Strategies for Securing Discounts: Rewards Systems, Web Extensions, Applications, and More
In the pursuit of saving money on groceries and other necessities, coupons can be a valuable tool. Here's a guide on how to find, use, and maximise the benefits of both digital and paper coupons.
1. Finding Digital Coupons
Visit grocery store websites or apps, such as Mariano's, Save Mart, or Tops Markets, and sign up for their rewards or coupon programs. Add digital coupons to your loyalty account or card, and they'll be automatically applied at checkout when you enter your phone number or scan your card.
Universal coupon services like Coupon24 bundle multiple digital coupons into a single barcode on your phone, which you can present at stores like CVS or Target. Clip coupons online or via the app, then show your phone at checkout. Remember to check these platforms frequently as they update coupons based on weekly sales.
2. Finding Paper Coupons
Paper coupons can still be found in Sunday newspapers, store flyers, or mailed promotions. Many stores allow you to combine paper coupons with digital ones, though some restrictions may apply and not all stores accept both together for the same product.
3. Utilising Coupons Effectively
Combine coupons with sales and loyalty program discounts for greater savings. Compare manufacturer coupons and store coupons before checkout, and use the one offering the greater discount. When using digital coupons, load them onto your loyalty card or phone app in advance, so they're automatically applied at purchase. Present a single barcode at checkout if using universal digital coupons, simplifying the process without needing multiple coupons printed.
4. Additional Tips
Plan shopping lists around items on sale with attached coupons to maximise savings. Consider financial tools like Buy Now, Pay Later services for budgeting groceries if needed, but focus on using coupons first. Transitioning from paper coupons to digital can save time and reduce clutter while still providing significant savings.
More than half of U.S. adults (52%) use coupons to save on food and other necessities, according to a January 2025 NerdWallet survey. Shopping through friends, businesses, libraries, or other sources can provide free access to newspapers with coupons. Browser extensions like Honey or Capital One Shopping can track down discounts and automatically apply them when shopping online.
Subscribing to frequent purchases or bundling items can lead to discounts on daily-use items like vitamins, dish detergent, shampoo, and diapers. Some digital coupons automatically apply at checkout, and they allow for the stacking of store loyalty discounts with manufacturer coupons and rebate apps. Generics may be cheaper than brand-name products, even after applying coupons.
Newspaper coupon inserts, particularly on Sundays, can provide food and household item coupons. However, poor cell service can make accessing digital coupons while shopping a hassle. Some store apps are complex and require time to learn. Downloading store apps and rebate apps can feel like a big digital lift.
Store loyalty programs often have apps that send push notifications with coupons and discounts. Be mindful of data collection when using digital coupons as it can lead to a loss of privacy.
By regularly using store apps, loyalty programs, universal coupon apps, and paper coupons strategically, you can consistently save money on your grocery bills and other necessities.
- To make the most of digital coupon savings, utilize universal services like Coupon24, which compile numerous digital coupons into a single barcode for presentation at stores such as CVS and Target.
- The traditional method of acquiring paper coupons remains viable; obtain them from Sunday newspapers, store flyers, or mail promotions, and remember that several stores allow the combination of paper and digital coupons, subject to some restrictions.
- To boost your savings, pair coupons with sales and loyalty program discounts. When using digital coupons, pre-load them onto your loyalty card or phone app to ensure they're automatically applied during checkout.
- Adopt lifestyle changes to incorporate coupon usage into your shopping habits. Develop a habit of planning shopping lists around sale items with attached coupons, and consider financial tools like Buy Now, Pay Later services for budgeting groceries if needed, while prioritizing coupon usage first.
