New Kroger Coupon Policy *Updated with Official Policy*
I received a quick response from Kroger regarding chatter of a new policy. There IS one and you can download the official Kroger Coupon Policy. You will notice the document states Dayton and Cincinnati HOWEVER I was informed that most of the policy is a NEW company-wide policy which may be modified in various markets (as most policies are).
Well, it was only a matter of time. At my last coupon workshop I shared with attendees that Kroger Coupon Policy offers unlimited doubles. However, I added the caveat that *my* Kroger stores now have a written policy (pictured above) at the register which states the following:
Manufactuer's coupons 50 cents or less will be doubled, coupons between 50 cents and $1 will be redeemed at $1, coupons over $1 will be redeemed at face value. Limit one mnaufacturer coupon for any particular item. Items must be purchased in sizes specified on coupon. This offer applies to Manufacturer Cents Off coupons for items sold at Kroger and not to FREE or tobacco product coupons. Amount refunded cannot exceed the price of the item.
ADVERTISING ITEM POLICY: Each of these advertised is required to be readily available for sale in each Kroger store, except as specifically noted in this ad. If we do run out of an advertised item, we will offer you your choice of a comparable item at the same savings or a rain check which will entitle you to purchase the unadvertised item at the advertised price within 30 days.
Limit One Manufacturer's Coupon Per Item Purchased. We reserve the right to limit quantities and to correct printing errors. None sold to dealers.
And Amber found this conversation from Facebook suggesting there will now be a limit of 5 coupons for the same product AND possibly eliminate B1G1 FREE Coupons. While the Facebook wall is for the Kroger Cincinnati/Dayton Divisions, I believe it's only a matter of time until more policy changes hit other market or even all Kroger family stores. Last month Kroger announced they were eliminating double and triple coupon redemption in Texas.
Kroger has stated they will make an official policy available on October 10. I'll update this post with more details. If you know of any policy changes, please leave a comment as well.
Both Chililcothe Krogers limit 3 same coupons per order.
Our Kroger (Mount Vernon, OH) has been enforcing a new policy of only 3 like coupons in one transaction. And they are not allowing you to split up orders into 2 transactions to use more of the same coupons.
I went to my Kroger (Union, KY) last night. There was a sheet of their new coupon policy hanging by the register. From what I remember, limit of 5 of the same coupon, using one coupon paper or digital e coupon, no expired coupons will be accepted. There was one other thing, but I can’t remember what it was. Very upsetting to me…
@Rachel .. seriously?? how can they NOT allow you to split up your transaction, that is crazy and they will just end up making people mad.
Not sure what you mean about eliminating B1G1 Free coupons, can you please elaborate? (sorry, it’s been a long week!) I’m taking this to mean that they will not allow mfg coupons that state B1G1? Also, sounds like if the store runs a B1G1, they will no longer allow 2 coupons for the 2 items? Didn’t using 2 coupons save THEM money since they weren’t giving out the free one completely free??
Personally, I am pleased to see them cracking down on *heavy* coupon users. I only do “deals” for my family and I frequently find my local Kroger wiped out of the hot items ~ often on the first morning of the sale!
It’s about dang time! I have been couponing for over 25 yrs and the past 3-4 yrs of watching the ABUSE of this PRIVILEGE to coupon has litterally SICKENED ME!
I’m just happy to have something in writing. Anything. So long as it doesn’t leave me open to cashiers interpreting things however they like. I will work with whatever rules there are so long as I have something concrete to work with.
Coupons are not a PRIVELEGE. They are a marketing ploy. Don’t kid yourself that companies do this out of the goodness of their hearts. They do it because it sells more products. They do it when they change packaging or bring out a new product to clear out the old inventory to make room for the new. They do it to get people to try new things in hopes of winning them over. Do not for one second think that companies don’t make money on issuing coupons just because some people only buy things with coupons. If these same companies would stop dragging their feet and hire more employees, then there would be fewer people with time on their hands to coupon, and more people earning wages with which to be buying things at full price. Of course no one has seen this kind of coupon use in 25 years. The last great depression was in the 1930’s.
