If a gift you already bought gets cheaper, the store’s deadline can matter more than the size of the discount. Target’s holiday policy runs through Dec. 24, while Best Buy’s runs through Jan. 15. Costco gives online shoppers a different clock for limited-time promotions. Walmart says it does not price match for its Deals Events, including the first Black Friday event that ends Sunday, Nov. 15.
A price adjustment gives you the difference on a purchase you keep. A return ends the original sale. If you paid $199.99 and the same item drops to $179.99 while an adjustment is available, the difference is $20 before any tax adjustment. The advertised price still needs to qualify under the store’s rules when you ask.
| Store | When to ask for a holiday price adjustment |
|---|---|
| Target | Eligible purchases starting Nov. 1, for a qualifying Target price through Dec. 24 |
| Best Buy | Most eligible purchases from Oct. 30 through Dec. 31, request by Jan. 15, 2027 |
| Costco.com | Within 30 days of purchase and, for a dated offer, while that promotion is still running |
| Walmart | Deals Events are excluded from price matching |
Target needs a current price and proof of purchase
Target’s published holiday policy says to show the current price in the app, on Target.com or in the retailer’s digital ad. Save your receipt for an in-store purchase. For an online order, have the order number and item details ready to give to the chat agent. Target says a screenshot or photo of the price won’t do.
Check the model, size or count, especially on a toy bundle or a set of kitchen appliances. The lower price has to be for the identical item. Target also excludes price differences between two stores. A promotional Target GiftCard on the original purchase or the current offer can make the item ineligible. Orders from Target Plus partners have separate terms, including their own rules for matching an online offer.
Best Buy gives shoppers until January
Best Buy’s holiday guarantee applies to the retailer’s own current price on an eligible new item that is immediately available. Marketplace listings are excluded, as are items outside the extended holiday return period, such as holiday decorations and some contract purchases. If you bought online and already have the item, check the order’s details for a price-match option. The retailer also accepts online requests by chat or phone.
The holiday extension covers Best Buy’s own price. A competitor’s Black Friday ad falls under the separate regular guarantee, which excludes certain competitor sale prices and promotions. For those comparing stores before buying, see our Black Friday sale calendar.
At Costco, a promotion can end before 30 days
Costco’s online price-match policy requires the request during the sale and within 30 days of purchase when the discount has specific dates. Suppose you bought online Nov. 6 and the same item goes on sale Nov. 14 through Nov. 16. The promotion ends well before your 30-day window, so submit the request while it’s still on sale.
Online buyers use the form on Costco’s policy page. The retailer says approved credits usually go back to the original payment method within five to 10 business days. Costco.com purchases can’t be adjusted to the price at a warehouse. For something bought in person, check with the warehouse where you purchased it.
Walmart’s Deals Events have a separate rule
The first Walmart Black Friday Deals Event runs through Nov. 15. Walmart’s help page explicitly excludes its Deals Events from price matching, so don’t count on a credit if you see a lower event price after you’ve bought. If you’re considering returning and repurchasing instead, check whether your original order qualifies for a return and whether the cheaper listing is still in stock before placing a second order.
