Not long ago, saving money at the grocery store involved sitting at the kitchen table, scissors in hand, clipping coupons from the Sunday newspaper. But times have changed, thanks to digital coupons!

Couponing is now digitally mobile; there are many apps designed to streamline the process and help you save time and money.

While a small percentage of adults (16%) still cling to traditional paper coupons, most have embraced the digital revolution. In fact, a 2024 survey by CivicScience revealed that 57% of U.S. respondents frequently use digital coupon codes, while 56% prefer a store’s in-app coupons.

Why Digital Coupons?

How do these digital coupon apps stack up against their paper counterparts? The answer is clear: Team Digital has some distinct advantages. First and foremost, they’re incredibly convenient. With a simple download, you can access a world of savings tailored to your specific needs – and many other benefits:

• These apps can personalize your coupons based on your shopping history, ensuring you get the most relevant deals.
• Unlike single-use paper coupons, shoppers can use more than one coupon app with a single receipt.
• There are environmental benefits of coupon apps! They are paperless and a sustainable alternative to their predecessors.

How Digital Coupons Work

Consumer expert Clark Howard’s website explained that digital coupon apps work in one of three ways:

• Coupon Apps: Offer coupons and other savings at the register
• Store-specific Apps: Exclusive offers available at specific grocery stores with the grocer’s unique app
• Rebate Apps: Scan and upload your receipt after purchase for cash-back rewards

Most digital coupon apps are available through your smartphone’s app store. They are safe, user-friendly, and boast high iOS and Android ratings. This reassurance of cost-effectiveness and ease of use should inspire confidence in even the most technologically reluctant shoppers.  No wonder digital coupon usage is on the rise, increasing from 26% to 33%.

Popular Digital Coupon Apps

Here are just a few of the top digital coupon app contenders – and they’re free:

• ibotta: imagine getting cash back on groceries and gas! To its credit, ibotta has over 2,000 supported retailers. Download the app, select your grocery store, check out the offers, and activate the items you want to purchase. After you shop, upload the receipt, and you are done. You don’t have to upload the receipt if you have a grocery store loyalty card linked to the app.
• Basket: After downloading the app, you set up your grocery list. Basket compares prices and recommends the best store for your purchases within a 5-mile radius of your home. The app is also crowdsourced, with users contributing updates.
• The Coupons App: Don’t want to activate offers? This app might be perfect. Open it, set up alerts, and search for coupons and deals from over 100,000 stores. It’s super easy!
• Receipt Hog: This app’s big selling point is that you can use it at any store, online or in person. Just upload your receipt to the app and earn rewards like PayPal cash or retail gift cards.

Looking for a way to boost your wallet without much effort? Utilizing a digital coupon app is a fast and simple way to make it happen!

Want to learn more about digital coupons?  Join our free webinar (registration required) on June 18!  Details are here.  

YOUR TURN

Would you – or do you – use digital coupons? Have you any faves? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Deborah Reale is a digital marketing and communications consultant specializing in social media, analytics, content writing, and editing. Ms. Reale has written for Business Development Magazine, Construction Industry Today, and quoted in Investor’s Business Daily and the book Social Media in Action. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and a graduate degree in business administration.