Navigating the world of grocery savings can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt, especially with the blend of traditional paper coupons and modern digital deals. If you're a Kroger shopper, you might be wondering how to make the most of both. While Kroger has primarily pushed its digital coupon program for a while, there's been a recent shift where they're making some digital-only discounts available in paper flyer format for easier access. This post will guide you through how to use paper coupons at Kroger, especially in light of these new developments, and how they interact with the Kroger app.
Ready to save big on your next grocery haul? Let's dive in!
Understanding Kroger's Coupon Landscape
Before we get into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand Kroger's general coupon philosophy. Kroger aims to provide savings to its customers, and for a long time, their focus has been on digital coupons loaded to your Shopper's Card. However, they've recognized that not everyone has consistent access to smartphones or the internet, and have begun to offer a solution.
Digital Coupons: These are the primary way Kroger promotes savings. You "clip" them in the Kroger app or on their website, and they link directly to your Shopper's Card. When you scan your card at checkout, the discounts are automatically applied.
Paper Coupons (Traditional Manufacturer Coupons): These are the physical coupons you might receive in the mail, from newspaper inserts (like the Sunday circulars), or even printed from websites like Coupons.com.
New Paper Flyers for Digital Deals: This is the exciting new development! Kroger is now making some of their weekly digital-only deals available in printed flyers, often found near the store entrance or at the customer service desk. These flyers have a single barcode you can scan at checkout to apply all the advertised digital discounts.
Important Note on Stacking: Kroger's policy generally states that you cannot combine a digital coupon with a paper manufacturer coupon on the same single item. Their digital coupons are usually considered manufacturer coupons. However, you can often stack a store coupon (like those found in their weekly ad or on the new digital-deal flyers) with a manufacturer paper coupon, as long as the coupon policies allow it. Always read the fine print on each coupon!
Step 1: Engage with the Savings Mindset! Are You Ready to Transform Your Grocery Bill?
Imagine walking out of Kroger with a cart full of groceries, knowing you've saved a significant amount, all because you took a few extra minutes to strategize. Sounds good, right? The first step to mastering couponing at Kroger is to embrace the idea that a little effort can lead to a lot of savings. Are you in? Great! Let's get started on becoming a Kroger coupon pro.
Step 2: Acquire Your Kroger Shopper's Card and Digital Account
This is the absolute foundation for any savings at Kroger, whether you're using digital or paper coupons.
Sub-heading: Joining the Kroger Family
If you don't have one yet: Head to your nearest Kroger store's customer service desk and ask for a Shopper's Card. It's free and takes just a few minutes. You can also sign up online at Kroger.com.
Creating a Digital Account: Once you have your physical card, or if you prefer a virtual one, you'll want to create a digital account on the Kroger website or, even better, download the Kroger app.
Download the Kroger App: Search for "Kroger" in your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS).
Sign Up/Sign In: Open the app and follow the prompts to create an account or sign in if you already have one.
Link Your Shopper's Card: This is crucial! During the setup, or in your profile settings, ensure your Shopper's Card number (or Alternate ID, usually your phone number) is linked to your digital account. This is how all your digital savings, and increasingly, the benefits from the new paper flyers, will be applied.
Step 3: Finding Your Paper Coupons (The Traditional Way)
Even with the digital push, traditional paper coupons still hold value!
Sub-heading: Where to Hunt for Paper Coupons
Newspaper Inserts: The Sunday newspaper is still a goldmine for manufacturer coupons from brands like Procter & Gamble, Unilever, SmartSource, and RetailMeNot Everyday. Don't throw them away!
Printable Coupons: Websites such as Coupons.com, RedPlum.com, and the manufacturers' own websites often offer printable coupons. Make sure your printer is ready!
Important Tip for Printables: Ensure the barcode is clear and scannable. Blurry or altered coupons will likely be rejected.
In-Store Tear Pads and Blinkies: Keep an eye out in the aisles for tear-pad coupons attached to shelves or "Blinkie" machines that dispense coupons when you walk by. These are often for specific products in that section.
Mailers: Sometimes, you'll receive coupon booklets or single coupons directly in your mailbox, especially if you're on a brand's mailing list.
Step 4: Discovering the New Paper Flyers for Digital Deals
This is the game-changer for many who prefer paper! Kroger is rolling out printed flyers that allow you to access specific weekly digital deals without clipping them individually on your phone.
Sub-heading: Locating and Utilizing the "Digital Deal" Flyers
Where to Find Them: Look for these flyers near the entrance of your Kroger store, usually in a display stand, or at the customer service desk. They will typically be titled something like "Weekly Digital Deals."
Understanding Their Purpose: These flyers are designed to bridge the gap for shoppers who find clipping digital coupons on the app cumbersome or inaccessible. They contain a single barcode that, when scanned at checkout, applies all the advertised digital discounts on that flyer to your qualifying purchases, as long as your Shopper's Card is also scanned.
No Individual Clipping Required: The beauty of these new flyers is that you don't need to go into the app and clip each individual digital coupon listed on the flyer. The single barcode handles it for you.
Verification: While the flyer simplifies things, it's always a good idea to quickly scan the items with a price checker or the Kroger app's scanner function (if available) to ensure they qualify for the deals listed on the flyer.
Step 5: Preparing for Your Shopping Trip
Organization is key to maximizing your savings and ensuring a smooth checkout process.
Sub-heading: Your Pre-Shopping Checklist
Create Your Shopping List: Go through your weekly ad (available in print, on the Kroger app, or website) and identify items you need that are on sale.
