It's fantastic that you're looking to dive into the world of extreme couponing at Kroger! With a little dedication and the right strategies, you can slash your grocery bill significantly. While the days of getting truly "free" groceries by stacking endless paper coupons might be less common than in the past (due to updated store policies and the rise of digital coupons), extreme savings are still absolutely achievable.
Are you ready to transform your grocery budget? Let's get started on your journey to becoming a Kroger extreme couponing pro!
How to Extreme Coupon at Kroger: Your Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide
Extreme couponing isn't just about collecting coupons; it's a strategic approach to grocery shopping that involves meticulous planning, understanding store policies, and leveraging multiple savings opportunities. Kroger, with its robust loyalty program and frequent promotions, is an excellent playground for this!
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| How To Extreme Coupon At Kroger |
Step 1: Get Your Essential Tools in Order (Your Couponing Arsenal)
Before you clip a single coupon, you need to arm yourself with the right tools. This is where your extreme couponing journey truly begins, so let's make sure you're set up for success!
Sub-heading 1.1: The Kroger Plus Card – Your Golden Ticket
The Kroger Plus Card is non-negotiable. It's your gateway to all Kroger savings, including digital coupons, weekly ad prices, fuel points, and personalized offers. If you don't have one, sign up at your local Kroger store or on their website immediately. Link it to your digital account!
Sub-heading 1.2: The Kroger App – Your Digital Command Center
Download the Kroger app on your smartphone (available for iOS and Android). This app is your central hub for:
Loading Digital Coupons: This is crucial! Many of Kroger's best deals are exclusively digital.
Viewing the Weekly Ad: Plan your shopping trips around the sales.
Tracking Fuel Points: Save on gas with every dollar you spend.
Accessing Personalized Offers: Kroger often sends tailored coupons based on your shopping history.
Kroger Pay: A convenient way to combine your Plus Card, digital coupons, and payment into one scan at checkout.
Sub-heading 1.3: Reliable Sources for Coupons
You'll need a consistent influx of coupons. Here's where to find them:
Kroger Digital Coupons (via App/Website): As mentioned, these are vital. Check for new ones every Wednesday.
Manufacturer Printable Coupons: Websites like Coupons.com, P&G Everyday, SmartSource, and RedPlum (now RetailMeNot Everyday) offer printable coupons. Always print two per computer if allowed, as this can maximize your savings on multiple items.
Sunday Newspaper Inserts (SmartSource, Save, P&G): Many high-value manufacturer coupons still come in these inserts. Consider getting multiple copies of the Sunday paper.
Mailers and Store Displays: Keep an eye out for coupons sent to your home (especially if you're a Plus Card holder) and "blinkie" machines or tear pads near products in-store.
Cash Back Apps: Apps like Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, Checkout 51, and Shopkick can provide significant cash back after your purchase, often stacking with coupons. Link them to your Kroger account or scan your receipts.
QuickTip: Skim the ending to preview key takeaways.
Step 2: Mastering the Art of Pre-Shopping Planning (The Core of Extreme Couponing)
This is where the magic happens. Successful extreme couponing is 90% planning and 10% execution.
Sub-heading 2.1: Analyze the Kroger Weekly Ad
The new Kroger weekly ad typically refreshes every Wednesday. This ad is your primary resource.
Identify Sale Items: Look for items your family uses regularly that are on a deep discount.
Spot "Mega Event" Deals: Kroger frequently runs "Mega Events" where you save a set amount (e.g., $1, $2, or more) per item when you buy a certain number of participating products (e.g., "Buy 5, Save $5"). These are often the best opportunities for extreme savings.
Look for BOGO (Buy One Get One Free) Sales: Understand Kroger's BOGO policy. Often, if an item is BOGO, you can still use a coupon on the one item you are paying for. If the ad says "BOGO Free," you usually pay for one and get one free. If it says "BOGO 50% Off," you pay for one and get the second at half price.
