With the ease of no scissors, nor the need to purchase and sort newspapers on Sundays, one would think Digital coupons are a fabulous option. And they are…but there are some confusing factors surrounding these little gems. And we want you to be best informed of all your options.
Digital Coupons
Digital Coupons are also called “eCoupons” (which stands for “electronic” coupons). They are all Manufacturer coupons which are color-coded red on all our store lists. Very easy to use, just create a personal account with the specific store, then once in their coupon area, select the coupons you think you will use. It does not hurt to select more than you will use because if they expire before you get to use them, they will just disappear from your account. Remember, these coupons cannot be used in conjunction with another manufacturer coupon, but they can be used with a store coupon (color coded green on our store lists). You access the digital coupons by either scanning your store reward card or simply entering your phone number at the checkout counter.
*The bottom line: Digital Coupon Programs savings are deducted when you checkout*
- Publix – Load Publix Digital Coupons onto your account (not the same as your “MyPublix” account, you need a separate one) and use your phone number at checkout to apply any coupons immediately to your order. Read how to use Publix Digital Coupons here.
- Winn Dixie – Load Winn Dixie Digital Coupons onto your reward card and just swipe at the checkout (or use your phone number if you previously registered your card). Read more details about the program here.
- Walgreen’s – Load the Walgreens electronic coupons directly onto your Balance Reward (BR) Card (learn more about how to use Balance Rewards). Coupons apply automatically when you checkout and use your BR card. Learn more about their digital coupon program here.
Things to consider: the confusing part comes when you think about needing to buy (2) items and you have one paper coupon and one digital coupon. What do you do? Well, digital coupons are Manufacturer coupons. Manufacturer coupons CANNOT be used in conjunction with another manufacturer coupon. So only ONE coupon can be used on each item (unless you have a store coupon, then it can be used along with either the paper or digital coupon). So let’s think about this further…if you are purchasing a BOGO item, then you would have (2) individual items. That means you can use the paper coupon on the “Buy One” and the digital coupon will automatically come off of the “Get One”.
An exception to the Digital Coupons being only Manufacturer Coupons is Target! They are Store Coupons and therefore can be used (stacked) with a Manufacturer Coupon. And it gets even better because you can even use their Cartwheel program in conjunction too! These do reduce your total at the checkout counter though, so we include them in the “Digital Coupon” section.
- Target – Digital Coupons are texted in a link to you weekly (so you do not “select” the different coupons, you have access all of the ones they offer weekly). You can find even more coupons by texting Target individual codes (found on our weekly sales list or in our Coupon Database). Then when at the checkout counter, just show them your phone in order to apply the coupon. Sometimes you will need to “scroll” to multiple screens of coupons (especially if you text them a certain “code” because those coupons come in a separate link).
- Target’s “Cartwheel” Program – Select certain Target coupons (all percentage off coupons) and then when shopping in the store, bring up the Cartwheel App and have the cashier scan your phone. This program is integrated with Facebook, so you will need a Facebook account in order to use. Read more about “Cartwheel” here.
All of these digital coupons are included in our coupon database and we include them in the weekly store matchups! Digital coupons are like an extra single bonus coupon you would not have had otherwise. I have found that when I am missing a coupon…or I want to purchase “just one more” of something…they come in very handy. It’s especially helpful for non-couponers who are not prepared with paper coupons already.
Digital Apps:
These “digital coupons” function more like a rebate. All are listed in blue on the store lists because they function more like a rebate vs a normal coupon. They are extra savings on top of any store or manufacturer coupons you can use when buying the product. You link up your bank account, or PayPal and transfer the money there (which can then be moved to your personal checking account). Here’s how they individually work:
The bottom line is this with Digital Apps: the savings are paid back to you at a later time, not immediately when you checkout. I just consider them a Rebate that doesn’t require my filling out an envelope, cutting out a upc code nor finding a stamp. It’s bonus money!
- Ibotta – A FREE Android (Google Play) or Apple iPhone App, is easy way to earn real money just for buying your favorite products. Earn money by learning about products (by taking polls, reading facts or watching short videos). Get your money within hours of taking a photo of your receipt. It’s real cash. Earnings can be transferred securely to your PayPal account or donated to any school in America with the click of a button. Ibotta updates their offers every 4 days. See step by step instructions for how to use Ibotta here.
- Checkout 51 – A FREE app for iPhone and Android. Buy products from any store, then take a photo of your receipt in order to redeem the deal. Once you accumulate $20 you will be mailed a check. Offers that are updated every Thursday. Read more about Checkout 51 here.
- SavingStar – Online tool as well as a FREE Digital App for Apple or Android. After creating an account, link your store Reward Cards (CVS, Winn Dixie, Rite Aid, Kroger, Harris Teeter, etc), Select the eCoupons/Offers you want to use, then shop at your local store using your loyalty card when you check out. Money accumulates into your SavingStar account and at $5 you can “cash” out to transfer the balance to your PayPal account or get Gift Cards for Amazon. Read more details here.
- Walmart Savings Catcher – Online tool as well as a FREE Digital App for Apple or Android. It automatically compares the prices of the items you purchased at Walmart with the advertised prices of competitors in your area. Savings Catcher will credit your account with the difference within 72 hours (in an eGift Card that can be used online or in store). Learn more about how to use the Walmart Savings Catcher program here.
Another App that WAS a good one that I used regularly is Shopmium. The problem is that mid 2016 they stopped giving out rebates when you also used a manufacturer coupon on the item. Well, to me, that was the WHOLE POINT of using the app. There are several organic items that you can buy and get your full money back, but just know that you cannot use coupons on them. Here are some other benefits to use Shopmium:
- Offers you see on Shopmium are exclusive to Shopmium, so you don’t need to check other apps for better deals. They are IT.
- No store constraints: you can redeem your offers at any store where the product is sold.
- Very easy cash back process: rebates are processed within the app in just 2 clicks! You don’t even have to wait until you get to a certain level of rebates to “cash out”, each rebate will be sent to your PayPal account immediately upon verification!
- You can use my referral code: GMMHKGWH when you sign up to get a rebate for a FREE Lindt Chocolate Bar! Read more about Shopmium here.
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