Maybe some people only recently discovered coupons because of the economy, but I don’t think they necessarily go hand in hand.
I have to say that I agree in part with both Mary Anne AND Danielle: it is a marketing ploy that, IMO is a privilege. Companies aren’t obligated to take coupons just because they carry a product that has a coupon…..think of Big Lots.
I also agree with having something concrete. I don’t shop at Target or Walgreens because their “rules” seem too open to interpretation and change based on what cashier/manager is on duty.
This sucks, I’m in the Columbus market & they have seriously ‘cracked down’ on coupon usage (unfortunately it was right around the time of the Extreme Couponing show on TLC not sure if it was tied to the show but….)
We have had the no more than 10 like coupon in a single transaction, BUT if you timed your trip right you were able to use more– not an extreme amount like 20 or whatnot, but 12 (& one time 15); yeah sure. The cashiers would even say “I’m not suppose to, but it’ll take more time to divide up your order”.
Being a one car family makes it difficult to make more than one shopping trip/day a week.
I hope they don’t get rid of BOGO, it seems more & more companies are issuing them & more & more stores are not taking them
And I understand that coupons are a privilege but just because I have a coupon binder doesn’t make me a criminal (I never clear shelves & never abuse coupons). With a single income I need to use coupons to feed my family…to me that makes couponing a necessity especially with the way food costs are rising
BTW the facebook conversation is ‘currently unavailable’; wonder why it was pulled
Sad times in Texas! Would you consider doing matches for Albertson’s? For now in my area, they still double and triple up to 4 like coupons.
Cojumbus area is only allowing 3 like coupons. My Kroger is more relaxed, so if I get the cashiers that know me, they will accept what I have (4 or 5). I admit, having a policy is a good thing. I hate going after a deal and the product is not there.
The new policy pleases me personally. I cannot tell you how sick I am of shelf clearing. I work full time and do not have many opportunities to frequent my favorite stores for the good sales. it’s infuriating not being able to buy 2 or 3 toothpastes or deodorants because of these idiot “extreme couponing” wannabes. It’s prevalent in the greater Cinci area. So any policy to prevent coupon abuse and shelf clearing is just fine by me.
I am so happy that they are limiting quantities of like coupons in a transaction!! I am so tired the shelves being cleared! You don’t need to buy 20, 30 or more of the same item in a shopping trip. Even if it is free. I really wish they would put concrete limits on the quantities of sales items you can buy too. That way all of their customers would have a chance to buy the sale items. It is all about being reasonable and not greedy.
I see a lot of people complaining about cleared shelves or people who buy 20 or more of sale items. Well for the complainers I give 90% of all my deals to the food pantries, churches and I also help families out who are without jobs. So maybe you should consider helping someone in your life time
“Don’t judge others, lest ye be judged yourself”
Maybe the people complaining are just trying to feed their own families, without going to a food pantry. Maybe they are trying to help out extended family members, who are in need.
Regardless of your motivation, don’t clear a shelf and think that others should feel OK about it because you allege to donate so much to a food pantry. Get over your righteous self.
Has anyone had issues with rolling catalinas in regard to the new policy? I used my Planter’s Coupons last week in separate transactions to earn the 1.00 off, and when I attempted to roll the 1.00 catalina to my next transaction containing the peanut butter, the register gave an error message saying “too many coupons”. My (awesome) clerk even tried to ring it up on another order with lots of items in addition to the peanut butter (thinking that it was maybe like Walgreens and needed more items than coupons) and it still didn’t work. Any info would be appreciated!
The new policy doesn’t take effect until tomorrow, 10/10, so I don’t think that would have affected it. I do know that about two weeks ago I was able to roll the Planters catalina with no problems. Maybe it was just a glitch in the system? If it continues to occur we’ll certainly look into it and let you know!
