Saving money on groceries is always a win, and the Kroger app is a fantastic tool to help you do just that! If you've ever wondered how to unlock those sweet digital discounts, you're in the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of scanning coupons on the Kroger app, from setting up your account to mastering checkout.
Ready to become a Kroger coupon-clipping pro (without the actual clipping)? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Get Started with the Kroger App (Your Gateway to Savings!)
Hey there, savvy shopper! Before we even think about scanning, you need to have the Kroger app in your arsenal. Think of it as your personal savings superpower!
1.1 Download the App
First things first, grab your smartphone or tablet.
For Apple users: Head to the App Store.
For Android users: Go to the Google Play Store. Search for "Kroger" and download the official app. It's free and essential for digital couponing.
1.2 Create or Link Your Digital Account
Once the app is downloaded, open it up.
New to Kroger's digital world? You'll need to create a digital account. This usually involves providing your email address, creating a password, and linking your existing Kroger Shopper's Card. If you don't have a physical Shopper's Card, the app can often generate a virtual card for you. Don't skip this step! Your digital coupons are tied directly to your Shopper's Card.
Already have a digital account? Simply sign in with your existing email and password. Make sure your Shopper's Card is linked. If you've had a physical card for a while but never used the digital account, you'll want to link it to unlock all the digital savings.
| How Do You Scan Coupons On The Kroger App |
Step 2: Discovering and "Clipping" Your Digital Coupons
Now that your app is set up, it's time for the fun part: finding those amazing deals!
2.1 Navigate to the "Savings" Section
Once logged in, look for a section typically labeled "Savings," "Deals," or "Coupons." This is your hub for all things discount-related. You'll often find it at the bottom navigation bar or in a prominent spot on the home screen.
Tip: Each paragraph has one main idea — find it.
2.2 Browse and Explore Coupon Categories
Kroger organizes its digital coupons to make your life easier. You'll usually see categories like:
Weekly Digital Deals: These are often the hottest deals, sometimes allowing multiple uses (e.g., "use up to 5 times in a single transaction").
Cash Back Offers: A newer feature where you earn money back on certain purchases, which can be cashed out to your Shopper's Card or PayPal.
Personalized Coupons: Based on your shopping history, Kroger will often suggest coupons for items you frequently buy. This is a game-changer for regular shoppers!
Brand Specific Offers: Coupons for specific brands you love.
Take your time and browse through these categories. You can also use the search bar to find coupons for specific products you're planning to buy.
2.3 "Clip" Your Desired Coupons
This is where the "scanning" really begins, even if it's not a literal scan with your phone yet. When you find a coupon you want to use, simply tap the "Load to Card" or "Clip" button.
What does "clipping" do? It electronically attaches that coupon to your Kroger Shopper's Card (or your virtual card in the app). You don't need to print anything!
You'll often see a confirmation that the coupon has been "clipped" or "added to your card."
Important Note: Pay attention to the coupon details! Check the expiration date, the specific product size or variety, and any purchase requirements (e.g., "buy 2 get $1 off").
Step 3: Preparing for Your Shopping Trip (and the Actual Scan!)
You've clipped your coupons, now let's get ready to use them in the store.
3.1 Build Your Shopping List (Optional, but Recommended!)
Many savvy shoppers use the Kroger app's shopping list feature. As you clip coupons, you can often add the associated items directly to your list. This helps you stay organized and ensures you don't forget to pick up the products that have discounts.
3.2 Understanding How Coupons Apply at Checkout
Here's the key: you don't physically scan each coupon at the register.
Instead, when you scan your Kroger Shopper's Card (or use Kroger Pay, which we'll get to), the system automatically applies all the digital coupons you've loaded to your account that match the eligible items in your cart. It's magical!
The "scanning" you might do within the app is to find items and associated coupons, not to redeem them at checkout.
3.3 What if I see a QR code or barcode on a product in the store?
QuickTip: Skim the ending to preview key takeaways.
Sometimes, you might see QR codes or barcodes on shelf tags or product packaging that mention digital deals.
For product barcodes: You can use the scanner feature within the Kroger app (usually a barcode icon) to scan the UPC barcode of an item. This will often show you if there are any active digital coupons for that specific product, allowing you to clip it if you haven't already. This is a great way to double-check for savings while you're shopping.
For QR codes: While some QR codes might link to a coupon page, it's generally safer and more reliable to use the app's internal search or barcode scanner for specific products to find and clip coupons. The primary method for redeeming coupons is linking them to your Shopper's Card.
Step 4: Seamless Checkout and Savings Confirmation
The moment of truth! Redeeming your clipped coupons is incredibly easy.
4.1 At the Self-Checkout or Manned Register
When it's time to pay:
Swipe Your Physical Shopper's Card: If you have the plastic card, simply swipe it at the register.
Enter Your Alternate ID: Many people use their phone number as an Alternate ID. You can type this into the keypad at the register.
Use the Kroger App's Virtual Card/Kroger Pay: This is often the easiest and most recommended method.
