Using digital coupons through store apps is one of the simplest ways to save money—but only if you know how to make the apps work for you. If you’ve ever opened a store app only to feel overwhelmed by endless offers, confusing menus, or technical glitches, you’re not alone. The good news? Once you get the hang of it, store apps are one of the fastest and most convenient ways to cut your grocery or household spending.

Here’s how to use store apps to clip and redeem digital coupons—without the stress.

Choose Apps That Are Actually Easy to Navigate

Some store apps are more user-friendly than others. If you’re just starting out, look for apps that clearly separate digital coupons from weekly ads and allow easy one-tap clipping. A few standout options include:

• Target Circle – Combines store-wide deals, manufacturer coupons, and rewards in one clean interface.

• Dollar General – Offers a simplified coupon section and a “$5 off $25” Saturday deal that’s easy to activate.

• Walgreens App – Features digital coupons that apply automatically with your myWalgreens account.

• Kroger App – Lets you load coupons directly to your shopper’s card and shows matching sale items.

• CVS App – Personalizes offers based on your purchases and makes stacking coupons with ExtraBucks easy.

Once you download the app, sign in or create a loyalty account to unlock member pricing and digital coupon access.

Clip Coupons Before You Get to the Store

One of the biggest mistakes shoppers make is waiting until they’re in the aisle to start searching for digital coupons. This can lead to missed savings or clipped coupons that don’t apply at checkout. Instead, set aside a few minutes at home to browse and activate deals based on what’s on your list.

Most apps feature categories or keyword search tools that make it easy to find coupons for the products you need. Some even highlight items that have coupons available right on your digital shopping list.

Pro tip: Tap the heart or “save” icon for coupons you don’t need right away so they’re easy to find later if your plans change.

Let Your Loyalty Card or Phone Number Do the Work

After you clip digital coupons, most store apps automatically apply them at checkout when you scan your loyalty card or enter your phone number. That means no fumbling through your phone or showing barcodes to the cashier.

Stores like Kroger, Safeway, and Meijer link your coupons to your shopper ID, so as long as you enter it correctly, your savings will process automatically.

For pharmacy retailers like CVS and Walgreens, your ExtraBucks and Walgreens Cash will also be tracked digitally, so everything works together smoothly.

Don’t Forget to Combine Digital Coupons with Other Offers

Many store apps let you combine multiple types of savings:

• Manufacturer digital coupons

• Store coupons or promotions

• Loyalty rewards or points

For example, you could clip a $2 off toothpaste coupon in the Walgreens App, apply a “Spend $20, get $5 Walgreens Cash” promotion, and still earn cashback by scanning your receipt into Fetch Rewards.

That’s the beauty of digital couponing—once you set it up, the system does most of the work.

Keep Your Apps Updated and Refreshed

Store apps change weekly, and some release new coupons every Sunday or Thursday. Check the app regularly so you don’t miss high-value offers that might expire or get removed due to usage limits.

Also, make sure the app itself is updated. Outdated versions can cause login problems, syncing issues, or slow loading times that frustrate even the savviest savers.

Final Insights

Store apps are one of the most powerful tools in your couponing toolkit—but only if you know how to use them without getting overwhelmed. By choosing easy-to-use apps, clipping coupons before you shop, and syncing your loyalty account correctly, you can save money with just a few taps.

No need to clip paper coupons, hunt for lost printouts, or hold up the checkout line. Go digital, stay organized, and let your phone do the saving.