You buy something you have been wanting for weeks, only to see the same item on sale a few days later. Frustrating, right?
The good news is that you may not have to accept the higher price. Some retailers offer a price adjustment or post-purchase price protection policy that allows you to request the difference when the price of an eligible item drops after you buy it.
The rules vary by retailer, including the adjustment window, eligible products, proof required, and promotional exclusions. This guide explains how price adjustments work, which major US retailers currently offer them, and what to do when you spot a lower price after making a purchase.
What Is a Price Adjustment Policy?
A price adjustment is a post-purchase refund for the difference between what you paid and a lower eligible price offered by the same retailer.
For example, suppose you purchase a kitchen appliance for $150. Five days later, the retailer reduces the price to $120. If the purchase qualifies under its policy, you can request the $30 difference rather than returning the appliance and buying it again.
Price adjustments are different from price matching. A price match generally allows you to request a lower price from a retailer or qualifying competitor at the time of purchase. In contrast, a price adjustment applies after the transaction has already been completed.
Because policies differ considerably, always check the retailer's current terms before assuming a price drop qualifies.
Which Stores Offer Price Adjustments in 2026?
There is no single standard price-adjustment policy across US retailers. Some stores offer post-purchase protection, while others only match certain prices or do not provide adjustments for online purchases.
Here are some major retailers with current policies worth knowing about.
Target
Target allows qualifying customers to request a price match at the time of purchase or within 14 days after purchase. The lower price can come from Target.com, a Target store, or an eligible Target Circle deal.
The item must be identical, including details such as brand, size, colour, quantity, and model number. Target also lists exclusions covering certain clearance, closeout, liquidation, promotional, and other purchases.
For an in-store purchase, take proof of the lower price and your original receipt to Guest Services. For Target.com or app purchases, you can contact Target through online chat or Guest Services.
Target's current Price Match Guarantee
Best Buy
Best Buy's current Price Match Guarantee covers eligible new products and allows the retailer to match qualifying competitor prices. It also states that if Best Buy lowers its own price during the applicable return and exchange period, it will match the lower price upon request.
There are important exclusions, including marketplace products, clearance, refurbished and open-box items, as well as certain limited-time, bundle, coupon, and promotional prices.
For an online request, Best Buy directs customers to use its chat service or call customer service. In-store shoppers can show the qualifying competitor price to a Best Buy employee.
Best Buy's current Price Match Guarantee
Nordstrom
Nordstrom's pricing policy allows eligible price adjustments within 10 days of the shipment date. The item must be identical in colour and size and meet the retailer's other eligibility requirements.
Nordstrom also considers qualifying prices from selected competitors, but exclusions apply. These include certain promotional events, third-party marketplace sellers, outlet prices, flash sales, and some designer sale items.
Only one price adjustment per item is allowed, and approved adjustments are credited to the original payment method.
JCPenney
JCPenney offers a Lowest Price Guarantee and says that qualifying lower prices can be matched from other retailers, subject to its terms and exclusions.
If you have already purchased the item, JCPenney states that you can present the qualifying advertisement and original receipt within 14 days to receive the difference.
Its exclusions include certain clearance, liquidation, coupon-required, bundled, loyalty-only, and special promotional prices.
JCPenney's Lowest Price Guarantee
Macy's
Macy's currently allows a price adjustment when the price of an eligible item drops within 10 days of the order date.
The lower price must be an advertised Macy's price, and promotional discounts cannot be combined with a price adjustment. Some third-party and vendor-direct items may be excluded.
Online customers can request an adjustment through Macy's customer service, while in-store shoppers can visit their local store with their receipt.
Macy's Price Adjustment Policy
Costco
Costco offers price matching on eligible Costco.com purchases when the Costco price falls within 30 days of the purchase date. The retailer does not match prices from other businesses or retailers.
For purchases connected to specific promotional periods, Costco says the request must be made during the promotion as well as within 30 days of the purchase date.
What About Walmart and Amazon?
Not every major retailer offers a traditional post-purchase price adjustment.
Walmart
Walmart's current policy distinguishes between store purchases and Walmart.com purchases.
For qualifying purchases made in a Walmart US store, Walmart may match an identical item advertised on Walmart.com at the time of checkout. However, Walmart.com does not offer price matching for items previously purchased online that later decrease in price.
