Hello there, savvy shopper! Are you ready to dive into the world of saving big at Kroger using coupons? It's easier than you think, and with a little know-how, you'll be maximizing your grocery budget in no time. Let's get started on this exciting journey to becoming a Kroger coupon pro!
The Ultimate Guide to Using Clipped Coupons at Kroger
Kroger offers various ways to save, and understanding how to use their coupon system is key. While "clipped coupons" traditionally refers to physical paper coupons, Kroger also has a robust digital coupon system. We'll cover both so you're fully equipped!
Step 1: Getting Started with Kroger Savings - Your Kroger Plus Shopper's Card
The absolute first step to unlocking savings at Kroger, whether with paper or digital coupons, is to have a Kroger Plus Shopper's Card. This is your gateway to discounts, fuel points, and all the coupon goodness.
How to Get Your Kroger Plus Shopper's Card:
In-Store: Simply ask a cashier or visit the customer service desk. They can sign you up on the spot.
Online/Via App: You can easily create a digital account on the Kroger website or by downloading the Kroger mobile app. During the registration process, you'll be prompted to create or link your Shopper's Card. This is crucial for digital coupon usage.
Pro-Tip: Even if you prefer paper coupons, having a digital account linked to your Shopper's Card is highly recommended. It allows you to see all available deals, track your spending, and access personalized offers.
Step 2: Collecting Your Savings - The Art of Clipping Coupons
Now that you have your Kroger Plus Shopper's Card, it's time to gather those coupons! Kroger primarily offers two types: digital coupons and paper coupons.
Sub-heading 2.1: Clipping Digital Coupons (The Modern Way)
Digital coupons are incredibly convenient and are loaded directly onto your Shopper's Card.
Accessing Digital Coupons:
Kroger Website: Go to Kroger.com and log into your account. Navigate to the "Digital Coupons" or "Savings" section.
Kroger Mobile App: Download and open the Kroger app (available for iOS and Android). Log in and look for the "Digital Coupons" or "Savings" tab.
Browse and Clipping:
You'll see a vast array of coupons for various products. You can often filter by category, brand, or expiration date.
To "clip" a digital coupon, simply click the "Clip" or "Load to Card" button next to each offer you want to use. It's that simple!
Important Note: Kroger typically allows you to clip a large number of coupons (e.g., up to 150 per household). Once clipped, they are linked to your Shopper's Card.
Verifying Clipped Coupons:
After clipping, you can often check a "My Coupons" section on the website or app to see all the digital coupons you've loaded to your card. This is a great way to double-check before you shop.
Sub-heading 2.2: Finding and Clipping Paper Coupons (The Traditional Method)
Even in the digital age, paper coupons still exist and can offer fantastic savings!
Weekly Ad Inserts:
Check your Sunday newspaper for coupon inserts like SmartSource (SS) and Save (formerly RedPlum or RetailMeNot Everyday). These often contain manufacturer coupons valid at Kroger.
In-Store Flyers and Displays:
Kroger often has special coupon flyers near the entrance or at the customer service desk, especially for their "Weekly Digital Deals" in a paper format. These might be "super coupons" with a single barcode that applies multiple digital offers.
Look for "Blinkie" machines in aisles – these small machines dispense coupons when you walk by a specific product.
Shelf-pad coupons: sometimes, coupons are attached directly to the shelf near the product.
Printable Coupons:
Reputable websites like Coupons.com or manufacturers' own websites often offer printable coupons. Make sure your printer is working well, as blurry or altered coupons may not be accepted.
Clipping Your Paper Coupons:
Use scissors (the classic "clipping"!) to carefully cut out the coupons you intend to use. Ensure the barcode and all terms and conditions are clearly visible.
Key Distinction: Kroger's policy generally states that you cannot stack a digital manufacturer's coupon with a paper manufacturer's coupon for the same single item. It's usually one manufacturer coupon (digital or paper) per item.
Step 3: Planning Your Shopping Trip - Maximize Your Savings!
Preparation is key to coupon success!
Create Your Shopping List:
Go through your pantry and fridge to see what you need.
Compare your list with the Kroger Weekly Ad (available online, in the app, or in-store) to identify sale items.
Match Coupons to Sales:
This is where the real savings happen! Look for digital or paper coupons that match items already on sale. Combining a sale price with a coupon can lead to significant discounts, sometimes even free items!
Read the Fine Print: Always check the coupon's terms and conditions. This includes product size, quantity, brand, expiration date, and any specific purchase requirements.
Organize Your Coupons:
Before heading to the store, organize your clipped paper coupons. A small coupon organizer or even an envelope can help.
