We all know Walmart is cheap, but are you actually getting the lowest possible price? Most people just walk in, grab what they need, and pay the sticker price.
But savvy shoppers know that Walmart has “hidden” layers of savings that aren’t advertised on the shelf. From digital rebates to secret clearance hacks, here are the 5 best ways to stretch your grocery budget further in 2025.
1. The “Hidden Clearance” App Hack
You’ve seen the yellow clearance stickers, but did you know many items are marked down in the system before the staff has time to sticker them?
The Trick: Download the Walmart app and use the barcode scanner.
When you see an item that looks out of place or is sitting in a clearance section without a sticker, scan it. Often, an item marked $15 on the shelf might scan for $5 on your phone. This is especially common with seasonal items, electronics, and housewares mixed in with groceries.
>> Click here to check if you are eligible for a Walmart Gift Card Promo
2. Double-Dip with “Walmart Cash”
Forget cutting paper coupons. Walmart now has a built-in reward system called Walmart Cash.
How it works:
- Open the Walmart app before you shop.
- Tap “Services” and look for Manufacturer Offers.
- “Clip” the offers digitally (e.g., $1.00 back on cereal).
- When you buy the item and scan your QR code at checkout (using Walmart Pay), that money goes instantly into your account balance.
Pro Tip: You can use this balance to pay for your next grocery trip!
>> Click here to check if you are eligible for a Walmart Gift Card Promo
3. The “Great Value” Swap Test
We are often conditioned to think “Generic = Bad,” but Walmart’s private brands (Great Value and Equate) are often manufactured in the exact same facilities as the name brands.
Items where you won’t notice the difference:
- Pantry Staples: Flour, sugar, and spices (Great Value).
- Medicine: Ibuprofen and allergy relief (Equate)—literally the exact same chemical ingredients as Advil or Zyrtec for 70% less.
- Cleaning Supplies: Bleach and trash bags.
Switching just these three categories can save you $15-$20 per trip.
>> Click here to check if you are eligible for a Walmart Gift Card Promo
4. Unlock Free Streaming (Stop Paying for Paramount+)
If you are a regular Walmart shopper, the Walmart+ membership might actually save you money, not cost you.
Why? Because in late 2024, Walmart updated the benefits. Members now get a free subscription to Paramount+ OR Peacock. If you are currently paying $10/month for one of these streaming services, canceling it and getting Walmart+ (which includes free grocery delivery) essentially pays for itself. You stop paying for streaming and get free delivery as a bonus.
>> Click here to check if you are eligible for a Walmart Gift Card Promo
5. Use Promotional Gift Cards (“Found Money”)
The ultimate way to save money is to not spend your own.
Big brands often run promotional campaigns where they give away gift cards to gather user feedback or promote new services. If you have a few minutes to spare, you can see if you qualify for current Walmart-specific offers. It’s essentially “found money” that you can apply directly to your next grocery bill.
>> Click here to check if you are eligible for a Walmart Gift Card Promo
(Note: These offers usually require you to answer a few quick questions to qualify.)