Jess, the Catalina rolling issue you shared happened at Kroger? Before this policy, I believe Kroger’s register limited the use of 500 coupons. It doesn’t sound like you had that issue though.
Andrea:
Yes, it was at Kroger in Piqua, OH. I had 7 coupons and was set to do 7 separate transactions, but it just didn’t work. I hope it was just a glitch- I certainly didn’t have 500 items :)
Yes, I have to agree with those glad for changes. I too have been couponing for many years (35) and was just telling the hubby yesterday that it’s not like it used to be. Before, I could go shopping with my coupons and could get everything on my list. Now people are so greedy and don’t just take a couple of each item, they want it all. This mentality has ruined the face of couponing. Nowadays I feel lucky to be able to find anything left! Yay for change!
Oh geez, I guess I should have specified when I originally commented. I in no way endorse or agree with the “Shelf Clearers” out there and knew when I first saw the commercials for Extreme Couponing that coupons as we know them would never be the same and policies would change. There is just too much greed out there.
When I made my comment about splitting up transactions it was only meaning that if they limit coupons like Meijer does and only allow 2/transaction then I would hope they would allow us to split transactions. I typically don’t shop at Meijer for that reason and, would prefer to NOT have to split my transactions. Trying to buy for my family and have a *small* stockpile means that I need to purchase at least 4 of something at a time. Many times I go to the store (especially Meijer, when I do attempt to shop there) and find the shelves cleared. It is so frustrating!! Having had my husband unemployed for almost 2 years (thankfully he just got a job back in his industry), we have had to struggle to make ends meet and still struggle trying to get caught up. Couponing has helped that tremendously and it is sad to see how a select few have ended up ruining it for the rest of us. I’ve never gotten a cart full of things for free or just a few $ out of pocket .. I am elated just to save up to 60% on a transaction
Chanin,
I personally never took your reply like you agreed with the shelf clearers. I also rearely shop at Meijer (typically only when I get a money off mperk coupon) because of the whole 2 like coupon limit. I also typically buy 5-10 of an item & only if it doesn’t clear the shelf & it’s something my family or church uses (pasta, tuna & soft soap).
I am also interested in clarification about the BOGO coupons since Kroger was the only store that didn’t hassle me over them (o;
Just heard on the news last night, that kroger was going to limit to 5 coupons and 2 IP coupons per transaction for the same item. Around me, Grovecity and Washington CH. the last few times Ive been its been a limit of 3 coupons per transaction. Ill be happy with getting a 5 limit. :) its more then what im used to. besides that is about the max on what I normally have per coupon anyways. What makes me mad is when I go to the gas station to get my sunday paper and there isnt any. Last weekend I went to 3 stores trying to find a paper. I knew there must have been good coupons that week.
Jackie, I’ve experienced the same problems lately when looking for a paper! My Walgreens is now keeping them behind the counter and you have to ask the cashier to be able to get one. Have you considered a subscription? Here’s some info on subscription prices if you’re interested: https://savingslifestyle.com/2011/06/cincinnati-enquirer-newspaper-deal/
Hi, Jackie. I’m in Galloway, Ohio. Last week I went to my local Kroger and I had 4 coupons for baby wipes. I didn’t know there was a limit of three. The cashier said that she would push them thru this time and told me of the limit. How are you supposed to find out about these things? Anyways, I think she did that for me because I didn’t have more than two of any other coupons. When was the limit to 5 coupons announced? I usually watch the news, but I must have missed it. I coupon, but not to the extreme. It would still be nice to know these things to save embarrassment.
Sheri, this newest policy was just released and announced on Monday (10/10). It sounds like they are trying to get the word out and I have noticed that they have the new policy displayed several places in my store (customer service, next to self-checkouts). I do agree that it is hard if not everyone is on the same page. I’m not sure where Galloway is, but if it is in the Cincinnati or Dayton region of Kroger, this new policy (referenced in the post above) is the current one. HTH!
