Dollar stores are already a great place to save money, but did you know you can stretch your budget even further by using coupons? Many shoppers assume dollar stores don’t accept coupons, but that’s not the case. With the right strategies, you can snag even better deals on household essentials, groceries, and more. Learn how to maximize your savings with coupons at dollar stores!
Do Dollar Stores Accept Coupons?
Yes! Most major dollar store chains accept manufacturer coupons, digital coupons, and even offer their own store coupons. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Dollar Tree – Accepts manufacturer coupons and digital rebates.
- Family Dollar – Has a digital coupon app and accepts manufacturer coupons.
- Dollar General – Offers store coupons, digital coupons, and allows coupon stacking.
Now that you know coupons are accepted, let’s dive into the best ways to find and use them.
Where to Find Coupons for Dollar Stores
You can use manufacturer coupons at most dollar stores just like you would at a grocery store. Look for these coupons:
- Sunday newspaper inserts – Check the SmartSource and RetailMeNot booklets.
- Brand websites – Visit sites like P&G, Unilever, and General Mills for printable coupons.
- Couponing websites – Sites like Coupons.com and Lozo.com offer free printable coupons.
Tip: Since many dollar store items are already $1-$3, a $0.50 or $1.00 coupon can make items free or nearly free!
Dollar Store Digital Coupons
Both Family Dollar and Dollar General have digital coupon programs that let you apply discounts at checkout:
- Family Dollar Smart Coupons – Sign up on their app or website to clip digital coupons.
- Dollar General Digital Coupons – Add coupons to your account and enter your phone number at checkout to apply them.
Bonus: Dollar General often offers a $5 off $25 purchase coupon every Saturday—perfect for stocking up!
Store Flyers and Weekly Ads
Before heading to the store, check the weekly ad for current deals. You can find these:
- On the store’s website
- Inside the store near the entrance
- In your mailbox (if you get local ads)
Look for deals that match manufacturer coupons for double the savings!
Cashback and Rebate Apps
Pairing coupons with cashback apps can lead to even bigger discounts. Some of the best apps for dollar store shopping include:
- Ibotta – Offers cashback on select grocery and household items.
- Fetch Rewards – Lets you scan receipts for points to redeem for gift cards.
- Checkout 51 – Weekly cashback offers on groceries and home essentials.
How to maximize savings:
✔ Use a manufacturer coupon.
✔ Stack it with a digital coupon.
✔ Submit your receipt for cashback.
✔ Get the item for free or nearly free!
Tips for Using Coupons at Dollar Stores
1. Know the Store’s Coupon Policy
Each store has different coupon rules. Some key policies to remember:
- Dollar Tree allows up to four like coupons per day.
- Family Dollar & Dollar General accept digital and paper coupons but may limit stacking.
- None of these stores double coupons, but stacking store and manufacturer coupons is often allowed.
Always check the latest coupon policy on the store’s website or ask a cashier if you’re unsure.
2. Stack Coupons for Bigger Savings
Some dollar stores allow you to combine different types of coupons for maximum discounts:
- Manufacturer Coupon + Store Coupon = Extra savings.
- Digital Coupon + Store Promo (Dollar General’s $5 off $25) = Big savings on bulk purchases.
Example: If Family Dollar has toothpaste on sale for $1.50 and you have a $1 off manufacturer coupon, you only pay $0.50!
3. Shop on the Right Days
Timing your trip can help you score better deals.
- Saturdays – Dollar General’s $5 off $25 coupon is active.
- New Coupon Days – Most stores release new digital coupons on Sundays.
- Clearance Events – Dollar General and Family Dollar have seasonal clearance sales where coupons apply to already discounted items.
Tip: Ask employees when they restock clearance items to get first dibs on markdowns!
4. Watch for Bonus Deals and Freebies
Some stores run bonus coupon events, such as:
- Buy 1, Get 1 Free (BOGO) sales – Use coupons on both items for double the discount.
- Free Gift Card Promotions – Family Dollar sometimes offers a $5 gift card when you spend a certain amount.
- Seasonal Clearance Sales – Stack coupons on discounted holiday items for massive savings.
5. Bring Multiple Coupons
Since dollar store prices are so low, some items may sell out fast. If your first-choice deal isn’t available, having extra coupons lets you adjust your plan and still save money.
Pro Tip: Keep your coupons organized in an envelope or small binder so you can easily find them while shopping.
What to Buy with Coupons at Dollar Stores
Some products offer better coupon savings than others. Here are the best things to buy with coupons at dollar stores:
✔ Household Essentials
- Paper towels, toilet paper, and tissues
- Cleaning supplies (Lysol, Clorox, Dawn)
- Laundry detergent (Tide, Gain, Arm & Hammer)
✔ Personal Care & Beauty
- Toothpaste (Colgate, Crest)
- Shampoo & conditioner (Pantene, Tresemmé)
- Deodorant (Dove, Secret, Old Spice)
✔ Groceries & Snacks
- Cereal (General Mills, Kellogg’s)
- Coffee & tea (Folgers, Lipton)
- Canned goods & dry pasta
✔ Seasonal & Holiday Items
- Gift wrap and decorations
- Halloween and Christmas candy
- Back-to-school supplies
Best Trick: Use coupons on name-brand items to pay less than store-brand prices!
Final Insights
Shopping at dollar stores with coupons can lead to huge savings on everyday essentials. By stacking manufacturer and digital coupons, using cashback apps, and shopping on the right days, you can cut your costs even further. Whether you’re stocking up on toiletries, groceries, or seasonal items, these tips will help you maximize your savings at Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and Dollar General!