Grocery shopping can be frustrating if you go on the wrong day or time.
But there are ways to make the most of your shopping by planning trips for the best times, the best days, and at the right places.
Check out these options that can help you save on groceries — both in terms of time and money.
Earn 2% cash rewards at grocery stores and Costco
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) is a powerful rewards card that allows you to earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — including on groceries, even at warehouse stores like Costco.
New cardholders can also earn a one-time cash rewards bonus — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months!
If you’re looking for a powerful rewards card that offers an extended intro APR period, look no further, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card checks that box too!
This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Click here to apply for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card now.
Avoid crowds by shopping on Mondays through Thursdays
Many people shop on the weekends, which can cause frustration as you wait in line at the meat counter or the register.
Instead, try to get to the grocery store during the week, when lines and crowds are less likely.
Want to learn how to build wealth like the 1%? Sign up for Worthy to get ideas and advice delivered to your inbox.
But really, any day but Saturday
Yes, midweek is your best bet for a quiet stroll through the grocery aisles and a short time in the checkout line. But if you can’t make it during the middle of the week, try any other time that isn’t Saturday.
Many shoppers spend their Saturdays in the grocery aisles, especially in the afternoon. Try to get your shopping done at other times.
Research the best days for new deals
Many grocery stores throughout the country start a new sales week on Wednesday, making it a great day to shop if you’re trying to save cash.
But check with your local stores and see when their best deals start. Some may begin on Sunday or start on Friday. Knowing which days sales begin can be a boon for your wallet.
Stop overpaying when you shop online at Costco
Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.
Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.
Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!1
Get there (really) early or late to miss crowds
Whether you’re an early riser or night owl, you can use the fact to your advantage when shopping for groceries.
Crowds are less likely very early in the day or very late in the evening. Those are good times to shop.
Get there early for the best quality
In many cases, meat, produce, and other fresh items first appear on shelves early in the morning.
So if freshness is a priority, get to your favorite stores early to stock up on the freshest produce and meat. If you wait until the afternoon, these items will have been sitting around for a while.
Trending Stories
Ask for the best day to buy produce
Ask the store manager at your grocery store when fresh produce is delivered and added to the shelves.
Knowing this information can save you money because you will be able to purchase the freshest produce, meaning it is likely to last longer.
Wednesday afternoon means stocked shelves
Your grocery store likely gets new items on Tuesday night, but it takes some time before shelves are stocked.
So, if you’re looking for multiple items or need to pick up a variety of things, wait until grocery workers can get everything unloaded and onto the shelves. Shopping on Wednesday afternoon is probably a good idea.
Many stores restock meat and dairy on Wednesday, for instance. Find out if that’s true for your grocer to get the freshest meat.
Go holiday shopping three days before the holiday
Just before any major holiday, you can expect to find crowds at the grocery store. So try to get to the store three days before a holiday.
Although it’s not technically a holiday, remember that Super Bowl Sunday is also a big food day. So plan ahead as the big game approaches.
Stock up a few days before a storm
Weather can greatly impact your shopping if you live somewhere with snowstorms, hurricanes, or other natural events.
Keep an eye on weather reports and try to get to the grocery store a few days before the storm hits. It will prevent you from standing in long lines and help you secure staples that might soon be out of stock.
Pro tip: Before grocery shopping, remember to check your wallet for the best rewards credit cards if you’re trying to earn extra cash back, points, or other perks.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Bottom line
There are some great ways to save time — and to keep more money in your wallet — when you shop at your local grocery store.
And to save even more, sign up for loyalty rewards at your local grocery store to get extra discounts when you shop.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.