Paper Coupons vs Digital Coupons: Who Saves More?

Paper coupons are the old-school way to save. Before smartphones and shopping apps, paper coupons were the gold standard for saving money. If you’ve ever seen your parents or grandparents flipping through the newspaper, scissors in hand, you’ve witnessed coupon clipping in action.

What Are Paper Coupons?

Paper coupons are physical discount vouchers. You can use these vouchers at checkout to get discounts on groceries, household items, and even restaurants. These little slips of paper have been around since the late 1800s. Coca-Cola first handed out free drink vouchers to promote its brand. Fast forward to today, and while digital deals are taking over, paper coupons are still alive. Today, paper coupons are mostly used for grocery store savings. 

Where Do You Find Paper Coupons?

Unlike digital coupons that pop up on your phone. You will need to collect paper coupons physically from different sources. Here are some sources where you can still find paper coupons in USA,

• Sunday Newspaper Inserts: It's one of the most classic ways to get coupons. Big brands like P&G and SmartSource still print coupon booklets that come tucked inside the Sunday paper.
• Direct Mail: Ever get those Valpak envelopes stuffed with deals? That’s a direct mail coupon pack, loaded with discounts on local restaurants, oil changes, and more.
• In-Store Flyers: Grocery stores like Kroger and Publix print weekly ad circulars packed with coupons. Some stores even have coupon dispensers in the aisles.
• Product Packaging: Ever peel off a coupon from a cereal box or soda bottle? Brands use this trick to encourage repeat purchases.

Why Do People Still Use Paper Coupons?

Even in the digital age, paper coupons have some benefits. First of all, with paper coupons, you don't need mobile or Wi-Fi for the application of coupon. You just need to submit your coupon print, and if its valid, you'll get discount. You can stack these paper coupons on the fridge or in your wallet to remember to use them. Moreover, some smaller stores or local businesses only eccept paper coupons. So, this is your best opportunity to save money while shopping for groceries and kitchen essentials from local stores.

Downsides of Paper Coupons:

Of course, paper coupons have their fair share of drawbacks. Paper coupons are easy to lose or forget. With paper coupons, its common to cut a coupon and then completely forget to bring it. Also, the availability of paper coupons is limited. You have to find these coupons in newspapers, mailers, or stores. Moreover, clipping, sorting, and organizing paper coupons can be a hassle. It takes time and effort to correctly find and apply paper coupons.

Digital coupons are the future of saving. Unlike paper coupons that you need to clip and carry, digital coupons live on your phone, email, or store apps. This makes digital coupons easy to use and get discount without the hassle. 

What are Digital Coupons?

Digital coupons are a combination of numbers and alphabets that you can apply to get discounts. Instead of cutting out a physical coupon, you just tap, scan, or enter a code for savings. You can use these electronic discounts online or in-store. 

Digital coupons took off in the early 2000s with the rise of online shopping. Today they are everywhere, from grocery store apps to promo codes for your favorite fast-food chains.

How Do You Get Digital Coupons?

No more flipping through newspapers because digital coupons are just a few clicks away. You can find digital coupons on Store Apps. Big retailers like Walmart, Target, and Kroger have apps where you can get digital coupons and apply them at checkout. Some stores even let you scan your phone at the register for automatic savings.

Coupon websites are your go to place for finding valid digital coupons. Sites like ShoppingWays, CouponMoto.us collect thousands of promo codes and digital coupons that you can use for online shopping.

Email subscriptions can also help you get discounts in your mail box. You just need to sign up for your favorite brand's newsletter and you will get First Purchase Coupon (if available) or you will get notifications about latest discounts for sure.

Why Are Digital Coupons So Popular?

Digital coupons aren’t just a trend. They have become the go-to way for Americans to save. Digital coupons are super convenient to use as you don't need to carry around paper. Just open your phone, scan, and save. 

Many store apps track what you buy and send you coupons for things you actually want (instead of random junk you’ll never use). Above all, digital coupons are eco-friendly. No paper, no printing, just savings.

Downsides of Digital Coupons:

While digital coupons are a game-changer, they’re not perfect. You will need the internet every time you apply digital coupons. If your phone dies or you don’t have Wi-Fi, you can't apply code or get discount. 

Not everyone is comfortable with apps, email sign-ups, and scanning QR codes. So, if you are new, it might be difficult for you to know how to use digital coupons effectively. Some coupon apps track your shopping habits to send you targeted ads which is not cool for everyone.

Coupons have been around for over a century, but how we use them has changed big time. With smartphones in nearly every pocket and stores pushing digital deals, more shoppers are ditching paper and going digital. But is everyone on board? 

Who Uses Paper vs Digital Coupons?

Not everyone saves the same way. Here is what we learn from Statista about usage of paper and digital coupons.

According to a 2023 study, younger shoppers are all about digital coupons. While older generations still prefer good old-fashioned paper coupons.

• Silent Generation & Baby Boomers: These shoppers grew up with newspaper coupons and still love flipping through Sunday inserts to find deals.
• Gen X: A mix of both worlds. They’ll use digital coupons when convenient but still appreciate a solid paper deal.
• Millennials & Gen Z: The real MVPs of digital couponing. A whopping 70% of Millennials prefer digital coupons over paper ones, and Gen Z is right behind them. With smartphones glued to their hands, they’re all about quick, tap-and-go savings.

Which Coupons Get Used More?

For years, paper coupons ruled the game. But in 2020, digital coupons officially took the lead in redemption rates. For the first time ever, more people used load-to-card (L2C) coupons (the kind you clip digitally and apply at checkout) than traditional paper coupons from newspaper inserts.

• Digital load-to-card coupons: 29.3% of all redemptions
• Paper free-standing insert (FSI) coupons: 28% of all redemptions

This shift shows that shoppers are moving towards digital deals, likely because they’re easier to access and harder to lose. No more digging through a purse or glove compartment for a crumpled coupon. Just open your phone and save.

-(Data from: SupermarketNews.com)

What Does This Mean for Couponing?

Retailers and brands are investing more in digital deals, meaning you’ll likely see fewer paper coupons in the coming years. However, paper coupons aren’t dead yet, specially for grocery shoppers who still love flipping through weekly ads.

If you are a dedicated grocery shopper, check out How To Grocery Shop With Coupons For Free.

If you are the one looking to maximize savings, it’s smart to use both paper and digital coupons. Stacking digital and paper coupons together can help you get the best deals. So, no matter how tech-savvy you are, a good deal is a good deal!

At the end of the day, saving money is what matters most. Whether you’re cutting out paper coupons from the Sunday paper or loading up digital deals on your phone, savings are essential. Both paper and digital coupons have their pros and cons. So, the best choice depends on your lifestyle, shopping habits, and comfort with technology.

If you love flipping through ads and stacking paper coupons, stick with it! Save using paper coupons. If you prefer the speed and convenience, use digital coupons. And if you want to maximize your savings, why not use both?

No matter how you shop, don’t leave money on the table. Start using coupons and keep more cash in your pocket!

Did you find this article helpful? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Do you prefer paper or digital coupons? Share your couponing tips below!

1. Why are digital coupons better than paper coupons?

Digital coupons are more convenient since you can access them instantly through apps or websites. No clipping or carrying paper needed for digital coupons. Plus, they often offer personalized discounts and can’t be lost or damaged like paper coupons.

2. Can I use paper coupons and digital coupons at the same time?

Yes, many stores allow you to stack paper and digital coupons for extra savings, but it depends on the store’s policy. Always check with the retailer to see if they allow using both type of coupons on the same purchase.