Why Aldi Doesn't Accept Coupons Like Other Chain Supermarkets

If you're an avid couponer who enjoys doing your shopping with the spirit of a haggler, stacking and price matching to your heart's content, Aldi might not be the grocery store for you. To be clear, Aldi is known for inherently low prices. The chain frequently shows up on lists of the most affordable grocery stores, after all, beating other economical behemoths like Costco and Trader Joe's. 

But Aldi is not the place to whip out a coupon. For one, Aldi's shelves are brimming with its own private-label products, for which it offers no coupons, simply put. And though it's a myth that no big-name brands are sold at Aldi's (they are, but per Aldi's FAQ statement, these only make up about 10% of the total inventory), any manufacturer's coupons you've clipped or scanned simply won't be honored at Aldi. 

According to Aldi, this is because the retailer works directly with the suppliers to negotiate the "best possible prices" for its shoppers. It would likely be completely unsustainable for the chain to accept coupons on top of these already low prices and slim profit margins for the company. And on the consumer side, Aldi's promises of low prices aren't just talk. Famously, items often sell at Aldi for significantly less than you'll see the same product going for at other stores, making the need for manufacturer coupons pretty much obsolete. 

While this no-coupon policy makes Aldi a bit of a buzzkill for those who enjoy the art of couponing, it's far from the only way the chain does things differently. So, first time Aldi customers, know what you're getting into. Since it first opened doors in 1961, Aldi has been singularly focused on keeping prices low. It delivers on this promise through a complex system of inventory and marketing moves, sourcing decisions, and simply put, trimming the fat wherever possible. Expect no-frills displays, with items sold straight from their boxes, no music playing as you shop (to avoid licensing fees), and fewer product options than you see in other stores. 

Aldi isn't the only national retailer that eschews coupons, though. Costco and Sam's Club warehouses similarly turn away manufacturer coupons, though, like Aldi, both chains prioritize low prices as their business north star. On the other hand, another famously cheap retailer, Trader Joe's, never runs in-store sales, but will indeed accept coupons. 

The one (and only) caveat to Aldi's staunch no-coupon policy is the occasional discount offered for ordering your Aldi groceries through services like Instacart. And once in a while, the chain may run a promo for something like a new store opening, which it will announce via mailed flyers or in the store. Otherwise, plan to stuff those digital and clipped paper coupons back in your wallet, and save them for a different grocery run.