If you’re looking to stretch your budget and get more bang for your buck, Dollar General is a fantastic place to start. Known for its already low prices, Dollar General becomes even more of a savings powerhouse when you add coupons into the mix. But like any couponing strategy, there’s a bit of an art to it. In this guide, we’ll walk you step by step through how to coupon at Dollar General — whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills.
Why Coupon at Dollar General?
Dollar General offers:
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Everyday low prices
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Weekly sales
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A generous digital coupon program
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Frequent $5 off $25 deals
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Stackable savings with manufacturer and store coupons
With all these tools at your disposal, it’s possible to slash your grocery, cleaning supplies, personal care, and even seasonal shopping bills dramatically.
Step 1: Get Familiar with Dollar General’s Coupon Policy
Before you dive in, it’s important to understand the store’s coupon policy. Here are the key points:
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Digital Coupons: These are linked to your Dollar General account and are applied automatically at checkout when you enter your phone number.
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Paper Coupons: Both manufacturer and Dollar General store coupons are accepted.
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Stacking Coupons: You can stack one manufacturer coupon (paper or digital) with one Dollar General store coupon per item.
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BOGO Deals: You can use a coupon on a “Buy One Get One” deal.
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Limits: Generally, Dollar General limits to 5 identical coupons per day.
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No Overages: If the coupon value exceeds the product price, you don’t get cash back.
Always check the latest policy on Dollar General’s website for any updates.
Step 2: Create a Dollar General Account
To access digital coupons and exclusive deals, sign up for a free Dollar General account.
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Visit dollargeneral.com or download the Dollar General app.
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Enter your phone number — you’ll use this at checkout.
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Start browsing digital coupons and click “Clip” to add them to your account.
Pro Tip: Clip every coupon you think you might use — even if you’re not sure yet. It doesn’t hurt!
Step 3: Learn About the Weekly Sales and the Magic of Saturday Deals
Dollar General releases a new sales flyer every week (usually on Sundays).
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Check it in the app or website.
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Look for sales that match your clipped coupons for the best deals.
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Pay special attention to the Saturday Only coupon: $5 off a $25 purchase.
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Clip this coupon.
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Plan your bigger shopping trips for Saturdays to maximize savings.
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Step 4: Stack and Plan Your Deals
This is where the magic happens.
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Stack Manufacturer and Store Coupons:
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Example: If you have a manufacturer coupon for $1 off Tide, and Dollar General has a store coupon for $1 off Tide, you can stack them for $2 off!
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Use Sales + Coupons Together:
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Example: If an item is on sale for $3, and you have a $1 coupon, you’ll pay just $2.
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Build Scenarios:
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Especially for the $5/$25 Saturday coupon, build “scenarios” where you combine coupons, sales, and the store coupon to get maximum savings.
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Use the app’s cart feature to keep track of your total after coupons.
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Pro Tip: Join couponing communities on Facebook or follow couponing blogs. Experienced couponers share deal “scenarios” weekly!
Step 5: Use the Dollar General App Smartly
The app is a game-changer:
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Scan barcodes in-store to see if there are matching digital coupons.
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Price check hidden clearance items (sometimes unmarked!).
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Build your cart ahead of time to estimate your total after coupons.
The app ensures you’re never caught off-guard at checkout.
Step 6: Shop Smart at Clearance and Seasonal Sales
Dollar General frequently offers:
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Seasonal Clearance Events (up to 90% off).
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Penny Items (yes, actual items priced at $0.01 — though finding these requires some serious dedication and timing).
Watch for these sales and stack coupons where possible for unbeatable prices!
Step 7: Checkout Like a Pro
When you’re ready to checkout:
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Enter your phone number before the cashier scans your items to apply digital coupons.
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Hand over paper coupons after your digital coupons are applied.
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Double-check your receipt for discounts.
If something doesn’t work as expected, kindly ask the cashier to review, or visit customer service.
Step 8: Track Your Savings
Use the app or your receipts to track your savings over time. It’s motivating to see how much you’ve saved monthly or yearly!
Bonus Tips for Success
✅ Stay Organized: Use a coupon binder or envelope system.
✅ Follow Couponers Online: They’ll share daily deals, glitches, and breakdowns.
✅ Check for New Coupons Daily: New digital coupons often appear Sunday mornings.
✅ Be Polite and Patient: Cashiers may not be familiar with every deal. Stay friendly!
✅ Test Small Transactions: If you’re unsure about a deal, try a small test run before a big haul.
Conclusion
Couponing at Dollar General can feel like a treasure hunt — and the savings are real. With a little practice, you’ll be stacking deals like a pro and cutting your shopping bills significantly. Whether you’re grabbing household essentials, snacks, or holiday decor, every trip to Dollar General can be a win when you know the tricks of the trade.
So grab your app, clip those coupons, and start saving big!