Midwest Link Journal ∙ MLJ

Money Saver: Best In-Store and Phone Apps to Save Money at Your Grocery Store

Exterior views of a Meijer store on the left with large red signage and a Walmart store on the right with prominent blue signage, showcasing both retail environments.
Storefronts of Meijer and Walmart, two popular grocery chains offering savings through their mobile apps.

Grocery shopping has been a big expense over the last few years and still is these days, but using the right apps can help you save money at stores like Walmart, Kroger, Meijer, Target, Safeway, Publix, and others.

Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, these apps offer coupons, cashback, and deal alerts to stretch your budget.

Below, we explore the best store-specific and general money-saving apps, how they work, how they save you money, and where to sign up. Plus, we’ll share tips to maximize your savings.


Store-Specific Grocery Apps

Many major grocery chains, including Walmart, Kroger, Meijer, Target, Safeway, and Publix, have their own apps that offer exclusive deals, digital coupons, and loyalty rewards. These apps are free to download and easy to use, helping you save at your favorite stores.

1. Walmart App

How It Works: The Walmart app lets you browse weekly sales, clip digital coupons, and use the Savings Catcher feature (where available). You scan your receipt after shopping, and Walmart compares prices with local competitors. If a lower price is found, you get the difference back as an eGift card.

How It Saves Money:

  • Digital coupons are applied at checkout when you scan the app.
  • Savings Catcher refunds the price difference if a competitor offers a lower price.
  • You can check in-store availability and order groceries for pickup or delivery, avoiding impulse buys.

Sign-Up Link: Download the Walmart App

Important Info: The app integrates with Walmart+ for additional benefits like free delivery. Ensure you scan receipts within seven days for Savings Catcher to work.


2. Kroger App

How It Works: The Kroger app offers digital coupons, personalized deals based on your shopping habits, and Free Friday downloads for select free items. You link your Kroger Plus Card to the app, clip coupons, and scan your card or phone at checkout.

How It Saves Money:

  • Digital coupons save instantly at checkout.
  • Free Friday offers provide free products monthly.
  • Cashback rewards can be earned on select purchases and redeemed for future shopping.

Sign-Up Link: Download the Kroger App

Important Info: Check the app weekly for new deals, as offers refresh regularly. You can also use the app for grocery pickup or delivery, which helps you stick to a list and avoid overspending.


3. Meijer App

How It Works: The Meijer app connects to your mPerks account, offering digital coupons, personalized rewards, and weekly ad previews. You clip coupons in the app and enter your mPerks ID at checkout to apply savings.

How It Saves Money:

  • Digital coupons and mPerks rewards reduce your bill instantly.
  • mPerks lets you to earn points on every purchase and redeem those points for money off your next grocery bill.
  • Personalized offers target items you buy often.
  • The app’s shopping list feature helps you plan purchases and avoid unnecessary spending.

Sign-Up Link: Download the Meijer App

Important Info: You need an mPerks account to use the app’s full features. Some deals are exclusive to app users, so check regularly for updates.


4. Target App

How It Works: The Target app includes Target Circle, which offers deals, app-only coupons, and 1% cashback on purchases. You can browse weekly ads, scan barcodes in-store for deals, and link your REDcard for an extra 5% off.

How It Saves Money:

  • Target Circle offers instant discounts and cashback rewards.
  • REDcard integration saves 5% on every purchase, including groceries.
  • App-only coupons provide exclusive savings.

Sign-Up Link: Download the Target App

Important Info: Amazon Prime members can save an additional 10% at Whole Foods (owned by Amazon) using the Target app, as it syncs with Whole Foods deals. Always check Target Circle Week for major sales events.


5. Safeway App

How It Works: The Safeway app, tied to the Safeway for U program, offers digital coupons, weekly ad access, and personalized deals. You clip coupons and link them to your loyalty account, then scan your card or phone at checkout.