Walmart also excludes numerous promotional and third-party prices from its price-match policy.
Amazon
Do not assume that an Amazon price drop will result in an automatic refund. Amazon's current customer policies should be checked directly for the order and product concerned rather than relying on older claims about a general post-purchase price-adjustment window.
For Amazon purchases, check the current order support and return options if the price falls after your purchase.
How to Request a Price Adjustment
If you notice that an item has become cheaper after purchasing it, act quickly. Follow these steps.
1. Check the Retailer's Policy
Start by finding the retailer's official price-match or pricing-policy page.
Look for:
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The adjustment or price-match window
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Eligible products
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Whether online purchases qualify
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Whether competitor prices are accepted
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Promotional exclusions
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Required proof
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Whether the item must still be in stock
Never rely on an old article or social media post when a retailer's own policy is available.
2. Gather Your Proof
Have your original purchase information ready. This may include:
- Receipt or order confirmation
- Order number
- Current product page or advertisement showing the lower price
- Product model or item number
- Details of the original payment
Some retailers require them to verify the lower price while it is still active, so it is useful to save the evidence as soon as you notice the price drop.
3. Make Sure the Item Is Identical
A lower price on a similar product does not necessarily qualify.
Check that the products match in relevant details such as:
- Brand
- Model number
- Size
- Colour
- Quantity
- Weight
- Condition
Retailers may also require the lower-priced item to be available for purchase.
4. Contact the Retailer
The request process depends on where you purchased the item.
For an in-store purchase, visit the customer service desk or Guest Services with your receipt and proof of the lower price.
For an online purchase, use the retailer's official chat, customer service number, or online adjustment process.
Keep the conversation straightforward and explain that you purchased the item before its price decreased and would like to know whether the purchase qualifies for a price adjustment.
5. Confirm the Refund
If your request is approved, ask how the adjustment will be credited and when you should expect it.
Most retailers that approve an adjustment return the difference to the original payment method, although the exact process varies.
Tips to Maximise Your Savings
A price adjustment is easier to use when you make price monitoring part of your shopping routine.
Track Important Purchases
After buying an expensive item, record:
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Purchase date
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Retailer
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Item
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Price paid
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Last possible adjustment date
Set a reminder before the relevant deadline so you have time to check the price.
Monitor Prices After Buying
Price-tracking services and retailer apps can make it easier to spot changes.
For major purchases, check the product periodically during the retailer's adjustment window rather than assuming the price will remain unchanged.
Save Proof of the Lower Price
If you find a qualifying lower price, save the product page or advertisement and note when you found it.
This can make the request easier if the promotion ends before customer service reviews your case.
Understand the Exclusions
A lower price does not automatically mean you qualify.
Common exclusions can include:
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Clearance or liquidation items
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Limited-quantity offers
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Special promotional events
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Bundle offers
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Coupon-required prices
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Gift card promotions
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Third-party marketplace sellers
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Used, refurbished, or open-box products
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Pricing errors
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Membership-only or restricted offers
The exact exclusions depend on the retailer.
Check Before Returning and Rebuying
If a retailer does not offer an adjustment, compare the potential savings with the effort and cost of returning the original item.
Returning and purchasing again may be an option when the retailer permits it, but check the return policy first. Consider return shipping, restocking fees, return deadlines and whether the lower-priced item is still available.
Price Adjustment vs. Return and Rebuy
A price adjustment is usually the simpler option when you qualify because you can keep the original purchase and request the difference.
Returning and rebuying may be worth considering when:
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The retailer does not offer a price adjustment
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The adjustment deadline has passed but the return period remains open
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The price difference is substantial
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The item is easy and inexpensive to return
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The new purchase qualifies for a separate promotion
Before doing this, check the retailer's return conditions. Repeated returns may also create problems if they appear excessive or inconsistent with the retailer's policies.
What Is Dynamic Pricing?
Retail prices can change frequently because retailers respond to factors such as inventory, demand, competition, promotions and seasonal shopping patterns.
This means a product that costs more today could be discounted tomorrow, but the reverse can also happen.
For shoppers, this makes price monitoring particularly useful after a significant purchase. However, a changing price does not guarantee that the retailer will provide a refund, so the retailer's official policy remains the deciding factor.