For digital coupons, ensure they are all "clipped" to your Shopper's Card.
Step 4: Shopping at Kroger - The Redemption Process
You've planned, you've clipped, now it's time to shop and save!
Grab Your Items:
As you walk through the aisles, ensure you select the exact product that matches your coupon (brand, size, flavor, etc.).
At the Checkout:
Sub-heading 4.1: Redeeming Digital Coupons
When you're ready to check out, scan your Kroger Plus Shopper's Card or enter your Alternate ID (usually your phone number associated with your account) at the register.
The system will automatically recognize the digital coupons you've clipped that match the items in your cart. The discounts will be applied before any paper coupons or other discounts.
You'll see "ecpn" (electronic coupon) next to the discounted item on your receipt.
Sub-heading 4.2: Redeeming Paper Coupons
After your items have been scanned and your Shopper's Card has been used (if applicable for digital coupons), hand your paper coupons to the cashier.
The cashier will scan each paper coupon. If the coupon's criteria are met, the discount will be applied.
Important for self-checkout: If you're using self-checkout, you'll typically scan your Shopper's Card or enter your Alt ID first. Then, after scanning your items, you'll look for the "Scan Coupons" or similar option on the screen and scan each paper coupon barcode. Some larger or "super coupons" may require cashier assistance.
Sub-heading 4.3: Understanding Kroger's Coupon Policy
Limit one manufacturer coupon (paper or digital) per item purchased. You generally can't use a digital manufacturer coupon and a paper manufacturer coupon on the same single item.
Expired coupons are not accepted.
"Free Item" Internet coupons may be accepted if all purchase criteria are met.
Store Management reserves the right to accept, decline, or limit the use of any coupon. This is a standard policy for most retailers.
Digital coupons and offers are deducted from your total purchase prior to paper coupons or any other discounts.
Step 5: Reviewing Your Savings - The Joy of the Receipt
Always take a moment to look at your receipt before leaving the store.
Verify Discounts:
Check that all your digital and paper coupons were applied correctly. Digital discounts will typically show as "ecpn."
Address Issues Immediately:
If you notice a coupon didn't scan or a discount wasn't applied, politely bring it to the attention of the cashier or customer service representative before you leave. It's much easier to resolve issues on the spot. They can often manually adjust the price if there was an error.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get a Kroger Plus Shopper's Card?
You can get a Kroger Plus Shopper's Card by signing up at the customer service desk in any Kroger store, or by creating a digital account on the Kroger website or mobile app and linking a new or existing card.
How to clip digital coupons at Kroger?
To clip digital coupons, log into your Kroger account on the Kroger website or mobile app, navigate to the "Digital Coupons" or "Savings" section, and click the "Clip" or "Load to Card" button next to each coupon you wish to use.
How to use digital coupons at Kroger checkout?
Simply scan your Kroger Plus Shopper's Card or enter your Alternate ID (usually your phone number) at checkout, and any clipped digital coupons that match your purchased items will automatically be applied.
How to use paper coupons at Kroger checkout?
After your items are scanned, hand your paper coupons to the cashier to be scanned. If using self-checkout, scan your Shopper's Card first, then follow the prompts to scan each paper coupon.
How to combine digital and paper coupons at Kroger?
Kroger's policy generally allows only one manufacturer coupon (digital or paper) per item. You cannot combine a digital manufacturer coupon and a paper manufacturer coupon for the same single item. However, you can often combine a manufacturer coupon with a store sale price.
How to find out which coupons I have clipped for Kroger?
You can view all the digital coupons you have clipped by logging into your Kroger account on their website or mobile app and looking for the "My Coupons" section within the "Digital Coupons" tab.
How to troubleshoot if a Kroger coupon doesn't work?
First, ensure you have the correct product (size, brand, quantity) and that the coupon hasn't expired. If it's a digital coupon, check if it was successfully clipped to your card. If it's a paper coupon, ensure the barcode is clear. If issues persist, politely inform the cashier or visit the customer service desk for assistance.
How to check the expiration date of Kroger digital coupons?
The expiration date for each digital coupon is clearly displayed below the offer details on the Kroger website and mobile app. It's always wise to check these before clipping and shopping.
How to print digital coupons from Kroger?
While most Kroger digital coupons are exclusively loaded to your card for automatic redemption, some specific offers (like print-at-home manufacturer coupons found through Kroger's portal) might have a "Print Now" option. However, most digital coupons are not designed to be printed.
How to contact Kroger customer service for coupon help?
You can contact Kroger customer service by calling 1-800-KRO-GERS (1-800-576-4377), or by using the contact form or live chat options available on the Kroger website's Help Center.