How It Saves Money:

  • Digital coupons reduce prices instantly.
  • Personalized deals target your favorite products.
  • You can earn points for free groceries or discounts on gas at Safeway stations.

Sign-Up Link: Download the Safeway App

Important Info: The app supports grocery pickup and delivery, helping you plan purchases. Check the “Just for U” section for exclusive offers.


6. Publix App

How It Works: The Publix app provides digital coupons, weekly ad previews, and a shopping list feature. You link your Publix account, clip coupons, and scan your phone at checkout to apply savings.

How It Saves Money:

  • Digital coupons are applied directly at checkout, reducing your grocery bill.
  • Weekly ad previews help you plan purchases around sales.
  • The app’s shopping list feature keeps you focused, minimizing impulse buys.

Sign-Up Link: Download the Publix App

Important Info: Publix offers BOGO (buy one, get one free) deals frequently, which are highlighted in the app. You can also use the app for pharmacy services and grocery delivery through Instacart.


Other Grocery Stores with Apps

In addition to the stores mentioned, other chains with money-saving apps include:

These apps work similarly to the ones above, requiring a loyalty account and offering digital coupons, rewards, and weekly deal alerts. Check your local store’s website to confirm app availability.


Top Money-Saving Phone Apps

Beyond store-specific apps, general money-saving apps like Ibotta and Flipp work across multiple retailers, including Walmart, Kroger, Meijer, Target, Safeway, and Publix. These apps are free, user-friendly, and perfect for maximizing savings.

1. Ibotta

How It Works: Ibotta offers cashback on groceries and other purchases at over 500,000 locations, including Walmart, Kroger, Meijer, Target, Safeway, and Publix. You browse offers in the app, add them to your list, shop, and upload your receipt or link your loyalty card for automatic cashback. Cash can be withdrawn via PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards once you reach $20.

How It Saves Money:

  • Earn real cash (not points) on specific products, often $0.25–$2 per item.
  • Offers signup bonuses (e.g., $5 for spending $15) and referral bonuses.
  • Works for in-store and online purchases, including grocery pickup and delivery.

Sign-Up Link: Download Ibotta

Important Info: Some offers require you to watch a short video or answer a question to unlock. Check offers before shopping, as they may be store-specific or require specific brands. Recent user reviews note occasional issues with receipt approvals, so ensure receipts are clear and readable.


2. Flipp

How It Works: Flipp aggregates weekly ads and digital coupons from over 2,000 stores, including Walmart, Kroger, Meijer, Target, Safeway, and Publix. You enter your ZIP code, select your favorite stores, and browse deals. The app’s Watch List notifies you when items you want are on sale, and you can create shopping lists to stay organized.

How It Saves Money:

  • Compare prices across stores to find the best deals.
  • Clip digital coupons to your loyalty card for instant savings at checkout.
  • The Watch List helps you buy items at their lowest price.

Sign-Up Link: Download Flipp

Important Info: Flipp doesn’t offer cashback but excels at deal hunting. It’s ideal for planning shopping trips to multiple stores, saving you up to 20% weekly. Use it alongside cashback apps like Ibotta for maximum savings.


3. Checkout 51

How It Works: Checkout 51 offers cashback on grocery purchases at any store, including Walmart, Kroger, Meijer, Target, Safeway, and Publix. You browse weekly offers (updated every Thursday), buy qualifying items, and upload your receipt. Cash out via PayPal or check once you reach $20.

How It Saves Money:

  • Earn cashback on everyday items like eggs, chips, or diapers, typically $0.25–$2 per offer.
  • Works at any store, so you’re not limited to specific retailers.
  • Manufacturer rebates are common, complementing store-specific deals.

Sign-Up Link: Download Checkout 51

Important Info: Some offers are limited and may expire, so act quickly. You can use the same receipt on multiple apps (e.g., Ibotta and Checkout 51) to stack savings.


