Grocery shopping can feel like a never-ending expense, but the right savings strategy can flip the script. Instead of clipping a single coupon or waiting for one-off store sales, savvy shoppers are stacking multiple discounts—from coupons and store deals to cashback rewards—all in one trip. The result? Lower grocery bills without sacrificing the brands or quality you love.
Start with the Store Loyalty Program
Most national grocers like Kroger, Safeway, and Publix offer free loyalty accounts. These give you access to digital coupons, weekly flyer pricing, fuel rewards, and exclusive member pricing. Make sure your loyalty account is linked when shopping in-store or online so every eligible deal applies.
Layer Manufacturer and Store Coupons
Stacking coupons means combining store-specific offers with manufacturer coupons. Many grocery apps (like those from Albertsons or Giant) allow both to apply at checkout. Use sites like Coupons.com or brand newsletters to grab the latest national coupons before your trip.
Time It With Sales and Weekly Deals
Plan your shopping list around the weekly circular. When you find a sale item you also have a coupon for, you’ve got a double dip. Buying during holiday weekends or mid-week markdowns (often Wednesdays) helps you save even more. You can preview weekly ads on each grocer’s website or use Flipp to search by product category.
Add Cashback Apps Into the Mix
Once coupons and in-store promos are secured, layer in cashback rewards. Apps like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta let you earn cashback when purchasing digital gift cards, submitting receipts, or linking loyalty cards. For example, you can earn cashback with a Kroger gift card purchased through Fluz before checking out.
Some cashback tools reward purchases at specific stores, while others reward item-level buys. The trick is using both types. Example:
- Use a gift card purchased via Fluz for storewide cashback
- Submit your receipt to Ibotta for product-specific rebates
Use a Rewards Credit Card for the Final Swipe
Paying with a grocery-optimized credit card earns points, miles, or cash. Cards like the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (which earns 6% back on groceries) or the Capital One SavorOne card can stack even more savings on top of everything else.
Real Example of a Stacked Trip
Let’s say you’re buying cereal and paper towels:
- The cereal is BOGO from Safeway’s ad
- You have a manufacturer coupon from Coupons.com
- You buy a Safeway gift card on Fluz with 3% cashback
- You upload your receipt to Ibotta for $0.50 back on the cereal
- You pay with a grocery rewards credit card
All together, you’ve stacked 4–5 layers of savings on everyday items.
Final Tips
- Always scan receipts to capture missed rewards
- Make a habit of buying discounted gift cards right before checkout
- Use browser extensions to remind you of cashback offers when shopping online for grocery delivery
With the right system, grocery shopping becomes a savings opportunity—not a budget killer.