Sub-heading 2.2: Find Your Coupon Match-Ups
Once you know what's on sale, it's time to find matching coupons. This is often the most time-consuming part, but it yields the biggest rewards.
Use Coupon Match-Up Websites: Many coupon blogs and websites specialize in Kroger coupon matchups. They do the hard work for you, listing which coupons match which sale items. Search for "[Current Week] Kroger Deals" or "[Current Week] Kroger Mega Event Matchups."
Prioritize Digital & Manufacturer Coupons:
Kroger Digital Coupons: Always load these first. Remember that many digital coupons are single-use, while some (especially weekly digital deals) can be used up to 5 times in a single transaction. Understand the difference!
Manufacturer Coupons (Paper/Printable): These can often be stacked with store sales or Mega Event savings.
Understand Coupon Stacking: Kroger's policy generally allows you to use one manufacturer coupon and one Kroger store coupon (if available) per item. You cannot stack two manufacturer coupons on the same item. Digital coupons are considered manufacturer coupons unless specified as "Kroger store coupon."
Sub-heading 2.3: Integrate Cash Back App Offers
After you've identified coupon matchups, check your cash back apps (Ibotta, Fetch, etc.) for additional rebates on those same items.
Many times, you can use a manufacturer coupon and get a cash back rebate for the same product. This is how you achieve super low prices or even free items (known as "moneymakers" if the rebate amount exceeds your final out-of-pocket cost).
Sub-heading 2.4: Create Your Shopping List (The Extreme Couponer's Manifesto)
Your shopping list should be incredibly detailed. Don't just list the item; list the deal.
Example Entry:
Item: 2 x Tide Pods (participating in Mega Event)
Sale Price: $4.99 (after $1 Mega Event discount)
Coupons: Use 2 x $2/1 Tide Pods Manufacturer Coupon (from 7/7 P&G insert) + Clip $1/1 Tide Pods Kroger Digital Coupon (use on one of the items)
Rebate App: Submit for $1.50 Ibotta rebate (limit 1)
Final Cost (per item): $4.99 (Mega) - $2.00 (MFR) - $1.00 (Digital, for one) = $1.99 (one item); $4.99 (Mega) - $2.00 (MFR) = $2.99 (second item). Then factor in the Ibotta rebate!
Organize Your Coupons: Group your physical coupons by aisle or by the order in which you'll encounter the items in the store. Use a coupon binder or accordion file.
Step 3: Executing Your Shopping Trip (The Checkout Dance)
This is where your meticulous planning pays off!
Tip: Use the structure of the text to guide you.
Sub-heading 3.1: Navigate the Aisles Strategically
Stick to Your List: Do not buy items just because they look good unless they are part of your pre-planned deals. Impulse buys kill savings.
Verify Prices and Products: Double-check that the items you're picking up are the exact ones described on your coupons (size, flavor, count, etc.). Look for the yellow tags indicating Mega Event items.
Check Expiration Dates: Both for the products and your coupons.
Sub-heading 3.2: The Checkout Process
Scan Your Kroger Plus Card First: This ensures all digital coupons and sale prices are applied. You can use your physical card, enter your Alt ID (phone number), or use Kroger Pay.
Hand Over Paper Coupons: Present your paper manufacturer coupons to the cashier before they scan all your items, or at least before the final total. Be organized and confident.
Watch the Screen: As items are scanned, watch the register screen to ensure your digital coupons and sale prices are applying correctly. If a coupon doesn't come off, politely ask the cashier to check. Sometimes, an item might not be correctly linked in the system, or you picked up the wrong size.
Be Patient and Polite: Cashiers might not be as familiar with extreme couponing as you are. Be prepared to explain a legitimate coupon if there's a question, but always remain respectful. Store managers have the final say on coupon acceptance.
Step 4: Post-Shopping Follow-Up (Maximizing Your Savings)
Your mission isn't over when you leave the store!
Sub-heading 4.1: Submit for Cash Back
Scan Receipts: Immediately after your trip, use your cash back apps (Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, etc.) to scan your receipt and claim your rebates. This is where those extra dollars (or even cents) add up to significant savings over time.