4. Fetch

How It Works: Fetch lets you earn points by scanning any grocery receipt from stores like Walmart, Kroger, Meijer, Target, Safeway, or Publix. You don’t need to select offers beforehand, making it one of the easiest apps to use. Points can be redeemed for gift cards to retailers like Amazon or Target.

How It Saves Money:

  • Earn points on every receipt, with bonus points for specific brands.
  • No need to pre-select offers, saving time.
  • Redeem points for gift cards, effectively lowering your grocery costs.

Sign-Up Link: Download Fetch

Important Info: Fetch is ideal for those who want minimal effort. Even receipts without matching offers earn points, but check for bonus offers to maximize rewards.


5. Receipt Hog

How It Works: Receipt Hog turns grocery receipts into “coins” that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards. You snap photos of receipts from any store, including Walmart, Kroger, Meijer, Target, Safeway, and Publix. You can also earn coins by walking into stores or scanning barcodes.

How It Saves Money:

  • Earn coins on every receipt, with extra rewards for specific products.
  • Redeem coins for PayPal cash or gift cards, reducing future grocery costs.
  • Fun game-like features keep you engaged.

Sign-Up Link: Download Receipt Hog

Important Info: Receipt Hog works for non-grocery stores too, making it versatile. Use code lom74699 for a signup bonus. Cashing out requires a minimum balance, so it may take a few receipts to redeem.


Tips to Maximize Grocery Savings

  1. Combine Apps for Stacking Savings: Use store apps (e.g., Kroger or Target) for digital coupons and pair them with cashback apps like Ibotta or Checkout 51. You can scan the same receipt on multiple apps to earn multiple rewards.
  2. Plan with Flipp: Check Flipp before shopping to find the best deals across stores and build a shopping list to avoid overspending.
  3. Link Loyalty Cards: Apps like Ibotta and Safeway allow you to link loyalty cards for automatic cashback or coupon application, saving time.
  4. Shop Sales and BOGOs: Publix’s BOGO deals and Kroger’s Free Friday offers are highlighted in their apps—don’t miss them!
  5. Set a Budget: Use apps’ shopping list features to stick to a budget. Apps like Flipp and Grocery King (mentioned on Reddit) help track spending.
  6. Check Offers Weekly: Apps like Checkout 51 and Ibotta update offers regularly, so review them before shopping to catch the best deals.
  7. Avoid Impulse Buys: Use grocery pickup or delivery through store apps to stick to your list and reduce unnecessary purchases.

Important Notes

  • Not All Stores Have Apps: Trader Joe’s, for example, doesn’t offer a loyalty program or app, so rely on apps like Flipp or Ibotta for savings at those stores.
  • Technical Issues: Some users report issues with Ibotta’s receipt uploads or loyalty card syncing. Contact customer support via help.ibotta.com if you encounter problems.
  • Location Matters: Flipp and other apps use your ZIP code to show local deals, so ensure your location settings are enabled.
  • Privacy Considerations: Apps like Ibotta may use location data or share purchase history with partners. Review privacy policies before signing up.

Using store-specific apps from Walmart, Kroger, Meijer, Target, Safeway, and Publix, along with money-saving apps like Ibotta, Flipp, Checkout 51, Fetch, and Receipt Hog, can significantly cut your grocery bill.

These apps offer digital coupons, cashback, and deal alerts, making it easy to save at your favorite stores.

By combining apps, planning with weekly ads, and sticking to a budget, you can maximize your savings and make every grocery trip more affordable. Download these apps today and start saving!


This article was last updated on July 11, 2025, and reflects the most current information available.

https://linknewstoday.com/ is not affiliated with any stores, companies, or apps listed as of July 11, 2025.

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This website provides information intended purely for general reference and is presented in good faith. However, this content should not be seen as a substitute for professional advice. Before making any decisions or taking action, it is recommended to seek guidance from qualified professionals or specialists.

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