Foot Locker, Macy’s, Mr Porter, Neiman Marcus, NET-A-PORTER, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sephora, Shopbop, Ulta Beauty, and Zappos. Nordstrom excludes outlet stores, flash sales, auctions, clubs, non-U.S. retailers, third-party marketplace sellers, order-level discounts, gift-card promotions, and shipping offers.
Best for: Shoes, beauty, designer apparel, premium fashion.
Pet Stores That Price Match
8. PetSmart Price Match Promise
PetSmart offers a Price Match Promise on identical, in-stock items from direct-seller competitors in pet specialty, grocery, pharmacy, and big-box retail, including official competitor websites. PetSmart also matches PetSmart.com prices for in-store purchases. It requires active proof of the lower price, such as a receipt, advertisement, or other confirmation.
PetSmart does not match marketplaces such as eBay, Amazon Marketplace, Walmart Marketplace, and Temu; auction/reseller sites; price aggregators; closeout or discount outlets; clearance or liquidation prices; “free with purchase” offers; BOGO offers; rebates; pets; or services.
Best for: Pet food, litter, toys, crates, grooming supplies.
9. Petco Price Match Guarantee
Petco.com matches online advertised prices from key competitors including Chewy.com, PetSmart.com, Walmart.com, Target.com, Amazon.com, and Jet.com. Petco requires the product to be identical to the competitor’s product, and customers are directed to call Petco to request the price match.
Best for: Pet food, treats, aquatics, pet supplies, repeat pet purchases.
Craft, Sporting Goods, Outdoor, and Auto Stores That Price Match
10. Michaels Price Match Policy
Michaels has changed its policy in a way shoppers should notice. For in-store U.S. purchases, Michaels says it does not match competitors’ online or in-store prices; instead, it will match the identical item advertised online on Michaels.com for items purchased in a Michaels U.S. store. For online Michaels.com purchases, Michaels may match the identical item if found for less on Michaels.com, eligible online retailers, or in a Michaels printed/digital ad within seven days.
Michaels’ eligible online retailers include At Home, Hobby Lobby, Home Depot, Kohl’s, Lowe’s, Office Depot, pOpshelf, Staples, Target, and Walmart. It excludes third-party sellers, marketplace/MakerPlace items, clearance, closeout, doorbusters, limited-time offers, login-only offers, coupon offers, gift-card offers, rebates, classes, parties, and some technology products.
Best for: Online craft orders, seasonal décor, art supplies.
11. Academy Sports + Outdoors Price Match Policy
Academy Sports + Outdoors is one of the more generous retailers because it does not just match some competitor prices—it says it will beat eligible lower prices by 5% after validating the competitor’s ad or website. Academy requires the item to be identical and in stock, and it excludes misprinted ads, clearance, closeout/going-out-of-business prices, timed events, rebates, coupons, club membership prices, and limited-quantity offers.
Academy also says purchases within 14 days of the original receipt date may be eligible for a price adjustment if requirements are met.
Best for: Sports gear, shoes, outdoor equipment, camping, hunting/fishing supplies.
12. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Price Match Policy
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s advertise a “We Won’t Be Undersold” price match policy, stating that they refuse to be beaten by a price currently offered by a local retailer or qualifying website.
Best for: Fishing gear, camping equipment, boating accessories, outdoor apparel.
13. Advance Auto Parts Price Match Policy
Advance Auto Parts says it will price match most direct competitors on valid, published prices for the same items, subject to exclusions.
Best for: Car batteries, brake parts, wipers, filters, fluids, replacement parts.
Department Stores and Tech Brands That Price Match
14. JCPenney Price Match Policy
JCPenney offers a price match guarantee on competitors’ in-store and online prices, excluding marketplaces, third-party sellers, deal websites, and auctions. It includes items sold by Amazon.com, but not third-party Amazon sellers. JCPenney also matches JCPenney.com prices in store and vice versa, excluding clearance pricing and online-only coupons.
JCPenney states that its guarantee is available 365 days a year, including Black Friday, in the continental United States, with Alaska and Puerto Rico excluded. If a lower qualifying price is valid within 14 days after purchase, JCPenney says customers can present the ad and receipt for reimbursement of the difference.