Check for Bonus Offers: Many apps offer bonuses for redeeming a certain number of rebates or purchasing specific brands.
Sub-heading 4.2: Track Your Savings
Keep a simple spreadsheet or note on your phone to track how much you're saving. Seeing your progress can be incredibly motivating! This also helps you understand which strategies are most effective for you.
Step 5: Continuous Learning and Adaptation (The Extreme Couponing Mindset)
Extreme couponing is an evolving skill.
Sub-heading 5.1: Stay Informed
Follow Couponing Blogs & Social Media: Many dedicated couponers share the latest deals and strategies specifically for Kroger. This is an excellent way to learn about unadvertised deals or new coupon releases.
Understand Policy Changes: Store coupon policies can change. Periodically review Kroger's official coupon policy on their website.
QuickTip: Use CTRL + F to search for keywords quickly.
Sub-heading 5.2: Stockpile Strategically
When you find an item at an exceptionally low price (rock-bottom price or free!), buy enough to last your family until the next sale cycle. This is called stockpiling.
Don't hoard; stockpile. Buy what your family will reasonably use before it expires. This helps you avoid paying full price for essentials.
Final Thoughts on Extreme Couponing at Kroger:
Remember, this isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. You won't get everything free overnight, but with consistent effort and strategic planning, you'll see your grocery bill shrink dramatically. Be patient, be persistent, and enjoy the thrill of the save!
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to get a Kroger Plus Card?
You can get a Kroger Plus Card for free by signing up at any Kroger store's customer service desk or by creating a digital account on the Kroger website or app and linking a new card.
How to find Kroger digital coupons?
Sign in to your Kroger digital account on the Kroger app or website, go to the "Save" section, and then navigate to the "Digital Coupons" page. All available coupons will be displayed, and you can "clip" them to load them to your card.
How to know when the Kroger weekly ad updates?
The new Kroger weekly ad is typically updated online and in stores every Wednesday morning (midnight ET). Some regions, like Indiana (excluding SE & Evansville), Illinois, and Eastern Missouri, update on Thursday.
How to stack coupons at Kroger?
QuickTip: Read section by section for better flow.
Kroger generally allows you to stack one manufacturer coupon (paper or digital) with one Kroger store coupon (if available) on a single item. You cannot stack two manufacturer coupons on the same item.
How to take advantage of Kroger Mega Events?
During a Mega Event, you'll save a specified amount per participating item when you buy a certain quantity (e.g., "Buy 5, Save $5"). To maximize savings, combine these Mega Event discounts with manufacturer coupons and cash back app offers.
How to get personalized coupons from Kroger?
Kroger sends personalized digital coupons and sometimes mailers to Plus Card holders based on their shopping history. The more you shop with your Plus Card, the more tailored offers you are likely to receive.
How to use cash back apps with Kroger purchases?
Download cash back apps like Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, or Checkout 51. Browse for offers relevant to your Kroger purchases. After shopping, scan your Kroger receipt using the app to redeem rebates and earn cash back. Some apps allow you to link your Kroger account directly.
How to know if a Kroger digital coupon can be used 5 times?
Kroger's weekly digital deals often specify that they can be used "up to 5x in a single transaction." Always read the fine print on the digital coupon to confirm its usage limit. Regular manufacturer digital coupons are typically single-use.
How to find clearance deals at Kroger?
Look for specific clearance sections in your Kroger store, often marked with yellow or orange tags with reduced prices. These items are frequently marked down due to being seasonal, discontinued, or close to their "best by" date. Check these sections regularly, as inventory changes frequently.
How to earn fuel points at Kroger?
You earn one fuel point for every dollar spent at Kroger when using your Plus Card. These points accumulate monthly and can be redeemed for discounts at Kroger Fuel Centers. Look for special promotions (e.g., 2x or 4x fuel points on certain purchases or gift cards) to earn points faster.
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