Not Using Digital Coupons? You Could Be Missing Huge Supermarket Savings

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Going old school can really hurt you when it comes to grocery shopping.

Key Point

• Many consumers are used to clipping physical coupons.
• If your supermarket offers digital coupons, monitor them and load them into your account to generate charges.

The world is becoming more and more digital, but some people are not ready to embrace that change. These days, it’s easy to deposit a check into your bank account using an app, but some people prefer walking into a physical bank and handing the check to the teller. And while the IRS makes it easy to file tax returns electronically, some people still prefer to complete and mail paper forms.

Another thing that is going digital is coupons. While many stores still have the practice of distributing physical coupons, some stores primarily distribute coupons online because online is easier and less hassle.

One of the most convenient places for coupons is your local supermarket. You can also usually find coupons in the weekly circulars that appear in your mailbox.

However, many grocery chains have increased their digital coupon offers in recent years. And if you don’t take advantage of it, you could miss out on a lot of savings.

don’t pay more at the supermarket

If you have a local supermarket shopper’s card, you may be able to get a lower price than someone without it. But these savings don’t always come automatically.

Many supermarkets regularly post digital coupons on their websites. However, you cannot redeem those coupons without logging into your account and specifically loading these coupons onto your store card.

It’s really a mixed bag exercise. For tech-savvy people, digital coupons eliminate the hassle of tearing up physical coupons and remembering to carry them around. But the least tech-savvy and accustomed to physical coupons can miss out on a world of savings because of this practice.

In fact, a group of consumer advocacy groups recently sent letters to a number of major supermarket chains accusing them of limiting certain transactions to digital coupon holders only. It disproportionately affects the elderly and those with limited incomes who may not have the technological resources to use it.

But the reality is that the time may come when digital coupons will completely replace physical coupons. So even if you want to take a more old-school approach to grocery shopping, there’s value in getting involved with this idea.

Do not miss it

Food prices are soaring these days due to inflation. It’s worth taking advantage of our weekly digital coupons before you shop. And if you have the least tech-savvy person in your life, offer to set up an account, walk you through the process, and make digital coupons available in the future.