OHIO — If you are a savvy shopper who prides yourself on squeezing every penny out of your grocery run, a major change at Walmart registers across Ohio might ruin your routine.
OHIO — If you are a savvy shopper who prides yourself on squeezing every penny out of your grocery run, a major change at Walmart registers across Ohio might ruin your routine.For years, Walmart was one of the few remaining major retailers that offered a "customer-friendly" policy that couponers in the Buckeye State loved. But as the retail giant cracks down on fraud and tightens its belt in 2026, customers are discovering that a popular perk has quietly disappeared.
The End of "Overage" Cash Back
The biggest change affecting your wallet is the elimination of coupon overage.
Previously, if you had a manufacturer’s coupon for $4.00 off an item, but Walmart was selling that item for $3.00, the register would apply the extra $1.00 to the rest of your basket—or, in some cases, the cashier would give you that $1.00 back in cash.
That is no longer allowed.
Under the updated policy now being strictly enforced, the value of a coupon will only be applied up to the price of the item. If your coupon is worth more than the product, the remaining value is voided. You will not get credit for other items, and you certainly won’t get cash back.
Why the Change?
Walmart states this move is to combat return fraud. Scammers were using high-value coupons to "buy" cheap items and pocket the cash difference. However, honest families in Ohio who used this trick to subsidize their grocery bills are caught in the crossfire.
It’s Not Just Coupons: The Self-Checkout Shift in Cleveland
This policy tightening comes on the heels of another major shift seen in specific Ohio cities: the removal of self-checkout lanes.
While not a statewide ban yet, Walmart has been aggressively removing self-checkout kiosks in high-theft locations. A notable example occurred in Cleveland, where select Walmart Supercenters have removed self-checkouts entirely to combat shrink.
The result? Shoppers in Cuyahoga County have reported longer lines as everyone is forced back into traditional staffed lanes. Because of the success in reducing theft, shoppers in other major hubs like Columbus and Cincinnati should not be surprised if their local store follows suit this year.
What You Need to Know Before You Shop
- Check Your Math: Don’t bring coupons expecting them to cover your whole cart if the item price is lower than the coupon value.
- No Digital Overrides: Cashiers can no longer manually override the system if a coupon is rejected.
- Plan for Lines: If you shop in the Cleveland area or other high-traffic zones, add 10-15 minutes to your shopping trip as self-checkouts disappear.
What do you think? Was the "cash back" on coupons a loophole that needed closing, or is Walmart punishing honest customers for the actions of a few? Tell us in the comments.
