How to Use Your Saturday $5.00 off $25.00 Coupon at Dollar General
One of the most popular ways to save at Dollar General is by using the Dollar General $5.00 Off $25.00 coupon, often referred to as the $5/$25 Saturday coupon. Every Saturday, shoppers can use this digital coupon to shave $5 off their purchase of $25 or more. When used correctly, this coupon—stacked with other sales, instant savings, and manufacturer coupons—can unlock some of the best deals of the week.
But here’s the catch: many shoppers leave money on the table because they misunderstand how the Dollar General $5/$25 coupon works. Let’s dive into a detailed guide so you can avoid common mistakes and get the most bang for your buck.
Dollar General’s $5 off $25 Saturday coupon is a great way to save money, but understanding the rules and optimizing your shopping strategy is essential to getting the most bang for your buck. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make the most of this deal and avoid common pitfalls.
FIRST, Let’s dissect the fine print on this coupon as it often trips people up.
Fine Print on the $5/$25 Coupon
To successfully use the Dollar General $5/$25:
- Your total must be $25 AFTER instant savings and sale prices but BEFORE manufacturer coupons.
- Free items from manufacturer BOGO coupons count toward your total.
- Free items from store promotions (like BOGO free sales) do not count.
- Your total must be $25 before tax.
Why You Shouldn’t Rely on the App’s Math
The Dollar General app is a useful tool, but it’s not always accurate. The totals displayed in the app often include original prices instead of sale prices, and sometimes coupons show as attaching when they won’t at checkout.
Example: If soda is on sale for 3/$15.00, only $15 counts toward your $25 threshold—not the regular price. The app will also apply several coupons that will not apply at checkout.
Pro Tip: Use pen and paper or our free printable Dollar General $5/$25 planning sheet to calculate your totals. Always work with sale prices and instant savings deductions.
Understanding Coupon Stacking Rules
Stacking of coupons is when you use multiple coupons on one item. Another common mistake with the Dollar General $5/$25 coupon is misunderstanding stacking rules. Here’s the breakdown:
- You can stack one manufacturer coupon with one store coupon on the same item.
- You canAlways scan your items in the DG app while shopping to make sure:
- ✔️ They’re part of the sale.
- ✔️ Your digital coupons actually attach.
- This step prevents checkout frustration and ensures the $5 off $25 applies properly.not stack two manufacturer coupons or two Dollar General store coupons on one product.
- “Basket” coupons like the $5.01 P&G after earned coupon, birthday coupons, or $2 off $10 cannot be combined with the $5/$25.
- Threshold coupons like $5/$20 Gain can be combined with the $5/$25. You can also earn your P&G along with the $5/$25.
Scan Items In-Store to Avoid Surprises
Always scan your items in the DG app while shopping to make sure:
✔️ They’re part of the sale.
✔️ Your digital coupons actually attach.
This step prevents checkout frustration and ensures the $5 off $25 applies properly.
Covering Store Coupons
Most Dollar General locations now run on the new system, where store coupons post as a discount rather than applying like a manufacturer coupon. This means the discount lowers your subtotal before the Dollar General $5/$25 is triggered.
Because of this, you must “cover” the value of your store coupon by adding it back into your transaction total.
➡ Example: If you’re using a $2.00 Dollar General store coupon, your subtotal must reach $27.00 (instead of just $25.00). The extra $2 accounts for the store coupon discount so that your $5/$25 will still apply.
Think of it this way: take the face value of any DG store coupon you plan to use and add it onto your $25 threshold. That’s the only way to guarantee the $5.00 off $25.00 coupon comes off at checkout.
Instant Savings Adjust Your Total
Instant savings are another area where shoppers get tripped up. These promotions automatically deduct at checkout, but they also lower your subtotal.
➡ Example: Spend $15 on Scott and save $3 instantly. To still hit the $25 requirement, your total must be $28.
The same applies to deals like $4 off $20 on Cottonelle or Viva—you must add the instant savings amount back into your threshold calculations.
Respect Store Policies
Cashiers cannot override digital coupons. If a coupon doesn’t apply, chances are the thresholds or rules weren’t met. Since Dollar General’s app is run by a third party, sometimes coupons don’t apply correctly. You can always call customer service—they’ve been known to issue a $5 gift card when glitches occur.
Always Have a Backup Plan
Hot ticket items and popular coupon matchups at Dollar General often sell out quickly, especially on Saturdays when everyone is using the $5/$25 coupon. To avoid disappointment at checkout, always create a backup plan. Choose substitute items that are close in price or give you a similar low out-of-pocket total. That way, if your original product is out of stock, you can swap it without losing your carefully planned savings or falling below the $25 threshold.
Pro Tips for Success
- Check all coupons in your app before you shop—accounts don’t always receive the same offers.
- Scan items in-store to ensure coupon compatibility.
- Use pen and paper or a printable planner to track your totals accurately.
- Plan for multiple transactions at different stores if your location enforces “one account per person.”
Final Thoughts
The Dollar General $5.00 Off $25.00 coupon is one of the best ways to maximize your Saturday savings. With the right strategy—clipping early, calculating totals correctly, understanding stacking rules, and accounting for instant savings—you’ll unlock unbeatable deals week after week.
Couponing at Dollar General may seem tricky at first, but once you master the $5/$25, it becomes second nature. Happy couponing and happy savings!
