Save Money With Apps From Walmart, Target, Dollar General, and Other Retailers
Many retailers offer special digital bargains you can access on your phone. Here's how to find them, plus other tips.
There is no question that our phones are much more than tools for making calls. Aside from checking the weather, getting directions, and reminding us of birthdays, a smartphone can be a gateway to saving money. Coupons and sales have long been a path to savings, but increasingly manufacturers and retailers alike are connecting consumers with deals via branded apps. A search of your phone’s app store will yield many familiar names, including McDonald’s, Walmart, and Kohl’s, whose apps can be downloaded for discounts and perks.
Here are a few applications to transform your smartphone into a deal detector:
More Insider Tips
Stores often have unique policies governing coupons and other discounts. Here are some noteworthy highlights:
No-Coupon Policies
Whether it’s because the stores’ prices are rock bottom already or they offer other discount programs, your manufacturer coupons are no good at Aldi, Costco, Fresh Direct, and Sam’s Club.
Senior Discounts
Fred Meyer, Harris Teeter, Hy-Vee, New Seasons Market, Piggly Wiggly, and Walgreens sometimes offer senior discounts of 5 to 10 percent on many items on certain days of the week or month. Ask your local store for specifics.
Drive-Up Discounts
At Albertsons, Giant Eagle, Kroger, Meijer, Publix, and Target, you may not have to step foot in the store to redeem printed or digital coupons because they will accept them during curbside pick-up transactions. Call ahead for details.
Dollar Deals
Dollar Tree will accept a single manufacturer’s coupon per item purchased in-store, including on buy one, get one free offers. Dollar General issues its own coupons and accepts manufacturers’ coupons, and allows stacking in certain situations.
Coupon Doubling
Harris Teeter will double a manufacturer’s coupon up to 99 cents. Stop & Shop does the same for customers who use its loyalty card.
Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the February 2023 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
