When it comes to shopping smarter, stacking coupons and cashback offers can make a big difference, helping you save significant money on each purchase. By combining multiple types of discounts, you can turn a good deal into a great one. Here’s a guide to stacking coupons and cashback offers effectively so you can maximize your savings on every purchase.
1. Use Cashback Websites and Apps First
Cashback sites are essential for maximizing savings, as they offer a percentage back on eligible purchases. Sites like Rakuten, TopCashback, and Swagbucks partner with hundreds of retailers, offering cashback when you make a purchase through their links.
How to Do It:
- Start by checking cashback rates for the store you’re shopping at across different sites. Cashback rates can vary, so choosing the one with the highest rate can boost your savings.
- Activate cashback through your chosen site or app before you begin shopping. This step is crucial, as forgetting to activate cashback means you won’t earn any.
- Complete your purchase as directed by the cashback site, and check your account for cashback confirmation after checkout.
Pro Tip: Many credit cards offer additional cashback when linked with specific retailers, so you can potentially “double dip” by using both a cashback site and a cashback credit card.
2. Apply Promo Codes for Extra Discounts
Promo codes, or discount codes, are another excellent way to save. Many retailers allow you to enter a code at checkout to apply additional discounts on top of any existing sale prices.
How to Do It:
- Search for promo codes on sites like RetailMeNot, DiscountMeThis, and Honey. Honey, for example, automatically searches for the best codes and applies them for you.
- Be aware that some codes might conflict with others, so if you have more than one, test each to see which provides the largest discount.
- Use the most significant discount first, as some stores might only allow one code per transaction.
Pro Tip: Many stores offer welcome discounts for new subscribers, so sign up for newsletters at your favorite retailers to receive unique promo codes for additional savings.
3. Combine Manufacturer Coupons with Store Coupons
Stacking manufacturer and store coupons is a fantastic way to save on essentials, especially on grocery and household products. Many stores allow you to use a manufacturer’s coupon in addition to their own store coupons for the same item.
How to Do It:
- Check sites like Coupons.com or P&G Everyday for printable manufacturer coupons that you can use at major retailers.
- Look for store coupons on the retailer’s website or in their weekly circular. Stores like Target, for instance, often offer their own coupons through the Target app.
- Present both the manufacturer and store coupons at checkout to apply both discounts to the same item.
Pro Tip: Some grocery stores and pharmacies (e.g., CVS or Walgreens) have loyalty programs that allow for even more savings when you stack multiple coupons.
4. Sign Up for Store Loyalty Programs
Many retailers have loyalty or rewards programs that provide exclusive discounts, early access to sales, and even bonus coupons. These perks can usually be combined with other discounts and cashback offers, making them an easy way to save even more.
How to Do It:
- Sign up for loyalty programs at your favorite stores, like Target Circle, Kohl’s Rewards, or Sephora’s Beauty Insider program.
- Check your loyalty account or app before making a purchase to see if any exclusive discounts or rewards are available.
- Use your loyalty rewards alongside any promo codes or cashback offers for maximum savings.
Pro Tip: Some loyalty programs offer “birthday rewards” or additional points on special days, so keep track of these dates to score even better deals.
5. Utilize Browser Extensions to Find Hidden Coupons
Browser extensions like Honey, Capital One Shopping, and Cently automatically search the internet for any available coupons and apply them for you at checkout. This process helps ensure you never miss out on a discount.
How to Do It:
- Install a browser extension for coupons on your computer. Extensions like Honey scan the web for discounts and often have partnerships with cashback providers.
- When you reach checkout, allow the extension to search for coupons and apply the best ones.
- Some extensions also show cashback offers, so you can activate both cashback and discounts in one place.
Pro Tip: Not all coupons stack with others, so you may need to experiment to see which combination yields the best discount.
6. Use Credit Card Cashback or Reward Points
Many credit cards offer cashback or rewards points that can be redeemed for additional savings or statement credits. Some credit cards even have partnerships with retailers, offering extra cashback during certain times of the year or on specific products.
How to Do It:
- Check your credit card’s rewards portal to see if there are any special offers or cashback deals on specific retailers.
- For purchases you plan to make anyway, use a cashback card that offers rewards on that category (like groceries, electronics, or dining).
- Use your credit card’s rewards or cashback portal to shop, and then combine these benefits with any store coupons or cashback site earnings.
Pro Tip: Some cards offer significant one-time bonuses or extra cashback during the holiday season, so make sure to activate these offers before making any large purchases.
7. Look for Free Shipping Codes or Minimum Purchase Discounts
Shipping costs can eat into your savings, but many stores offer free shipping promotions during sales events or for reaching a minimum purchase threshold. If you can combine free shipping codes with your other discounts, you can save even more.
How to Do It:
- Before checking out, look for a free shipping promo code on coupon sites or through your browser extension.
- If there’s a minimum purchase for free shipping, consider consolidating your orders or buying a small filler item to qualify.
- Some loyalty programs (like Amazon Prime or Walmart+) offer free shipping as a perk, so be sure to use these services if you’re already subscribed.
Pro Tip: Many cashback or coupon sites have “free shipping” filters, which can help you spot deals where shipping is included at no additional cost.
8. Check for Cashback on Gift Cards
Some stores or cashback sites, like Rakuten and Swagbucks, offer cashback on gift cards, allowing you to buy the card at a discount or earn cashback when purchasing it. You can then use the discounted gift card to make your purchase and save even more.
How to Do It:
- Look for gift card promotions on sites like Raise or CardCash, where you can buy gift cards at a discount.
- Use these gift cards to pay for items at your chosen store, and then apply additional coupons and cashback offers as usual.
- Some grocery stores also offer fuel points or cashback for purchasing gift cards, so you could save even more by buying gift cards first.
Pro Tip: During the holiday season, many stores offer bonus gift cards with a minimum purchase, allowing you to save now and earn rewards for future purchases.
9. Stack Rebates with Coupons for Groceries and Household Items
Apps like Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, and Checkout 51 offer rebates on everyday grocery and household items. After combining store and manufacturer coupons, you can still claim rebates to get additional savings.
How to Do It:
- Shop as usual, applying any available coupons at checkout.
- After completing your purchase, open your rebate app and scan your receipt or upload it to claim eligible rebates.
- Rebates are typically added to your account as cashback, which you can withdraw once you reach a minimum threshold.
Pro Tip: Some rebate apps, like Ibotta, offer bonus cash for buying certain items in combination, so be sure to check for combo deals in your app.
10. Timing is Key: Shop During Double Cashback Events
Many cashback sites offer double cashback promotions during special events or holidays, making it an ideal time to stack discounts.
How to Do It:
- Check cashback sites for special events where cashback rates are temporarily increased.
- Plan big purchases around these events, especially if the cashback boost is available at a retailer you frequent.
- Combine these double cashback offers with store sales, coupons, and credit card cashback to maximize savings.
Pro Tip: Holiday shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school sales often feature double cashback promotions.
Final Thoughts
With a little preparation, stacking coupons, cashback offers, and rebates can help you save big on every purchase. By using these tips consistently, you’ll get the most out of each shopping experience and keep more money in your wallet. Happy stacking!