GoodRx alternatives: Smart ways to cut your prescription costs

Prescription prices can vary wildly from one pharmacy to another. If GoodRx isn’t giving you the best deal, there are solid alternatives that often save as much—or more. Here’s a plain, useful guide to services and tricks you can try right now.

Top services to try

SingleCare — Works like GoodRx with coupons you show at the pharmacy. Often good for generics and common meds.

Blink Health — Lets you pay online for a locked-in price and pick up at a local pharmacy. Sometimes cheaper if you can pay ahead.

RxSaver (RetailMeNot) — Price comparison and coupons at many chain and independent pharmacies. Quick to check on your phone.

WellRx — Another coupon app that’s easy to use and often lists nearby prices for the same drug.

Pharmacy chains — Walmart, Costco, and some supermarket pharmacies have low-cost generic lists (Walmart $4/$10 list, Costco member prices). Always compare those cash prices too.

Amazon Pharmacy and mail-order — For maintenance meds a 90-day mail-order can be cheaper. Watch the shipping and insurance rules.

Manufacturer savings cards and patient assistance programs — For brand-name drugs, the drug maker often offers savings cards or free/low-cost programs if you qualify.

How to pick the best option

Compare at least three sources before you buy. Use an app or call the local pharmacy for the cash price. Sometimes the store’s cash price beats every coupon.

Check whether your insurance covers the drug and if using a coupon will affect your deductible or out-of-pocket limits. For some people, insurance is cheaper; for others, coupons win.

Ask your pharmacist about a generic substitute or therapeutic alternative. Generics usually cost a fraction of brand-name drugs and are safe for most people.

Be careful with online pharmacies. Only use sites that require a prescription, show a real address and phone number, and are verified by a known agency (look for NABP or PharmacyChecker listings). Avoid any service that offers controlled meds without a valid script.

For chronic meds, check 90-day fills and mail-order plans—these lower per-dose costs. If you travel, print or save coupons on your phone so you’re ready at any pharmacy.

Finally, don’t forget local help: community health centers and nonprofit clinics often have 340B pricing or drug assistance programs that can cut costs dramatically for qualifying patients.

Try a few alternatives listed here, compare prices, and ask your pharmacist one simple question: “Is there a cheaper option I can switch to?” That one line often saves the most money.