Couponing is more than just clipping deals from a newspaper—it’s a strategy that can save you serious money if done right. With a few tricks up your sleeve, you can maximize your savings and even turn shopping into a fun challenge. Check out these 12 couponing hacks to transform the way you shop!
Stacking
1Stack Coupons for Bigger Discounts
Stacking coupons is one of the best ways to save. Combine a manufacturer coupon with a store coupon for the same item to double the savings. For example, if you have a $1.00 off store coupon for toothpaste and a $1.50 off manufacturer coupon, you save $2.50 total!
Save $2.00 on any Crest® Toothpaste. Get Coupon
2Use Cashback Apps Alongside Coupons
Cashback apps like Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, or Rakuten give you money back on purchases, and they work even if you use coupons. Scan your receipt after checkout, and the savings can add up fast.
Pro Tip: Use Ibotta to earn cashback on groceries while stacking coupons for double savings!
3Stock Up During Sales
When you find a great deal, don’t just buy one—stock up! Sales often cycle every six to eight weeks, so buying in bulk during a sale ensures you won’t need to pay full price before the next sale hits.
Save $1.00 on two boxes of General Mills® Cereal. Get Coupon
4Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs
Sign up for your favorite stores’ loyalty programs to access exclusive coupons, rewards, and member-only discounts. Many stores also send bonus coupons to members, so check your email or app before shopping.
Kroger’s loyalty card offers personalized coupons and fuel rewards.
Clearance
1Use Coupon Databases
Coupon databases are online tools that list available coupons by product or store. Websites like Coupons.com or Southern Savers make it easy to find deals on what you’re looking for.
Example Coupon: Save $0.75 on any ONE Tide® Laundry Detergent. Get Coupon
2Shop on Double Coupon Days
Some stores have designated days when they double the value of manufacturer coupons. For example, a $1.00 coupon becomes $2.00 off! Check with your local stores to see if they offer this perk and plan your trips accordingly.
3Check Clearance Racks
Don’t skip the clearance section! You can use manufacturer and store coupons on clearance items for incredible discounts. It’s a great way to snag name-brand items for pennies on the dollar.
Save $3.00 on ONE Gillette® Razor or Refill. Get Coupon
4Print Coupons Online
If you’re not finding enough coupons in newspapers, go digital. Websites like Coupons.com, SmartSource, and RetailMeNot Everyday offer printable coupons for groceries, household items, and more.
Save $0.50 on any ONE Huggies® Baby Wipes (48 ct or higher). Get Coupon
Price Matching
1Use Apps to Price Match
Plan your holiday menu in advance and shop early to avoid last-minute price hikes. Use coupons to buy non-perishable items ahead of time and take advantage of early sales.
2Organize Coupons by Expiration Date
Avoid wasting coupons by organizing them by expiration date. Use a small accordion folder or coupon binder to keep track of deals that are expiring soon. This ensures you prioritize using coupons before they go to waste.
3Look for Catalina Coupons at Checkout
Catalina coupons are those extra coupons that print out with your receipt. They’re often for items you just purchased or similar products. Save these for your next trip to reduce your bill even further.
Example Coupon: Save $1.00 on any ONE Colgate® Mouthwash. Get Coupon
4Follow Couponing Groups Online
Join couponing Facebook groups, Reddit communities, or follow Instagram coupon influencers. These groups often share insider tips, store policies, and alerts about hot deals you might not find on your own.
Brand Emails
1Follow Brand Newsletters for Exclusive Coupons
Brands love loyal customers, and many will reward you for signing up for their newsletters. You’ll often receive exclusive coupons and promo codes directly in your email inbox. It’s a great way to get discounts you won’t find anywhere else.
Pro Tip: Create a separate email account just for couponing to keep your personal inbox clutter-free.
Get $1.00 off any TWO Kraft® Cheese products. Get Coupon
2Learn How to Coupon Stack Online
Stacking isn’t just for in-store shopping—you can do it online, too! Combine promo codes, cashback extensions like Rakuten, and free shipping offers to maximize your savings on e-commerce purchases. Many online retailers allow multiple discounts at checkout.
Save 20% off your first order with Old Navy. Shop Here
3Shop Discount Stores with Coupons
Stores like Dollar Tree, Big Lots, and Aldi are already budget-friendly, but some also accept manufacturer coupons. Pair their already-low prices with coupons to get items for pennies or even free.
Pro Tip: Call your local discount store to confirm if they accept coupons and whether they have any restrictions.
4Use Competitor Coupons
Certain stores accept competitor coupons, which can be a lifesaver if your favorite store doesn’t offer its own deals. For example, some grocery stores may honor coupons from other major chains. Check with your local stores for their competitor coupon policies.
$5 off a $25 purchase at Dollar General. Check It Out
Rewards Programs
1Time Your Couponing with Seasonal Sales
Coupons often align with seasonal sales. For example, you’ll find plenty of baking product coupons around the holidays or school supplies deals during back-to-school season. Planning your shopping around these periods will maximize your savings.
Save $1.00 on two Pillsbury™ Refrigerated Cookie Dough products. Get Coupon
2Shop at Stores with Rewards Programs
Stores like CVS and Walgreens have incredible rewards programs that allow you to earn points or store cash that you can redeem for future purchases. Combine this with manufacturer and store coupons for triple-layered savings.
Example Tip: Walgreens Rewards lets you stack coupons, store cash, and sale prices!
3Always Check Your Receipt for Errors
Mistakes happen at checkout, and coupons don’t always apply correctly. Take a moment to review your receipt to ensure every discount has been applied. If something is wrong, visit customer service to have it fixed—it’s worth the effort.
4Follow Coupon Blogs and Websites
Dedicated couponing websites like Krazy Coupon Lady and Hip2Save are goldmines for couponers. These sites post up-to-date deals, coupon matchups, and sale breakdowns, saving you hours of research. Bookmark them for regular updates.
Example Blog: The Krazy Coupon Lady shares weekly store deals and tips.
Conclusion
With these couponing hacks at your disposal, you’re fully equipped to transform your shopping experience and stretch your dollars further than ever before. From stacking discounts to timing your purchases with seasonal sales, these strategies will help you save money and shop smarter. Start applying these tips today, and watch your savings soar!