Get a subscription. it save you money and you are guaranteed the coupons will be there. I’m just waiting for the day when the newspapers will be behind the counter and you have to ask for it. I have bought a couple papers with the coupon section completely missing. Unbelievable.
Denver, one of the Walgreens stores that I often buy from already is keeping the papers behind the counter. I don’t mind so much because I’m more secure in buying a paper there and knowing (most likely!) that the coupons will be there.
It was on the news last night. on fox28 & 6. very short story. The last few times Ive been to krogers the policy was always changing. I went to one and they took all my coupons no limit didnt say anything to me either. went back 2 weeks later and when I was checking out was told that there was a 3 coupon limit. I told them I was just in here 2 weeks ago and there was no limit. their answer was “well the policy changed 3mths ago” I told them i was just in 2 weeks ago and there was no problem. the cashier went ahead and let the order go through.
the easiest thing Ive found to do since everything is always changing and they can never make up their mind. Is when I go to the store I go straight to the person that is overseeing the cash registers (stands in aisle) and I ask them how many coupons are aloud this week. lol
As for the paper issue, I dont subscribe to it cause i dont get it every week. I check my moms coupons first and if i see something i want then i go buy it. :)
I’m going to do like Jackie. I’m going to ask the head cashier what their policy is every time I go in. Lol. The people at my Kroger store are generally very friendly. This last cashier that I had was also new and i think she was working hard at getting some kuddos. The other cashiers that have been there for a while were not even mentioning anything about the new policy of the past couple months. Like I’ve mentioned, I’m not against a policy, I just think that it should be in their ad and or taped on the door going into the store so that you can see it. I generally plan my shopping trip with coupons and sale items and when they have the save $5. when you buy $10. deal, it would really mess things up. I guess I’ve been lucky in the past couple months with these deals because no one has messed me up and told me that I have too many coupons.
Oh, and Galloway is a supburb of Columbus. It is on the west side and on the outer side of the outerbelt, 270.
I just want someone else’s opinion on this. I have done this many times and have never had a problem until today. There policy is 1 coupon per item so I used to coupons one was a bogo and the other was a -1.00. To me: I’m using the bogo on the free one and the -1.00 off on the one I’m buying. Today this lady had her head stuck where shouldn’t have been. I guess my question is…Was I right or was she?
Thanks!!
Elise
Yes, technically you should be able to use both – however- it does tend to vary quite a bit depending on the store and the cashier. Unless it’s specifically spelled out in the policy (which it’s not in this case) you kinda just have to roll with what they’ll tell you at checkout. You can always ask for a manager for clarification if you’d like, but I generally just will let it go unless there are multiple items like that. HTH!
Elise, each store allows the B1G1 coupon and a cents off coupon differently. It’s really a YMMV and even up to your own discretion to use.
The stores here in Springfield, Ohio’s (5 stores) registers are set up to not accept coupons on free items ! It will beep as soon as you try !
Generally, that beep is just prompting the cashier to enter the price of the item purchased. Some stores will refuse to accept free coupon items if it is a printable, but most will accept a paper manufacture coupon.
Kroger should put a stop to all this unlimited couponing garbage. All the fools that do this ruin it for the rest of us, because it causes prices to skyrocket to make up for the $4 lost bcause of all the hoarders.
I have a question so kroger use to not accept manufacture coupons with other store logos on them even if they dont say a paticular store only ! HAs this changed with the new policy ??
Melissa, that may be a YMMV. My Kroger store will accept all manufacturer’s coupons as long as they are denoted as a Manufacturer’s Coupon in the top part. The logo really doesn’t matter for where you redeem the coupon. In fact, I use my Kroger home mailer coupons (which are manufacturer’s coupons) that have the Kroger logo on them at many other stores without issue. HTH!
Just got back from the Kroger on Mason-Montgomery, there is a new policy that states that you are allowed only 2 “free” internet printed coupon per transaction per customer.!!!! Am i missing something? They even showed me the printed policy.