Best for: Apparel, home, jewelry, mattresses, department-store deals.
15. Dell Price Match and Price Guarantee
Dell offers both a competitor price match and a 30-day price guarantee. Dell says that if you find a lower internet-advertised price for an identical electronic product or equivalent Dell, HP, Apple, or Lenovo computer, Dell may match it. For personal computers purchased on or after January 23, 2026, Dell limits competitor price matching to a maximum of 10% of the Dell product price.
Dell also offers a 30-day price guarantee: if you see a lower price on Dell.com within 30 days after purchase, Dell will refund the difference after verification. Dell excludes marketplace resellers, financing offers, gift-card offers, bundles, free items, pricing errors, service/installation offers, limited-quantity items, out-of-stock items, clearance, outlet products, and paid membership club prices.
Best for: Laptops, desktops, monitors, PC accessories.
16. B&H Photo Price Match Policy
B&H Photo handles price matching case by case. B&H says that if a competitor offers a lower price for an immediately available product, your purchase may be eligible for price matching. Customers must contact B&H’s Product Specialist Team by chat, email, or phone; if approved, B&H sends a purchase link valid through the end of the business day.
B&H also may honor a lower B&H price after purchase if the item’s price drops within the return and exchange period, with the credit returned to the original payment method.
Best for: Cameras, lenses, audio, video gear, computers, creative equipment.
Stores With Limited or No Competitor Price Matching
Target
Target no longer works like the old competitor price match many shoppers remember. Target’s current Price Match Guarantee matches qualifying identical items against Target.com, Target stores, or eligible automatic Target Circle deals, with requests allowed at purchase or within 14 days after purchase. Target also states that in-store price matches from other Target stores are excluded, Target items cannot be price matched to Target Plus items, screenshots or pictures are not accepted as proof, and original receipts or packing slips are required for post-purchase adjustments.
Walmart
Walmart has a limited price match policy. For items purchased in a Walmart U.S. store, Walmart will match the price of the identical item advertised on Walmart.com, with the store manager on duty making the final decision. Walmart.com purchases do not receive price matching for competitors, previous Walmart.com purchases that later drop in price, Walmart Marketplace/third-party seller prices, or Walmart store/Neighborhood Market prices.
Amazon
Amazon says it does not offer price matching because it compares prices with competitors to keep prices low or lower.
Costco
Costco does not price match with other retailers, though Costco does have its own price adjustment process for certain purchases that drop in price within 30 days.
Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club states that it does not price match competitors. Individual clubs may have discretion to match another Sam’s Club location’s pricing, but clearance and markdown items are not matched.
Newegg
Newegg changed its policy: starting December 15, 2025, its price match applies only when the price of an item purchased from Newegg drops on Newegg.com. It does not apply to external competitor websites such as Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, or Target. Eligible items must be sold and shipped by Newegg, and requests must be made within seven calendar days.
How to Get a Price Match Approved
To improve your chances of approval, follow this simple price match checklist:
- Match the exact model number. A similar product is not enough. Retailers usually require the same brand, size, color, quantity, condition, and model number.
- Check seller identity. “Sold and shipped by Amazon” is very different from “sold by a third-party seller on Amazon.” Marketplace sellers are usually excluded.
- Confirm stock status. Most stores reject out-of-stock, backordered, limited-quantity, and raincheck listings.
- Bring proof. Use the competitor’s live product page, current ad, printed ad, or mobile listing. Some stores accept screenshots; others, like Target, do not.
- Ask before using coupons. Many stores will not stack coupons, loyalty discounts, gift-card offers, or special financing on top of a price match.
- Avoid holiday assumptions. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, doorbusters, limited-time deals, clearance, liquidation, and pricing errors are commonly excluded.
- Request quickly. Adjustment windows vary: Target uses 14 days, Nordstrom uses 10 days from shipment, Michaels online uses seven days, Newegg uses seven days, JCPenney uses 14 days, and Dell uses 30 days in qualifying cases.
