Walmart vs. Target vs. Amazon
Complete comparison of discount programs, memberships, and savings strategies
🏆 Walmart vs Target vs Amazon
Complete comparison of discount programs, memberships, and savings strategies
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Walmart | Target | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Membership Cost | $98/year (Walmart+) | $99/year (Circle 360) | $139/year (Prime) |
| Free Shipping Minimum | $35 (free) or $0 (Walmart+) | $35 (free) or $0 (Circle 360) | $35 (free) or $0 (Prime) |
| Same-Day Delivery | Yes ($9.95 or free with Walmart+) | Yes ($9.99 or free with Circle 360) | Yes (free with Prime in select areas) |
| Gas Discounts | 10¢/gallon (Walmart+) | None | None |
| Store Credit Card Discount | 5% cashback (Walmart Rewards Card) | 5% off every purchase (RedCard) | 5% cashback (Amazon Prime Card) |
| Price Matching | Yes (major competitors) | Limited | No |
| Return Window | 90 days (most items) | 90 days (most items) | 30 days (most items) |
| Clearance Frequency | Weekly markdowns | Weekly markdowns | Warehouse Deals section |
| Best For | Groceries, everyday low prices | Trendy items, home decor | Convenience, variety |
🔵 Walmart Savings Strategies
1. Barcode Scanning for Hidden Clearance
Use the Walmart app to scan items in-store. Many clearance items aren’t marked but show discounted prices in the app (up to 95% off).
2. Price Tag Decoding
Prices ending in .00 or .01 = final clearance. Prices ending in .97 = manager markdown. This tells you if items will drop further.
3. Rollback Tracking
Walmart’s temporary price reductions (yellow signs) last 2-3 months. Use BrickSeek to track rollback prices across stores.
4. Walmart+ Gas Savings
Save 10¢/gallon at Walmart, Murphy USA, and Sam’s Club stations. Can save $100+ annually for frequent drivers.
✅ Walmart Pros
- Lowest everyday prices on groceries
- Price matching policy
- Gas discounts with Walmart+
- Frequent clearance markdowns
- No membership required for low prices
❌ Walmart Cons
- Less trendy product selection
- Inconsistent store experience
- Clearance sections can be messy
- Online selection smaller than Amazon
🔴 Target Savings Strategies
1. Target Circle (Free Program)
Earn 1% back on every purchase, plus access to exclusive deals and birthday rewards. No membership fee required.
2. RedCard 5% Discount
Target’s credit or debit card gives 5% off every purchase, free shipping, and extended returns. No annual fee.
3. Weekly Ad Stacking
Combine weekly ad deals with Circle offers, manufacturer coupons, and Cartwheel app discounts for maximum savings.
4. Clearance Endcaps
Target marks clearance items 15% → 30% → 50% → 70% off over several weeks. Wait for 70% off for best deals.
✅ Target Pros
- 5% off everything with RedCard
- Trendy, curated product selection
- Clean, organized stores
- Free Circle rewards program
- Predictable clearance schedule
❌ Target Cons
- Higher base prices than Walmart
- Smaller grocery selection
- No gas discounts
- Circle 360 less valuable than Prime
🟠 Amazon Savings Strategies
1. Subscribe & Save (5-15% Off)
Get 5% off with 1-4 subscriptions, 15% off with 5+ subscriptions on the same month. Cancel anytime after delivery.
2. Amazon Warehouse Deals
Open-box and returned items at 20-50% off. Condition ratings help you find like-new products at deep discounts.
3. Prime Day & Lightning Deals
Prime Day (July) offers year’s best deals. Lightning Deals change hourly—set alerts for items on your wishlist.
4. CamelCamelCamel Price Tracking
Track price history and set alerts when items drop to your target price. Reveals best time to buy.
✅ Amazon Pros
- Largest product selection
- Fast Prime shipping (1-2 days)
- Subscribe & Save discounts
- Prime Video & Music included
- Easy returns
❌ Amazon Cons
- Higher membership cost ($139/year)
- Prices fluctuate frequently
- Counterfeit products risk
- No gas discounts
- Can’t inspect items before buying
🎯 Which Should You Choose?
Choose Walmart If:
- You buy groceries weekly and want lowest prices
- You drive frequently and want gas savings
- You enjoy hunting for clearance deals in-store
- You prefer shopping without a membership
Choose Target If:
- You want trendy home decor and clothing
- You’re willing to get a RedCard for 5% off everything
- You prefer a cleaner, more organized shopping experience
- You like predictable weekly deals and clearance schedules
Choose Amazon If:
- Convenience is your top priority
- You want the largest product selection
- You value fast shipping over in-store browsing
- You’ll use Prime Video, Music, and other perks
💡 Pro Strategy: Use All Three!
The smartest shoppers don’t choose just one:
- Walmart: Weekly groceries, household essentials, gas fill-ups
- Target: Clothing, home decor, clearance endcap hunting
- Amazon: Hard-to-find items, Subscribe & Save for recurring purchases, Prime Day deals
Annual Savings Potential: Using all three strategically can save $1,500-3,000/year vs. shopping at just one retailer.
⚠️ Affiliate Disclosure
This comparison guide is brought to you by bragbargains.com. We may earn commissions from purchases made through our links at no additional cost to you. Our recommendations are based on extensive research and real shopping experience.
Disclaimer: Prices, policies, and membership benefits are subject to change. Always verify current offers with each retailer. This guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by Walmart, Target, or Amazon.
⚖️ Legal Disclaimer
No Affiliation: This guide is NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Walmart Inc. Walmart and related marks are trademarks of Walmart Inc.
No Guarantees: We make no guarantees regarding availability of deals, accuracy of prices, or savings amounts. Prices and policies change frequently—always verify with Walmart.
Limitation of Liability: bragbargains.com and its contributors shall not be held liable for any financial losses, damages, or disputes arising from use of this information. Use at your own risk.
User Conduct: Users agree to use all strategies ethically and in accordance with store policies. Do not engage in fraudulent or abusive behavior.
Last Updated: January 2025