I believe all of the stores are changing their policies because of that famous extreme couponing tv show. Everyone is learning the secret to fast so now it’s time to crush us couponers….uggg!
I have also tried the couponing thing as we need to save in our family as well. I just really compare pricing to begin with and do not see the big value with couponing. We shop at ALDI and the pricing is usually so low that even with coupons, or special sales, and even with the store brands, ALDI just cannot be beat with most items. Meat and produce do come from our Kroger or Marsh stores but there are no coupons for these items. Have none of you seen this to be true? (In TN we had Save-A-Lot and same thing was true there).
Jim, I love Aldi and go there at least once a month to get the basics and their produce deals. I have found that with Kroger’s recent coupon policy update I have shopped there even less. But, when Kroger has the awesome promotions, those prices really cannot be beat!
I have found that using coupons has saved me both time and money. I have used coupons long enough now that I only buy *really* great deals and perishables in any given week.
We love ALDI and buy things like bread, milk and fruit there….although sometimes the quality of the fruit is lacking.
By using coupons, I have a greater variety of food for my family and contrary to popular opinion, HEALTHIER food for my family. The trick is to combine regular coupons with store coupons/catalina promotions and sales. If I manage this hat trick, you get the store’s “loss leaders” and get your food for pennies on the dollar.
If a family is especially brand loyal or product loyal (e.g. a family will only drink orange juice as opposed to cranberry-blueberry or apple or whatever) then that increases the challenge a bit…..
Last Saturday I was doing my shopping at our local Kroger here in TN. The lady at the register said that we couldn’t stack coupons. She said I would have to buy another of the product to use the other coupon.
Yes, you are only able to use one manufacture coupon per item.
the second coupon was a store coupon, I know you can only use one manufacturers coupon per item.
I’m not sure exactly what happened then in your situation. Was it a $1/2 or $1/3 coupon by any chance? It is possible as well that the cashier just did not read the coupon correctly or misunderstood something. It *has* been known to happen on occasion.
Hello Everyone,
I just started couponing at our Krogers in Ripley,WVa and came here to read about the rules and I have some questions after reading your posts.What is “BIG 1 coupon” and “YMMV”? and how many total coupons can you use at check out? and how many Kroger “free” coupons can you use at check out? How many e-coupons can be used at check out? There is so much to learn about couponing that I didn’t realize! I started couponing after my friend recommended it due to my financial bind ( I fell at work on wet floor with NO!! wet floor sign present and broke 3 vertibrae and have 6 buldging disc’s and now am unable to work and fighting to get my diability) These coupons have been a “BLESSING” to me.I would be going hungry,if not for coupons and I never thought I would ever be in this situation,I am a nurse of 32 yrs. and have worked all my life and I am ashamed to admit I used to get so aggravated when I was in the check out line and the person ahead of me had coupons and would take up what I thought was my precious time! going thru their coupons with each item.Now, I am just so Thankful to get a coupon and it help me be ale to buy a loaf of bread or hamburger, and to stretch my dollar,what little of them I have and when I get a “FREE” coupon,I am like a kid at christmas!(SORRY!, didn’t mean to go on about my problems)So,anyways,if anyone can give me any advise on how this all works with Krogers,I would be so grateful.Thank You and have a great day,Dianna
Dianna, ( am so sorry to hear about your injury. There is a ton of information here to help you save money (even more than just at the grocery!) so feel free to look around and ask questions about anything! As far as your questions about the coupons – B1G1 is a Buy One Get One Free coupon. You buy the one item specified and get the other free! YMMV is Your Mileage May Vary – meaning that it works at some locations and possibly not at others. While many stores have now gone to a corporate policy, there are still others that may do things a bit differently. It always helps to clarify with the management at your store if you have a specific question about something. As far as the total number of coupons that you can use – I do not think there is a total as far as an overall limit. Many Kroger stores do have a limit imposed on how many coupons are allowed to double or how many internet printables you can use (of like variety). In Cincinnati, they have a limit of 5 coupons that will double and a limit of 2 like internet printables. I hope that answers a few of your questions. Let us know if you have anything else you’d like to know about!