Where to Request a Price Match: Checkout, Customer Service, Chat, or Pickup
The best place to ask for a price match depends on how you are buying the item. In a store, start with the checkout register or customer service desk and ask a store associate or employee to review the competitor price before you pay. For online orders, use live chat, phone support, or the retailer’s price match form if one is available. For pickup orders, request the match before the order is finalized whenever possible, because pickup-only deals and local inventory rules can affect eligibility.
| Store or category | Where to request | Proof usually needed | Coupon stacking? | Adjustment window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Buy | In store, online chat, or customer support | Live competitor product page, local ad, or Best Buy price | Usually not with special promos or excluded offers | During the return and exchange period for Best Buy’s own lower price |
| Target | Checkout, Guest Services, or Target support | Target.com, Target app, Target store price, or eligible Target Circle deal | Limited by Target’s policy and offer terms | At purchase or within 14 days |
| Walmart | In-store checkout register or store manager review | Identical item on Walmart.com, in stock and sold by Walmart | Not a broad competitor coupon stack | Before purchase for in-store Walmart.com matches |
| Lowe’s | Store associate, online chat, or phone support | Current local competitor price with shipping or delivery considered | Generally separate from coupon-required prices | Before purchase |
| Staples and Office Depot | Checkout, customer service desk, or online support | Current ad, product page, screenshot, or printed proof with matching model details | Often limited; gift card offers, rewards-only prices, and coupons may be excluded | Varies by policy and purchase channel |
| Department stores | Customer service, chat, or post-purchase adjustment request | Identical brand, size, color, model, and competitor availability | Depends on store; Kohl’s restricts coupons while JCPenney may allow eligible coupons | Often 10 to 14 days, depending on retailer |
For the smoothest experience, save the lower-price comparison before you shop, confirm the item is not sold by a marketplace seller, and ask whether the associate needs a live website, printed advertisement, receipt, screenshot, or order number. This can save money and prevent a price match denial after the deal disappears.
Price Match Savings vs Coupons, Gift Card Offers, and Rewards
A price match is not always the biggest savings opportunity. Compare the matched price against any coupon code, store reward, cashback offer, loyalty discount, credit card offer, gift card promotion, or free-shipping deal before deciding. Some stores reject coupon-required prices, gift card offers, rebate prices, and rewards-only discounts when approving a match. Others may allow rewards after the price match but block an extra coupon at checkout.
The practical rule is simple: ask the employee or online support agent to calculate the final order total after the agreement, taxes, shipping, pickup rules, and eligible discounts. A lower shelf price is helpful only if the final checkout total is actually lower than the coupon or sale price you could get elsewhere.
Which Stores Price Match Amazon?
Several retailers will match Amazon prices, but almost always only when the item is sold and shipped by Amazon, not a third-party marketplace seller. Best Buy lists Amazon as a qualified competitor while excluding third-party marketplace sellers. Nordstrom includes Amazon only when sold and shipped by Amazon. JCPenney includes items sold by Amazon.com but excludes third-party sellers on Amazon. Petco.com lists Amazon.com among its key competitors for online price matching.
The safest rule: if the Amazon listing says “sold by” anyone other than Amazon, assume the match may be denied.
Best Stores for Price Matching by Category
Electronics
Choose Best Buy, Dell, B&H Photo, Staples, Office Depot, and sometimes Walmart in-store against Walmart.com. These retailers are best for laptops, monitors, printers, TVs, tablets, and accessories.
Home Improvement
Choose Lowe’s and The Home Depot. These stores are strong for appliances, power tools, lighting, hardware, garden supplies, and DIY project materials.
Office and School Supplies
Choose Staples or Office Depot/OfficeMax. Their policies are especially useful during back-to-school season, printer sales, and bulk office supply purchases.
Pet Supplies
Choose PetSmart or Petco. Price matching is especially helpful on recurring items like dog food, cat litter, treats, flea products, and aquatics supplies.
Apparel and Department Stores
Choose Kohl’s, JCPenney, and Nordstrom. For fashion and shoes, pay close attention to coupon rules, competitor eligibility, and whether the store offers a match before purchase or only a post-purchase adjustment.
Sports and Outdoor Gear
Choose Academy Sports + Outdoors, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Bass Pro Shops, and Cabela’s. DICK’S promotes a Best Price Guarantee, while Academy says it can beat eligible lower prices by 5%.
