Walmart offers a variety of methods for consumers to obtain products at no cost, ranging from digital rebate applications and coupon stacking to in-store sample kiosks. These strategies can be used to acquire free snacks, beauty items, household goods, and other essentials. The following information details the specific techniques and programs available, based on current and reported practices.
Digital Rebate Applications
Several mobile applications provide cash-back offers that can cover the full purchase price of items at Walmart, effectively making them free. These apps typically require users to activate an offer before purchase, buy the item, and then submit proof of purchase to receive funds.
Aisle
The Aisle app offers a receipt-scanning rebate method. Users take a picture of their Walmart receipt and text it to the service. Within 48 to 72 hours, the earnings are deposited into a linked Venmo or PayPal account. Aisle has been known to offer rebates for items such as snacks, candy, soda, and coffee drinks. These offers are often specific to a user's ZIP code and may include BOGO (Buy One, Get One) free deals.
Ibotta
Ibotta is a cash-back app where users clip offers before shopping. At Walmart, users select the offer in the Ibotta app, purchase the qualifying product, and then scan the receipt. Ibotta credits the user's account, and once a $20 minimum balance is reached, the funds can be redeemed for gift cards to Walmart, Home Depot, Ulta, or other stores. Ibotta can be linked to a Walmart account for automatic rebate tracking on pickup orders, which do not provide a physical receipt.
Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards allows users to earn points by scanning receipts from any grocery store, including Walmart. The app occasionally features time-sensitive rebate offers for specific Walmart freebies. A past example included a free bag of Chester's Hot Fries after an in-store purchase and submission of the rebate through the app.
Other Apps
Additional platforms like TopCashback and Rakuten are mentioned as tools for earning cashback on everyday purchases, though specific freebie offers are not detailed in the provided data.
Coupon Stacking with Walmart Prices
A primary method for obtaining free items at Walmart involves combining manufacturer coupons with Walmart's low prices, especially on clearance items. This strategy does not rely on a single app but on the combination of a coupon and a sale price.
P&G Brandsaver Program
Signing up for the free P&G Brandsaver rewards program (formerly P&G Everyday Rewards) allows users to print coupons for use at Walmart. When a Walmart price on a P&G product is low enough, stacking a P&G coupon can result in a free item. Products that can be acquired this way include makeup, dish soap, body wash, and hand soap.
A specific example provided involves a Covergirl mascara on clearance for $1 combined with a $2 off Covergirl coupon from the P&G program, resulting in a completely free mascara. Another user scored a Febreze Plug-In and a Covergirl Eyeshadow Palette for free using this method. It is noted that while Walmart's coupon policy has changed regarding overages (where a coupon value exceeds the item price, resulting in a credit), stacking with low prices remains a viable strategy for obtaining free items.
In-Store Freeosk Samples
Walmart stores feature Freeosk kiosks, which are described as "vending machines for grown-ups." These kiosks are located inside Walmart stores and offer free samples without requiring a purchase. Users can scan a barcode with the Walmart app or follow on-screen instructions to receive free products. The samples vary and can include snacks, drinks, beauty products, and other items, allowing customers to try new products without committing to a full-size purchase.
Walmart Trade-In Program
For items like old phones, tablets, and other electronics, Walmart's Trade-In Program allows customers to trade in retired gadgets for a free Walmart eGift card. This program is designed for devices that may no longer be in use but still have value.
Grocery Pickup Service
Walmart's grocery pickup service, available for orders of $35 or more, does not add extra fees. While coupons cannot be used with this service, cash-back rebate apps like Ibotta can still be applied. For pickup orders, linking the Ibotta and Walmart accounts allows for automatic rebate tracking without a physical receipt.
Free Gift Cards and Points Platforms
Ibotta for Gift Cards
As mentioned, Ibotta offers a payout in the form of Walmart gift cards once the $20 minimum is reached. This is described as an easy way to obtain Walmart gift cards for free by purchasing specific products.
Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a platform where users earn points (SB) for online activities such as taking surveys, playing games, watching videos, and shopping online. These points can be redeemed for Walmart gift cards.
Important Considerations
- Offer Availability: Free offers, including those from Aisle, Ibotta, and Fetch Rewards, can vary by ZIP code and time. They are often limited to one per household.
- Receipt Requirements: Apps like Aisle and Fetch Rewards require a physical receipt for rebate submission, whereas linked accounts with Ibotta can automate the process for pickup orders.
- Coupon Policy: While stacking coupons with low prices is effective, Walmart's policy on overages has changed, so the goal is to use coupons when the item price is equal to or greater than the coupon value to ensure the item is free.
Conclusion
Obtaining free products at Walmart is achievable through a combination of digital rebate apps, coupon stacking, in-store sample kiosks, and trade-in programs. Methods like using Aisle, Ibotta, and Fetch Rewards for rebates, printing P&G coupons for clearance items, and utilizing Freeosk kiosks provide multiple avenues for consumers to acquire free snacks, beauty products, household essentials, and more. Success depends on monitoring available offers, understanding app and store policies, and strategically combining available resources.