Credit Card Price Protection
Some credit cards and payment programmes have historically offered price-protection benefits, but availability and terms can change.
If you recently made a large purchase, check the benefits associated with the card you used. Do not assume that price protection is included simply because another card or an older version of your card offered it.
If a benefit is available, check its claim deadline, eligible purchases, exclusions and maximum reimbursement before submitting a claim.
Common Price Adjustment Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting Too Long
The most obvious mistake is missing the retailer's deadline. Check the policy soon after making an expensive purchase and set a reminder.
Assuming Every Price Drop Qualifies
A sale price, clearance price, or competitor promotion may not meet the retailer's requirements.
Always compare the lower price against the policy's exclusions.
Confusing Price Matching With Price Adjustments
These terms are related but not interchangeable. Some retailers match competitor prices at purchase while offering different rules for post-purchase price drops.
Forgetting Your Receipt
Keep receipts and order confirmations until the relevant adjustment and return periods have expired.
Relying on Outdated Information
Retail pricing policies can change. A retailer that offered a particular adjustment window last year may have different terms today.
For the most reliable information, check the retailer's official policy immediately before making a request.
Real-World Examples
Example 1: Electronics
You purchase an eligible new product from Best Buy. Shortly afterwards, Best Buy lowers its own price during the applicable return and exchange period.
Because Best Buy's current policy allows its own lower price to be matched upon request, you can contact Best Buy and ask whether the purchase qualifies.
Check Best Buy's current Price Match Guarantee
Example 2: Clothing
You purchase an eligible item from Nordstrom. Eight days after the shipment date, the item is available at a qualifying lower price.
Because Nordstrom's policy allows eligible price adjustments within 10 days of shipment, you can submit a request if all other requirements are met.
Check Nordstrom's Pricing Policy
Example 3: Department Store Purchase
You purchase an eligible item from Macy's and notice that its advertised price drops within 10 days of your order date.
Macy's says eligible customers can request the difference, subject to its exclusions and conditions.
Check Macy's Price Adjustment Policy
Example 4: Target Purchase
You buy an eligible product from Target and find the identical item at a lower qualifying Target price within 14 days.
Target's current policy allows eligible price matches to be requested within that period, provided the purchase and lower price meet its requirements.
Check Target's Price Match Guarantee
The Bottom Line
A price drop after a purchase does not always mean you have missed out on the better deal. Depending on the retailer and the item, you may be able to request the difference through a price adjustment or price-match policy.
The key is to act quickly, keep your receipt, save evidence of the lower price and read the retailer's current terms before contacting customer service.
Policies can change, so treat the retailer's official website as the final authority. A few minutes spent checking the price after a major purchase could help you recover money you have already spent.
Before buying, you can also compare current promotions and retailer offers to improve your chances of getting the best available price from the start.
FAQs
How long do I have to request a price adjustment?
There is no universal timeframe. Current retailer policies range from short windows to longer periods, and some retailers use different deadlines depending on the type of purchase.
For example, Target allows qualifying requests within 14 days, while Nordstrom and Macy's currently use 10-day periods under their respective policies.
Always check the retailer's current terms.
Will stores automatically refund me if the price drops?
Usually, you should not assume an adjustment will happen automatically. In many cases, you need to identify the price drop and submit a request yourself.
Can I get a price adjustment on clearance items?
Often not. Clearance, liquidation, and closeout prices are common exclusions, although the exact rules differ by retailer.
Do I need the original packaging?
A price adjustment generally concerns the difference in price rather than a return of the product, so packaging requirements may not be the same as for a return. However, you should have proof of purchase and meet all of the retailer's requirements.
Can I request more than one adjustment?
It depends on the retailer. Nordstrom, for example, states that only one price adjustment per item is allowed. Other retailers may have different rules.
What if I used a coupon?
This varies by retailer. Some promotional prices or coupon-based purchases may be excluded from price adjustments or price matching.
Check the policy before assuming the lower price can be applied.
Do price adjustments work for online purchases?
Some retailers allow them, but the process and eligibility requirements differ. Target, Best Buy, Nordstrom and Macy's all provide mechanisms for qualifying online purchases under their current policies.
Will I receive cash or store credit?
The method varies. Macy's and Nordstrom state that approved adjustments are credited to the original form of payment. Other retailers may have different procedures.
