Stretching your family’s budget takes creativity, especially when prices keep rising. If you’re shopping at Dollar General, you might be missing out on some serious savings if you’re not stacking coupons. While many shoppers use a single coupon here and there, combining multiple discounts on the same purchase can cut your costs dramatically.

Coupon stacking isn’t complicated, but it does have rules, especially at Dollar General. Many shoppers aren’t aware that they can use both a store coupon and a manufacturer coupon on the same item, effectively doubling their savings. This simple strategy can turn good deals into great ones.

I’ll walk you through exactly how Dollar General’s coupon stacking works, what’s allowed (and what isn’t), and how to organize your approach for the biggest savings. These strategies have helped countless families significantly reduce their household expenses without sacrificing the products they need.

Also See: Beginner’s Guide To Penny Shopping at Dollar General

The Complete Guide to Stacking Coupons at Dollar General 1. Understanding Dollar General’s Coupon Policy

Dollar General allows coupon stacking, but with specific guidelines. Their policy permits using one manufacturer coupon and one Dollar General coupon per item. This is the fundamental rule that makes stacking possible. The store won’t allow multiple manufacturer coupons on a single item, which is standard across most retailers.

The coupon policy also specifies that coupons must be valid, unexpired, and match the exact product (including size and quantity). Dollar General restricts coupon use for clearance items in some cases, so always check the coupon’s fine print. Being familiar with these rules prevents checkout surprises and helps you plan your shopping strategy effectively.

2. The Basics of Coupon Stacking at Dollar General

Coupon stacking at Dollar General means combining two different types of coupons on one item. For example, if you’re buying laundry detergent, you could use both a $2 Dollar General store coupon and a $1 manufacturer coupon from the product company, saving $3 total on that single item.

While you can use multiple Dollar General coupons in one transaction, you can only apply one Dollar General coupon to each specific item. This distinction matters when planning purchases. For instance, if you’re buying five different items, you could potentially use five different Dollar General coupons (one for each item) plus up to five manufacturer coupons in the same transaction. This layering effect is what creates those impressive receipt savings you might have seen others achieve.

3. Digital Coupons vs. Paper Coupons

Dollar General offers both digital and paper coupons, and understanding the difference can maximize your savings. Digital coupons are loaded to your account through the Dollar General app, while paper coupons include those found in newspapers, mailings, or printed from websites.

Digital coupons streamline your shopping experience because they’re automatically applied at checkout when you enter your phone number. No clipping or organizing needed. Paper coupons provide the advantage of visual reminders and can be easier to track for some shoppers. Both types can be combined in the same transaction, and you can even stack a digital Dollar General coupon with a paper manufacturer coupon on a single item. This flexibility allows you to customize your coupon strategy based on what works best for your shopping habits.

4. How to Find Dollar General Store Coupons

Dollar General store coupons are available through multiple channels. The Dollar General app is your primary source, offering exclusive digital coupons that can be loaded directly to your account. New coupons typically appear at the beginning of each week, so checking every Sunday or Monday ensures you won’t miss valuable offers.

The store also distributes paper coupons through their weekly ad flyers, which you can find in-store or in local newspapers. These paper coupons sometimes offer different deals than the digital versions, making it worthwhile to check both. Dollar General occasionally mails coupon booklets to customers who are signed up for their mailing list. The store’s website also features printable coupons under their “Coupons & Deals” section. Being thorough in your coupon collection from all these sources gives you more opportunities to stack and save.

5. Where to Source Manufacturer Coupons

Manufacturer coupons come from the companies that make the products, not Dollar General itself. Sunday newspaper inserts remain one of the best sources for these coupons, particularly the SmartSource, RetailMeNot (formerly RedPlum), and P&G Brandcaster inserts that appear throughout the month.

Websites like Coupons.com allow you to select and print manufacturer coupons at home. Many product manufacturers offer coupons directly on their websites or through email newsletters when you sign up for their mailing lists. Some products at Dollar General contain “peelies” (coupons attached to the product packaging) or have “blinkies” (coupon dispensers) in the store aisles. Mobile apps like Ibotta, while technically offering rebates rather than coupons, can be used alongside traditional coupon stacking for additional savings. Creating a routine of checking these sources weekly helps build your coupon supply without requiring excessive time investment.

6. Setting Up the Dollar General App for Success

The Dollar General app is essential for maximizing your savings. After downloading it, create an account with your email address and phone number. Enable notifications so you’ll receive alerts about new coupons and special promotions. This ensures you won’t miss limited-time offers like the valuable $5 off $25 digital coupon that appears each Saturday.

Take time to familiarize yourself with the app’s interface and features. The “Coupons” section is where you’ll find all available digital coupons, which you can sort by category or expiration date. When you see coupons for products you regularly purchase, tap to “clip” them to your account. Review your saved coupons under “My Coupons” before shopping to refresh your memory about what’s available. The app also features a barcode scanner that lets you check item prices in-store and see if any coupons apply to that specific product. This function helps identify unadvertised deals while shopping.

7. Planning Your Shopping Trip for Maximum Savings

Successful coupon stacking requires preparation before heading to the store. Start by reviewing the current Dollar General weekly ad to identify sale items. These advertisements typically run from Sunday to Saturday and showcase the store’s best offers. Cross-reference these sales with the manufacturer and Dollar General coupons you’ve collected.