Common Price Match Exclusions
Most stores that price match reject the same types of offers:
- Marketplace sellers on Amazon, Walmart, Target Plus, Best Buy Marketplace, Newegg Marketplace, or eBay
- Clearance items, closeout, liquidation, refurbished, used, pre-owned, open-box, damaged merchandise, or floor-model products
- Black Friday, Cyber Monday, doorbusters, flash sales, daily deals, pickup-only deals, member-only prices, and limited-quantity promotions
- Coupon-required prices, rebate prices, bundle offers, gift card offers, rewards-only discounts, cashback offers, and free-with-purchase deals
- Pricing errors, typo prices, lease offers, financing offers, or credit card offers that reduce the price only after approval or billing
- Out-of-stock, backordered, local-only, or unavailable quantities
- Services, warranties, delivery, installation, subscriptions, travel bookings, health services, and other non-product purchases
This is why the best time to request a competitor price match is before checkout, while the lower price is live, verifiable, and in stock.
FAQ: Less Common Questions About Price Matching
Can I price match a Target Plus item with a regular Target item?
No. Target states that Target items cannot be price matched to Target Plus items. Target Plus items have their own rules and must be matched to the same Target Plus Partner item.
Do stores match Amazon Marketplace sellers?
Usually no. Best Buy, Staples, Nordstrom, PetSmart, JCPenney, Dell, and Newegg all exclude or restrict third-party marketplace sellers in some form.
Can I use a coupon after a price match?
Sometimes, but often not. Kohl’s says coupons cannot be applied to price-matched products, while JCPenney says eligible coupons and discounts may be applied after the price match. Always check the store’s rule before assuming coupon stacking will work.
Do price matches include shipping?
It depends. Lowe’s includes the item price plus shipping or delivery cost in its Lowest Price Guarantee, while Home Depot says its price match applies to the product cost and not competitors’ shipping or service costs.
Are screenshots accepted for price matching?
Some stores accept screenshots, but others do not. Staples accepts screenshots for some in-store requests if the offer is complete, legible, and verifiable; Target says screenshots or pictures cannot be accepted as proof.
Which stores offer price adjustments after purchase?
Examples include Target within 14 days, JCPenney within 14 days, Nordstrom within 10 days of shipment, Dell within 30 days for qualifying policies, Newegg within seven days for eligible Newegg price drops, and Michaels.com within seven days for eligible online purchases.
Final Takeaway: What Stores Price Match?
The best stores that price match are usually category specialists: Best Buy for electronics, Lowe’s and Home Depot for home improvement, Staples and Office Depot for office supplies, PetSmart and Petco for pet products, Academy and Bass Pro/Cabela’s for outdoor gear, and JCPenney, Kohl’s, and Nordstrom for department-store categories. But the biggest change is that shoppers can no longer assume mass retailers broadly match competitors. Target, Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, Amazon, and Newegg now have more limited policies or no competitor price matching at all.
For the best result, compare the exact item, verify the seller, check stock, bring current proof, and request the match before the lower price disappears.
Source References
- Target Price Match Guarantee
- Best Buy Price Match Guarantee
- Best Buy Qualified Competitors
- Lowe’s Lowest Price Guarantee
- The Home Depot Price Match and Price Check
- Staples Price Match Guarantee
- Office Depot Price Match Policy
- Office Depot Help: Does Office Depot Price Match?
- Kohl’s Price Match FAQ
- Nordstrom Pricing Policy
- PetSmart Returns, Refunds, and Price Match Promise
- Petco Returns and Price Match
- Michaels Coupon Policy and Price Guarantee
- Academy Sports + Outdoors Price Match Guarantee
- Bass Pro Shops Price Match
- Advance Auto Parts Pricing Policy
- JCPenney Lowest Price Guarantee
- Dell Price Match Guarantee
- B&H Photo Price Match Policy
- Walmart: Does Walmart Price Match?
- Amazon Price Matching
- Costco: Does Costco Price Match?
- Sam’s Club Price Matching
- Newegg Price Match Guarantee
- DICK’S Sporting Goods Best Price Guarantee