4.2 Using Kroger Pay (The Ultimate Scanning Experience)
Kroger Pay is a feature within the Kroger app that combines your Shopper's Card and payment into one seamless scan.
Open the Kroger App: At checkout, open your app.
Select "Kroger Pay": This option is usually prominent on the home screen or in the "Wallet" section.
Generate Your Code: If you've set up Kroger Pay with your payment method, the app will generate a unique QR code for your transaction.
Scan the QR Code: The cashier (or you, at self-checkout) will scan this QR code with the store's scanner.
What happens when you scan this? It simultaneously applies your Shopper's Card (and all loaded digital coupons) and processes your payment. It's incredibly efficient!
Confirm Your Savings: As your items are scanned and your Kroger Pay code is used, you'll see the digital coupon discounts appear on the screen and your receipt, typically marked as "ecpn" (electronic coupon).
Step 5: Troubleshooting and Maximizing Your Savings
Sometimes, things don't go exactly as planned. Here's how to troubleshoot and ensure you get all your discounts.
5.1 My Coupon Didn't Apply! What Do I Do?
Did you clip it? Double-check in the app under "My Coupons" to ensure the coupon was indeed loaded to your card before you checked out.
Did you buy the correct item? Even a slight variation in size, flavor, or type can prevent a coupon from applying. Check the coupon details carefully.
Is it expired? Digital coupons have strict expiration dates.
Did you use your Shopper's Card/Kroger Pay? The system needs your card information to link the coupons.
Connectivity Issues (in-store): If you're clipping coupons while in the store, sometimes poor cell signal can prevent them from loading immediately. Clip them before you go or when you have a strong connection.
Talk to a Cashier/Customer Service: If you're confident you met all the requirements and a coupon didn't apply, politely inform the cashier. They can often manually adjust the price or guide you on what might have gone wrong. Kroger has also recently introduced printed "Weekly Digital Deals" flyers at some stores, which have a single barcode you can scan if you're having app issues in-store.
5.2 Understanding "Limit 5X" or "One Time Use" Coupons
QuickTip: Reflect before moving to the next part.
Limit 5X: This means you can get the discount on up to 5 qualifying items in a single transaction. For example, if a coupon says "$1 off eggs, limit 5x," you can buy 5 cartons of eggs and get $5 off. Once used, the coupon is gone.
One Time Use: Most standard digital coupons are "one time use." Once you buy the qualifying item and the coupon applies, it's removed from your account.
5.3 Combining Digital and Paper Coupons
Kroger's coupon policy generally allows for one manufacturer coupon (digital or paper) per item. However, they sometimes have specific rules for combining store coupons with manufacturer coupons. Always refer to Kroger's official coupon policy on their website for the most up-to-date information. A recent change even allows for easier stacking of digital and print coupons at participating stores!
Frequently Asked Questions about Scanning Coupons on the Kroger App
Here are 10 common "How to" questions to help you master couponing with the Kroger app:
How to find digital coupons on the Kroger app?
You can find digital coupons by opening the Kroger app and navigating to the "Savings," "Deals," or "Coupons" section, usually found in the bottom navigation bar.
How to clip coupons in the Kroger app?
To clip a coupon, simply tap the "Load to Card" or "Clip" button next to the desired coupon within the app. This electronically attaches it to your Shopper's Card.
How to make sure my digital coupons apply at checkout?
Ensure your digital coupons apply by scanning your Kroger Shopper's Card, entering your Alternate ID (usually your phone number), or using Kroger Pay at checkout. The system will automatically detect and apply all loaded, eligible coupons.
How to use Kroger Pay to redeem coupons?
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
To use Kroger Pay, open the app, select "Kroger Pay," and have the cashier scan the unique QR code generated on your phone. This single scan processes both your Shopper's Card (with coupons) and your payment.
How to tell if a coupon is "limit 5x" or "one time use" in the Kroger app?
The coupon details within the app will clearly state if it's a "limit 5x" offer (meaning you can use it on up to 5 items in one transaction) or a "one time use" coupon. Always read the fine print.
How to troubleshoot if a digital coupon doesn't work?
First, verify it was clipped, valid, and for the correct item. If issues persist, politely ask the cashier for assistance, as they can sometimes manually adjust the price or offer insight into why it didn't apply.
How to link my physical Kroger Shopper's Card to the app?
During the account creation or login process in the Kroger app, you'll be prompted to enter your physical Shopper's Card number (the 11-13 digit number on the back, starting with 4) to link it to your digital account.
How to find out when a digital coupon expires?
Each digital coupon within the Kroger app will display its expiration date directly below the offer details. Be sure to check this before you plan your shopping trip.
How to check which coupons I have already clipped?
Within the Kroger app's "Savings" or "Coupons" section, there's usually a "My Coupons" or "Clipped Coupons" tab where you can view all the digital coupons you've loaded to your card.
How to get digital coupons if I don't have a smartphone?
While the app is the primary way, some Kroger stores now offer printed "Weekly Digital Deals" sheets at the entrance or customer service desk. These sheets have a single barcode that can be scanned at checkout to apply all advertised digital discounts, bypassing the need for a smartphone or internet access.