Many drugstores offer a $25.00 store gift card for transferring a valid prescription. This may seem like a good deal on face value, but it’s really not.

Did you know that chain drugstores have the highest priced prescriptions? Because they tend to offer certain conveniences like a drive-thru and extended hours, they have to make up the difference somewhere.

Unless it’s a true emergency, I don’t recommend having any prescriptions filled at the chains. Instead, check out these lower cost options:

*  Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart has a huge list of $4 generics. Their prices on name-brand pills tend to be much cheaper as well. The lines do tend to be very long, so plan accordingly.

*  Target

They offer the same $4 generics. Target and Wal-Mart will price match each other if you prefer to shop at one over the other. I had my last prescription filled here. My Co-pay was $10 for a steroid eye drop. I was able to shop while I waited, which is always nice.

*  Wholesale Clubs

Most locations of Costco, BJ’s and Sam’s Club fill prescriptions. You don’t have to be a member to use the pharmacy. Not all employees are clear on this, so if you get the run-around, ask for a manager.

If you take anything on a regular basis, it’s cheapest to order a 90-day supply vs. the 30-day supply. Not every prescription can be issued in bulk, but it’s worth checking.

How do you save on prescriptions?