I don’t see a problem with shelf clearers especially the ones who donate the items to shelters and churches or even needy family members. If you go and the item you’re seeking is not available, you can get a rain check…no biggie. No one should be a coupon snob. Just let everyone be and stop all the complaining. Maybe the couponing show did change the way people coupon but so what. It’s not serious enough to get all upset over.
Maya, I disagree in that even if people are donating items (which we do) you shouldn’t clear the shelves. I am of the belief to teach people to fish. So, I’d love to teach the shelters and food pantries how to shop in this way so they can stretch their donations even further. But, to clear a shelf is still wrong IMO. My issue with the couponing show is that there were (and still are) unethical practices being shown. That will hurt all of us – it already has since the coupon printing rates have declined since 2010.
I work in a large gas station and we have to staple our coupons to a duplicate reciept, I asked one day why and was told by the manager that the store gets reemberst for every coupon. So the store is out nothing and the coupons bring in great sales so limiting coupons on any item is confusing to me. When a store has a sale they should be prepared for that sale and order more like my gas station does, and what doesn’t sell can most of the time be sent bask to the ordering company. Asking for rain checks when an item is out is a great way too because they will still honor the coupon even if it goes out of date while waiting for you’r item to come in.
I apologize in advance for the lengthy comments. (aka vent)
Wondering what your thoughts are on being told by a Kroger customer service rep and then the on duty store manager (Independence KY) that Kroger does not accept a rain check from another Kroger store (Latonia KY) and inferring that the rain check may have been tampered with? This is after telling the customer service rep who issued the raincheck at the Latonia Kroger that I would be passing the Indepence Kroger several times throughout the week and would just pick up the item there.
I advised the store manager that I had received the rain check from the Latonia store, and the CSR at Latonia Kroger had written across the top of the raincheck in blue highlighter valid for one week only because it was a special sale. Two failed trips later, and still neither Kroger was stocked on the item.
I have been a 30+ year customer of Kroger and have been couponing and stockpiling since I was a teenager learning all the BOGO tricks and tips from my mom, the best deal getter in the world!
I asked the store manager if he was willing to lose a 30+ year customer over a raincheck for a savings of a couple dollars and he just shrugged. If I was the manager, I would have said: “We can substitue for the item on the raincheck since multiple attempts have been made”, or extended the date of the raincheck.
I have now boycotted Kroger completely until I receive a response from Kroger corporate office on what the policy on store rainchecks is, and highly suggest that if stores cannot issue rainchecks that can be accepted at other Kroger locations, then they should state on the raincheck “Valid at this location only.”
Kroger can build their biggest store in Independence, and fill it with more items than most anyone wants to see at the grocery, but until customer service goes back to the priority it once was, it will not be a place that I will shop or visit and I will freely share that opinion. Anyone that believes a new big new building can remedy the customer service issues and problems that have been driving customers away is sorely mistaken.
I will be happy to take my $3k-$5k a year + business & social outings, worth of business to Remke, Meijer, Target, etc.
Has anyone else reported this issue?
Love your site, been following several years now. Thanks for the forum & keep up the great work!
I live in Macon Georgia and was just wondering if anyone else has had a problem with Kroger not accepting a manufacturer coupon on an item because it is nearing expiration and has been marked down? Closeout price yes; clearance no. It’s frustrating because I don’t see anything about this in the policy. Also some cashiers say they only accept 4 like coupons but others say it’s 5. If you can please clarify this part for me. Thank you
Is this policy still in affect because im right now in the process of planning to start extreme couponing and i want to be sure of the policy before i go i’ve looked on their website and only found digital coupon policies so if anyone knows if this policy is still going please give me a heads up.
Marissa, here is a copy of the most current coupon policy. https://savingslifestyle.com/sale-shopping/grocery-store-sale-shopping/kroger-coupon-policy-faq/