Creating a detailed shopping list that pairs sales with available coupons ensures you don’t miss opportunities for stacking. Calculate your potential savings beforehand, noting which items will have stacked coupons and the final expected price. This approach gives you a clear savings target and helps avoid impulse purchases that can undermine your budget goals. Many experienced couponers also check their local store’s inventory through the Dollar General app before visiting to confirm product availability, saving time and transportation costs.

8. Timing Your Shopping with Sales and Promotions

Timing strategically enhances your coupon stacking power at Dollar General. The store runs consistent weekly sales, but they also offer special events that can multiply your savings. The most notable is the $5 off $25 promotion available most Saturdays through the Dollar General app. By planning your larger shopping trips for Saturday and ensuring your pre-coupon total reaches at least $25, you add another substantial discount layer.

Dollar General also runs seasonal clearance events, typically after major holidays or during seasonal transitions. These clearance items are already discounted, but many can still have coupons applied to them. The store offers “instant savings” promotions periodically (like “Save $5 when you spend $25 on participating products”). These instant savings function as an additional store coupon and can be combined with both manufacturer coupons and regular Dollar General coupons for triple-stacked savings. Monitoring the Dollar General app and weekly ads helps you identify these special timing opportunities.

9. Organizing Your Coupons for Efficient Shopping

A systematic approach to coupon organization prevents missing out on savings due to forgotten or expired coupons. Many shoppers use a small accordion file with labeled sections for different product categories (personal care, cleaning supplies, food, etc.) and subsections for expiration dates. This makes finding relevant coupons quick and straightforward while shopping.

For digital coupons, create a simple spreadsheet or note on your phone listing clipped coupons, their values, and expiration dates. Before shopping, review this list and mark which coupons you plan to use. Some organized couponers take screenshots of their clipped digital coupons in the Dollar General app for quick reference while in-store. Having an organized system not only saves time at the register but also builds confidence in your shopping strategy. As you gain experience, you’ll develop a personalized organization method that matches your shopping patterns.

10. Common Coupon Stacking Mistakes to Avoid

Several pitfalls can derail your coupon stacking efforts at Dollar General. One frequent error is mismatching products and coupons – always verify that the coupon matches the exact product variety, size, and quantity. Dollar General’s registers are programmed to reject coupons that don’t match precisely, causing checkout delays and potential embarrassment.

Another mistake is trying to use expired coupons. Dollar General strictly enforces expiration dates, so regularly purge outdated coupons from your collection. Some shoppers attempt to use a single manufacturer coupon to discount multiple identical items, which isn’t permitted – each item requires its own coupon. Pay attention to coupon wording like “cannot be combined with other offers,” as these coupons won’t stack. Lastly, many new couponers forget to check their receipt before leaving the store. Occasionally, valid coupons don’t scan properly, or digital coupons fail to apply. Politely addressing these issues immediately with the cashier ensures you receive all entitled discounts.

11. Real Examples of Successful Coupon Stacks

Concrete examples illustrate how effective coupon stacking works at Dollar General. Consider a practical scenario: Tide liquid detergent (46 oz) priced at $4.95 (regular price $5.95). You have a $2 manufacturer coupon from the Sunday paper and a $1 Dollar General digital coupon for Tide. By stacking these coupons at checkout, you’d pay only $1.95, saving $4 off the regular price, which is a 67% discount.

Another real-world example: Colgate toothpaste priced at $2.00 with a $0.50 manufacturer coupon from Coupons.com and a “Save $1 when you buy 2 Colgate products” Dollar General digital coupon. Purchasing two tubes would allow you to use two $0.50 manufacturer coupons (one for each tube) plus the Dollar General coupon. This brings your total cost down to $2.00 for both tubes, effectively $1.00 each instead of the original $2.00 price. By watching for these opportunities and stacking strategically, shoppers routinely cut their Dollar General bills by 40-60% on specific items.

12. Advanced Stacking Strategies for Seasoned Savers

Once you’ve mastered basic stacking, you can implement more sophisticated approaches. One advanced technique is “rolling” transactions: complete one purchase with your coupons, then use the items bought to qualify for offers in a second transaction. This works particularly well with “Spend $X, Get $Y off your next purchase” promotions that generate rewards for future use.

Another powerful strategy combines clearance items with coupons. Dollar General marks down seasonal and discontinued merchandise throughout the year, often at 50-70% off original prices. These clearance discounts apply before coupon deductions, creating opportunities for extreme savings. Some couponers successfully match high-value coupons with modestly priced items, resulting in products that cost pennies or are completely free after discounts.

While Dollar General typically adjusts overages (when coupon value exceeds item price) down to the item’s cost, the substantial savings still make this approach worthwhile. Patient shoppers who learn these advanced techniques often reduce their household expenses significantly without compromising on product quality or variety.

Take Your Savings to the Next Level

Coupon stacking at Dollar General doesn’t require extreme measures or complicated planning – just a basic understanding of the rules and some simple organization. By following these strategies, you can immediately start seeing significant reductions in your shopping expenses while still getting the products your family needs.

The key is consistency. Even modest savings of $10-15 per shopping trip add up substantially over weeks and months. Start small with a few coupon stacks, then gradually expand your approach as you become more comfortable with the process. Your budget will thank you, and you’ll join the ranks of shoppers who never pay full price when they don’t have to.