How to use discount coupons?

Using coupons to save money on purchases is an important skill for Ukrainian newcomers to Calgary, especially considering the 3-5% increase in food prices in 2025 and the average cost of groceries for a Canadian family exceeding $8,000 per year. Although the Canadian coupon system differs from the American one and does not allow for such aggressive savings as “extreme couponing,” smart use of coupons, digital apps, and cashback programs can lead to significant savings on monthly spending on groceries and household items.

The modern Canadian couponing system

The Canadian couponing system has changed significantly over the past decade, moving from traditional paper coupons to digital solutions and mobile apps. Unlike the American model, most Canadian stores do not allow “coupon stacking” (using multiple coupons on a single item), which limits the potential for extreme savings but still provides significant opportunities for smart savings.

Key limitations of Canadian couponing

  • One coupon policy: Most Canadian supermarkets only allow one coupon per item. This means you cannot combine a manufacturer coupon with a store coupon on the same item, as you can in the US.

  • No double coupon days: Canadian stores rarely offer double coupon days, when a $1 coupon becomes a $2 coupon.

  • Quantity limits: Most stores limit the number of identical items that can be purchased with coupons, often to four items per transaction.

Advantages of the Canadian approach

  • Greater accessibility: Canadian coupons are often easier to find and use thanks to integration with digital platforms.

  • Fewer restrictions on product types: Many Canadian coupons work on fresh produce and everyday items that rarely have coupons in other countries.

  • Integration with loyalty programs: the ability to combine coupons with loyalty points creates additional savings.

Digital platforms and apps for coupons

Flipp — the best all-in-one tool

Flipp is the most popular platform for finding coupons and deals in Canada, aggregating information from over 2,000 stores across North America. For Calgarians, Flipp is especially valuable because it allows you to compare prices between all of the city's major supermarkets.

Key features of Flipp:

  • Digital flyers: access all weekly flyers in one app

  • Price comparison: compare prices for the same item across different stores

  • Digital shopping list: automatically find deals on items on your list

  • Loyalty wallet: store all your loyalty cards in one place

  • Watchlist feature: get notified when an item on your wish list goes on sale

Using Flipp in Calgary: Flipp shows deals from all major Calgary supermarkets, including Walmart, Real Canadian Superstore, Save On Foods, Safeway, Sobeys, No Frills, and more. Users can set their location to Calgary and see only deals relevant to their area.

Checkout 51 - cash back after purchase

Checkout 51 is Canada's leading cashback app that lets you earn money after you shop. Unlike traditional coupons, Checkout 51 works by giving you cash back after you make a purchase.

How Checkout 51 works:

  • Download offers: every week, the app offers new deals on popular products

  • Make purchases: buy products at any store

  • Scan your receipt: take a photo of your receipt through the app

  • Get cash back: the money is credited to your account in the app

Special benefits for Calgary:

  • Gas cash back: up to 25¢ per gallon at Shell, Chevron, BP, Exxon, and other gas stations

  • Weekly offers: from $0.50 to $4.00 cashback on products

  • No store restrictions: can be used at any supermarket in Calgary

Caddle - the Canadian alternative

Caddle is a Canadian cashback app that offers unique opportunities to earn money not only on purchases. This app is especially interesting for Ukrainian newcomers thanks to its additional ways to earn money.

Ways to earn money with Caddle:

  • Scan receipts: standard cashback on purchases

  • Surveys: short surveys for money

  • Watching ads: earn money for watching commercials

  • Completing tasks: various tasks for additional income

Rakuten Canada - online cashback

Rakuten Canada (formerly Ebates) specializes in cashback for online purchases. Although these are not traditional coupons, Rakuten can provide significant savings on online purchases.

Benefits for Calgary residents:

  • Up to 20% cashback at popular online stores

  • Seasonal bonuses: extra cash back during sales

  • Credit card integration: double cash back when using cash back cards

Strategies for using coupons at major Calgary supermarkets

Real Canadian Superstore and No Frills

Superstore and No Frills, part of the Loblaws chain, have the most advanced digital coupon system through the PC Optimum program.

PC Optimum strategies:

  • Personalized offers: every Friday, individual offers based on your purchase history appear

  • Targeted promotions: bonus points for purchasing certain items

  • Combination with sale prices: personalized offers are often applied to items that are also discounted in the flyer

Example savings: If Superstore offers cucumbers for 3 for $2.82 and you have a personalized offer of 400 points per cucumber, you effectively get $1.20 cash back (400 × 3 ÷ 1000) on a $2.82 purchase, which is over 40% savings.

Safeway and Sobeys

Safeway and Sobeys stores use the Scene+ program for digital coupons and personalized offers.

Scene+ strategies:

  • Combined promotions: offers such as “buy 2 for $3 and get $1 back in points”

  • Personalized discounts: individual coupons based on previous purchases

  • Seasonal bonuses: extra points during special periods

Walmart - limited but effective options

Although Walmart discontinued its price matching program in October 2020, the store still offers some savings opportunities.

Walmart savings strategies:

  • Rollback prices: temporary price reductions on popular items
  • Clearance sales: significant discounts on items being discontinued
  • Seasonal promotions: special offers during holidays and seasonal periods

Price matching policies in Calgary

Stores with active price matching policies

  • FreshCo: Not only does it match prices, but it also sells items for 1 cent less than its competitors. Limited to 4 items per transaction.

