PYMNTS App Provider Rankings Show Good Deals for Digital Coupons

Digital couponing is set to have a moment. Driven by continued growth in eCommerce and mobile-first shopping, several sources have pegged it to triple its total market value of $9 billion by 2032. We took both as a sign to check our app provider rankings in the category, and as usual, we found some surprises. Digital couponing is more than Groupon.

The PYMNTS App provider rankings offers a monthly ranking of apps in a specific category, assessing them based on publicly available information and exclusive app usage data, helping users identify the top performers in the market. The ranking aims to provide precise insights into app performance, aiding stakeholders in making informed decisions. For digital couponing we found a strong performance at the top of the chart, with Flipp climbing six spots for a total score of 58.

Part of Flipps’ recent success could be due it its partnership savvy. Last week (Sept. 4) it struck a partnership with the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) to give more than 7,500 independent grocers access to the same digital tools national chains use. The deal will let IGA members create localized digital circulars, shift more efficiently from print to digital, and tap Flipp’s media network, which reaches over 80% of U.S. households. Grocers will also gain access to analytics, creative services, and shopper insights to improve customer targeting and loyalty. Both companies say the goal is to help local, family-owned supermarkets compete against larger rivals by modernizing marketing and customer engagement without increasing costs.

Flipp was followed by another three point surprise: Shopkick. Shopkick is a retail rewards app that lets consumers earn credits toward digital gift cards for visiting stores, scanning barcodes, watching videos and other activities. Since Shopkick’s launch in 2009, 30 million people have downloaded the app, and millions of users interact with it daily, according to Finance Buzz. Shopkick has an extensive list of retail and grocery stores that participate with their app. They include Walmart, Food Lion, Walgreens, Ulta Beauty, Publix, Aldi, Lowe’s, Best Buy, eBay, Groupon, Hallmark, Hotels.com, Kellogg’s, Marshalls, P&G, Starbucks, T.J. Maxx, and more. With minimal news or major partnerships struck recently, it looks like Shopkick has profited from some recent positive reviews.

“From start to finish, my experience with this company was excellent,” read one on TrustPilot. “They deliver exactly what they promise — timely service, professional communication and genuine care for their clients. What stood out most to me was their consistency: every interaction felt thoughtful, respectful and efficient. It’s rare to find a company that balances professionalism with a personal touch, but they nailed it. I left feeling confident, supported and well taken care of.”

Groupon did make our list. In fact, it also posted a three-point gain for a score of 68. A possible explanation for this one-time Internet bubble darling could be its June summer event called Big Days Out. The promotion ran June 2–13, and offered steep discounts on activities ranging from arcade games to boat rides and water parks. The campaign was designed to make family outings more affordable, with Groupon CEO Dusan Senkypl noting that the goal is to help people enjoy summer without overspending. For every deal purchased, Groupon will contribute $1 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, pledging up to $10,000, with the donation funded directly by Groupon rather than participating businesses.