Match Coupons to Sales: This is where the magic happens!
For Paper Manufacturer Coupons: Go through your clipped paper coupons and match them to items on your list that are on sale. Remember, you generally cannot use a paper manufacturer coupon on an item for which you've already loaded a digital manufacturer coupon.
For the New Digital Deal Flyers: If you plan to use one of these, simply ensure the items you're buying are listed on the flyer.
Organize Your Coupons: A small accordion file or coupon binder can be incredibly helpful. Sort your paper coupons by category (dairy, produce, frozen, etc.) or by expiration date.
Check Expiration Dates: Double-check all your paper coupons and note the expiration dates on digital deals. Expired coupons will not be accepted.
Review Kroger's Coupon Policy: Familiarize yourself with Kroger's official coupon policy, often available on their website or at the customer service desk. This will help you understand limits (e.g., typically 5 like coupons per transaction for paper manufacturer coupons) and prevent surprises at the register.
Step 6: The Checkout Process: Making it Smooth
This is where all your preparation pays off!
Sub-heading: At the Register
Scan Your Shopper's Card First: Always present or scan your Kroger Shopper's Card (or enter your Alternate ID/phone number) before the cashier begins scanning your items. This links your digital coupons to your purchase and is also necessary for the new digital deal flyers to work.
Hand Over Paper Coupons: Once your Shopper's Card is scanned, hand your traditional paper manufacturer coupons to the cashier before they ring up the corresponding items, if possible. This helps them apply the correct discounts.
Scan the Digital Deal Flyer: If you're using one of the new "Weekly Digital Deals" flyers, present it to the cashier to scan its single barcode. This will apply all the digital discounts listed on that flyer.
Watch the Screen and Receipt: As items are scanned and coupons are applied, pay attention to the register screen.
Digital coupon discounts will typically show up as "ecpn" on your receipt.
Paper coupon discounts will usually be clearly marked as "MFR COUPON" or similar.
Address Any Issues Immediately: If a coupon doesn't apply, or you believe there's an error, politely bring it to the cashier's attention before you pay. They can often manually adjust or re-scan.
No Price Adjustments After Payment: Once your transaction is complete and you've paid, it can be much harder to get a discount applied, so resolve any issues while still at the register.
Step 7: Post-Shopping Review and Future Savings
You're done shopping, but your couponing journey doesn't end there!
Sub-heading: Reviewing Your Savings
Check Your Receipt: Take a moment to review your receipt to ensure all your coupons were applied correctly. This helps you catch any missed savings and understand how different coupons interact.
Track Your Savings (Optional): Many savvy shoppers keep a running tally of their savings from coupons. This can be motivating and help you see the real impact of your efforts.
Learn for Next Time: Did a coupon not scan? Was there a deal you missed? Use each shopping trip as a learning experience to refine your strategy for the next time.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of using both paper and digital coupons at Kroger, saving more money, and enjoying a more rewarding shopping experience!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions, starting with "How to," along with quick answers:
How to check if a paper coupon is valid at Kroger?
Quick Answer: Ensure the coupon is not expired, matches the exact product (brand, size, quantity, flavor), and is scannable with a clear barcode. Check Kroger's official coupon policy for any specific restrictions.
How to tell if a Kroger digital coupon is a manufacturer coupon or a store coupon?
Quick Answer: Kroger's digital coupons are generally considered manufacturer coupons. If a digital offer is a specific "store coupon," it will usually be explicitly stated, but this is less common for general savings.
How to stack coupons effectively at Kroger?
Quick Answer: You can generally stack one paper manufacturer coupon with one Kroger store coupon (like those from the new digital deal flyers or weekly ad) on a single item. You cannot stack a digital manufacturer coupon with a paper manufacturer coupon on the same item.
How to find the new "Weekly Digital Deals" paper flyers at Kroger?
Quick Answer: Look for these printed flyers near the store entrance or at the customer service desk in participating Kroger-operated stores.
How to ensure all my digital coupons from the app or the new flyer are applied?
Quick Answer: Always scan your Shopper's Card (or enter your Alt ID) first at checkout. If using the new flyer, ensure the cashier scans its single barcode. Then, watch the register screen and your receipt for the "ecpn" notation.
How to remove a digital coupon from my Kroger Shopper's Card?
Quick Answer: In the Kroger app or on the website, go to the "Digital Coupons" section, then "My Coupons." Most coupons will have a "Remove from Card" option.
How to get a Kroger Shopper's Card if I don't have one?
Quick Answer: You can get a free Shopper's Card at any Kroger store's customer service desk or sign up for a digital account and virtual card on Kroger.com or through the Kroger app.
How to use a paper coupon for an item that also has a digital coupon clipped?
Quick Answer: Kroger's system will typically apply the higher-value coupon if both a paper manufacturer coupon and a digital manufacturer coupon are active for the same item. However, you are generally prohibited from using both on the same item. It's best practice to choose one or the other.
How to report a missed coupon discount at Kroger?
Quick Answer: If you notice it at the register, politely ask the cashier for assistance. If you realize it after leaving the store, contact Kroger Customer Service with your receipt details.
How to find out Kroger's full, updated coupon policy?
Quick Answer: The most up-to-date Kroger coupon policy can usually be found on their official website (Kroger.com) under the "Help" or "Customer Service" section, or you can ask for a printed copy at the customer service desk in your local store.
