As a budget-conscious shopper, you’re constantly looking for ways to stretch each dollar further. So when you have the time, you might use manufacturer’s coupons. But, it doesn’t always seem worth the hassle to look for them, clip them, print them out, etc. That may be because you’re not exactly sure how to use coupons or you’re not shopping at the most coupon-friendly stores.
Couponing can, of course, mean paper coupons, a coupon code, digital coupons, or whatever else grocery stores accept. You don’t have to be into extreme couponing to make money using coupons, coupon codes, or whatever form they may appear in. Sometimes you get a better deal on grocery coupons by joining a loyalty program or downloading coupon apps. In other cases the free coupons that come in the mail or an online coupon might offer the biggest value.
Once you’re ready to shop we’ve compiled the seven best stores to use coupons.
Harris Teeter
This regional grocer has a generous and comprehensive coupon policy. The chain helps you maximize savings by accepting up to 20 double coupons per day. You’ll also save time by downloading the grocer’s coupons from their mobile app to your store loyalty card. Just present your card at the cash register to get the discounts — no clipping required! If you live in Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Virginia, you should give shopping at Harris Teeter a try.
Pro Tip: Try using a grocery store app, like Ibotta, in addition to your coupons. You’ll be flush with savings!
Sam’s Club
The national wholesaler aims to make saving money super easy for you. While the store doesn’t accept manufacturer or competitor coupons, it does offer in-house clipless coupons on items throughout the year. You’ll receive all discounts automatically during checkout. In addition, as a Sam’s Plus member, you can earn 2% back when you make a qualifying purchase. If you regularly buy in bulk, it makes sense to check out Sam’s Club. (But remember, you do have to be a member to shop at Sam’s Club).
Rite Aid
This national pharmacy is known for its helpful coupon policy. The chain accepts manufacturer coupons and allows coupon stacking, which lets you use both a store coupon and a manufacturer coupon on the same item. Since nobody likes to clip coupons, Rite Aid offers e-coupons that can be loaded on to your store loyalty card and automatically applied at the check stand. With locations in 30 states, chances are good that you’ll be able to give this coupon-friendly pharmacy a try.
Kroger
This national grocer hooks you up with coupon savings electronically. You can download clipless coupons from the store’s website or mobile app to your store loyalty card and instantly apply the discounts at checkout. In addition, the chain is piloting a cash back program. Simply register your loyalty card, make qualifying purchases, and watch the cashback roll in. Cashback can be redeemed in-store or deposited into your PayPal account. If there’s a Kroger in your town, consider making your next grocery run there.
Related reading: Just getting started with coupons? Here’s what you need to know.
Publix
This regional grocer dominates the Southeast and is known for its customer-centric way of doing business. The store’s liberal coupon policy accepts both manufacturer and competitor coupons. You can even use a competitor coupon on a private label product or a BOGO offer! The grocer will also allow you to stack a manufacturer coupon with either a store coupon or a competitor coupon (not both) to really maximize your savings. As a Publix Club member (free to join), you can send clipless coupons to your personal account and easily apply them at checkout. If you frequent Publix, using coupons will absolutely enhance your experience.
Dollar General
This national budget retailer has a coupon policy designed to foster loyalty with the brand. While competitor coupons are not accepted, manufacturer coupons are welcomed. And, while the retailer doesn’t permit double coupons, you can stack a store coupon with a manufacturer coupon. For extra savings, you can also stack multiple store coupons! Dollar General offers both printable coupons and digital coupons on its website so you can clip or click your way to a great deal. If you have a Dollar General in your neighborhood (who doesn’t?!), try making your next household supply run there.
CVS
This national pharmacy has become known as the king of long receipts. But, the chain is also famous for allowing customers to stack savings! The store accepts manufacturer coupons and grants you access to store coupons (printable and digital) via their loyalty card. You can usually use store coupons in conjunction with manufacturer coupons in any combination as long as all purchase conditions are met. As a loyalty card holder, you’ll also receive 2% back on qualifying purchases. With a CVS practically on every street corner, it’s easy to test if the pharmacy’s coupon policy helps your budget.
Coupons don’t have to be hard
Using coupons can be a time-consuming pain in the neck. But it doesn’t have to be that way! More and more stores are offering clipless digital coupons for instant savings at checkout. And there are plenty of retailers that will compete for your business with lenient coupon policies. Try shopping at some of the stores above and see for yourself!
–By Laura Gariepy
Tell us: What other companies should make the best stores to use coupons list?
Source: pennypinchinmom.com