How to Shop & Save at Walgreens

Don't believe the lie that shopping at drugstores is always more expensive than your local superstore.  Because when in store sales, Walgreen's loyalty program (Register Rewards) & coupons are combined & used correctly, you can save A LOT of money!! If you're new to shopping at Walgreens, here is a breakdown of what you'll need to know in order to maximize your savings (and be aware shopping at Walgreens does differ from CVS):


What is Walgreens Loyalty  Program?

• Register Rewards (RR) 
• Walgreens has a program called “Register Rewards”. It is a catalina program. 
• A catalina is a coupon that prints at the cash register after you buy select products.  So when the ad says $2 Register Reward, for example, that means when you purchase the advertised item(s) you will receive a coupon for $2 off your next purchase. 
• If your catalina does not print & you know it should have, some cashiers are telling customers it is because they used a coupon. According to the Walgreens coupon policy, you can use coupons. So, simply call  1-888-8COUPON (the Catalina company) and they'll mail you the RR that should have received at checkout.
• A Register Reward is technically a manufacturer's coupon, BUT it can only be used at Walgreens.  The exception to this rule is if you have a local store (ex: Publix) that will accept competitor coupons. 

 How Do You Receive Register Rewards?

• Register Rewards are tied to certain advertised products each week. You'll need to check the weekly ad, my blog or a couponing forum to see if you only need to buy one item or if you'll need to buy a certain amount of products.

When Do Register Rewards Expire?

• Most RR are valid for 3 weeks, but some may expire more quickly, which is what makes shopping at Walgreens a little more difficult than, say, CVS. 

Can You Use a RR to Purchase the Same Item a Second Time & Receive Another RR?

• No...If you purchase an item(s) that is tied to a RR and attempt to use that specific RR to purchase the same item(s) again, another RR will not print.
• For example:
• You purchase deodorant and receive $1 RR. You cannot purchase another deodorant, use that specific RR and expect to receive another RR.

Can You Use a RR to Purchase a Different RR Item(s)?

• Yes...This is considered 'rolling' your RR because you are using them on a different RR deal. If you want to purchase additional items tied to a Register Reward deal, it will work best if you alternate the items you purchase.
• For example:
• Purchase deodorant and receive $1 RR. 
• Purchase toothpaste, use the $1 RR from the first purchase and receive $2 RR(from the toothpaste deal). 
• Purchase another deodorant, use the $2 RR from the second purchase and you will receive another $1 RR (from the deodorant deal).

At checkout, should my coupons be given to the cashier in a specific order?

• Technically, no. But, you will most likely maximize your savings if you hand over your coupons in the following order:
• $/$$ coupon (ex: $4 off $20 purchase) 
• Register Rewards(a catalina that can only be used at Walgreens)
• B1G1 manufacturer coupons 
• Any other manufacturer coupons 
• Lastly, any store coupons (store coupons are different from Register Rewards, even though RR can only be used at  Walgreens) 

Don't let a cashier tell you they have to scan RR & store coupons first. Hand over your coupons separately in the above order to minimize confusion.  Also,the Walgreens corporate policy says they do accept printable coupons. If your store says they will not take them, then call corporate & they will speak to the management at that store & hopefully get it resolved.

I know it may seem confusing right now, so start small & get the hang of it before you try a huge scenario. Good luck!