  • No Frills: matches prices with any large supermarket competitor in the same geographic area. Up to 4 items per transaction.

  • Real Canadian Superstore: “show us a lower advertised price on an identical product and we'll match it” policy. Up to 4 items per transaction.

  • Giant Tiger: promises to “beat any competitor's advertised price” by 1 cent.

  • Save On Foods: instead of matching the price, they may give a free equivalent Western Family national brand product.

Price matching restrictions

Exclusions: Many stores do not match prices on:

  • Multi-buy promotions (2 for $4)
  • Clearance items
  • Prices obtained through loyalty programs
  • Limited quantity items

Geographic restrictions: Stores will only match prices with competitors in the same geographic region.

Specialized strategies for Ukrainian newcomers

Using coupons at Ukrainian and ethnic stores

  • Basha Foods: Although there is no formal coupon program, they regularly offer weekly specials on vegetables, fruits, and halal meat. Keep an eye out for flyers.

  • Freestone Produce: does not use traditional coupons, but offers wholesale prices with savings of 50-70% compared to supermarkets. Best to visit on weekdays.

Combining with community support programs

  • Good Food Box: Fresh fruits and vegetables at 30-50% below retail prices. Useful for large families.
  • Calgary Food Bank and other charities: Some programs allow you to use coupons on items purchased through assistance.

Weekly shopping planning strategies

Use weekly deal roundups

Active Calgary couponers create weekly posts on Reddit and other social media analyzing the best deals of the week.

Review content:

  • Best price analysis: comparison of products taking into account coupons and loyalty points
  • Stocking recommendations: tips on what to stock up on
  • Price comparison tips: which products are best to compare and where

Shopping route planning

  • One-day strategy: visit 2-3 stores in one day to maximize savings

  • Geographical optimization: group stores by area, for example, Superstore, No Frills, and Giant Tiger in one shopping center

  • Time planning: visit during less busy times for comfortable use of coupons and price comparison

Advanced couponing techniques

Creating a strategic reserve

  • Non-perishable goods: when non-perishable goods (canned goods, hygiene products, cleaning products) are on sale with coupons, it is worth buying a 2-3 month supply.

  • Lowest price rule: track price cycles and only buy items when they reach their lowest price in the last 6 months.

  • Storage and organization of stock: create a home storage system with a “first in, first out” rotation of items.

Combining with credit cards

  • Cashback credit cards: using credit cards that offer additional cashback on groceries (e.g., CIBC Dividend 4% on groceries) together with coupons can lead to double savings.

  • Category bonuses: plan purchases according to credit card quarterly bonus categories.

  • Reward programs: accumulate credit card points along with store loyalty points.

Seasonal couponing strategies

Summer opportunities (June-September)

  • Local products: In summer, it is best to use coupons for canned goods, as fresh local products are cheaper.

  • Barbecue season: Coupons for meat, sauces, and seasonings are most beneficial during the summer months.

  • Freezing for winter: use coupons to stock up on frozen vegetables and fruits for the winter.

Winter strategies (December-March)

  • Fresh produce: In winter, coupons for fresh vegetables and fruits become especially valuable due to high import prices.

  • Canned goods: The winter months are ideal for using coupons for canned goods, dried beans, and other long-lasting items.

  • Heating supplies: Coupons for warm clothing and personal hygiene items are especially useful during the cold months.

Mistakes and how to avoid them

Common mistakes made by beginners

  • Buying unnecessary items: The biggest mistake couponers make is buying items just because they have a good coupon. Only buy what you really use.

  • Ignoring expiration dates: Coupons have expiration dates, and missing them means losing your savings. Set reminders on your phone.

  • Disorganization: Without a system for organizing coupons and tracking promotions, it's easy to miss out on the best deals.

Ethical aspects of couponing

  • Respect other shoppers: Don't buy up all the sale items; leave some for others.
  • Be honest with cashiers: Always present coupons honestly and don't try to bend the store's rules.
  • Follow store policies: Every store has its own rules for using coupons, and breaking them can get you banned.

The future of couponing in Canada

Digital evolution

Canadian couponing continues to evolve toward greater digitization. The use of artificial intelligence for personalized offers and integration with “smart” shopping centers is expected to expand.

  • Geolocation coupons: new technologies allow you to receive coupons based on your location in a store.
  • Predictive offers: systems that anticipate your needs based on previous purchases and offer relevant coupons.

Integration with sustainability

There are an increasing number of coupons linked to sustainable consumption:

  • Discounts on organic and local products
  • Bonuses for using reusable bags
  • Incentives to reduce food waste

Conclusion

Using coupons in Calgary can lead to significant savings for Ukrainian newcomers, but requires a strategic approach and an understanding of the Canadian system. Flipp remains the best all-around tool for finding deals, while Checkout 51 and Caddle offer additional cashback opportunities. Combining digital coupons with price matching policies at stores such as No Frills, Superstore, and FreshCo can lead to 20-40% savings on monthly grocery expenses.

The key to success is planning purchases around sales, using multiple apps at once, and patiently building knowledge about price cycles at different stores. While extreme American-style couponing is not possible in Canada due to store restrictions, a smart approach to couponing can be an important part of adapting to the Canadian way of life and can greatly ease the financial pressure of the first few years in a new country.