GoodRx alternatives: how to save on prescriptions without the guesswork

Paying less for medicine doesn’t require magic. If you want options beyond GoodRx, there are solid, simple choices that can save you real cash. Below I list the most useful services and give quick rules for comparing prices and avoiding scams.

Top alternatives you can try today

SingleCare — Free discount cards and coupons accepted at many big chains. It often beats cash prices for generics and common chronic meds.

RxSaver — Similar to SingleCare, RxSaver lets you compare pharmacy prices nearby and print a coupon or show it on your phone. Good for one-off fills.

Blink Health — Lock a price online and pick up in-store or have it shipped. Works well for maintenance meds when you can plan ahead.

ScriptSave/WellRx — A discount program that also offers membership options and tools to track savings. Useful if you like a simple app to manage multiple scripts.

Manufacturer savings & patient assistance programs (PAPs) — If your med is brand-name and expensive, check the drug maker’s website. Many offer copay cards or free/low-cost options for people who qualify. NeedyMeds and Partnership for Prescription Assistance help you find these programs.

Insurance mail-order or large-chain pharmacies — For ongoing meds, mail-order through your insurer or stores like Costco often cuts the monthly price. Ask your plan or pharmacist for a 90-day supply option.

Independent local pharmacies — Don’t ignore them. Small shops sometimes match or beat online coupon prices, especially if you ask for the cash price.

How to compare prices and stay safe

Compare total cost, not just the sticker price. Some services add shipping or require membership for the lowest rate. Always check the final amount before you pay.

Call the pharmacy. Prices on sites change — a quick phone call confirms the actual cost and any limits on quantities or refills.

Check legitimacy. If you consider an online pharmacy, verify it with your state board or NABP’s VIPPS list. Real pharmacies require a prescription and show clear contact info.

Watch out for red flags: unbelievably low prices, no prescription required, or offshore addresses with no licensing info. Those are often scams or unsafe sources.

Talk to your doctor about generics, therapeutic equivalents, or patient assistance options. Sometimes a small change in drug or dose brings a big price drop.

Use more than one tool. Try two coupon sites, check a mail-order pharmacy, and call your local shop. The cheapest option often pops up when you compare a few places.

If you want, I can pull a short checklist you can use at the pharmacy or recommend which services work best for specific meds (brand vs generic, short-term vs maintenance). Want a quick comparison for a particular drug?