Who doesn’t love saving money while shopping online? Finding the right coupons can help you get discounts on everything from clothes to electronics. However, fake or expired coupon codes can waste your time and even put your personal information at risk. Learn how to find real, working coupons while avoiding scams.

Where to Find Legitimate Coupons

Retailer Websites

Many online stores offer their own coupons, often listed on their homepage or in a dedicated “Deals” or “Promotions” section. Signing up for email newsletters can also give you access to exclusive discounts and first-time customer deals.

Coupon Websites

Trusted coupon sites collect and verify discount codes from different retailers. Some of the most reliable ones include:

• RetailMeNot (www.retailmenot.com)
• Honey (www.joinhoney.com)
• Coupons.com (www.coupons.com)
• Slickdeals (www.slickdeals.net)

These sites allow users to vote on whether codes work, helping you avoid wasting time on expired ones.

Browser Extensions

Coupon-finding browser extensions automatically search for and apply the best available coupon codes when you shop. Popular extensions include:

• Honey – Scans for the best coupons at checkout.
• Rakuten – Offers cash back along with discounts.
• Capital One Shopping – Compares prices and finds promo codes.

These tools save time since they do the searching for you.

Social Media and Influencers

Brands often share special promo codes on their social media pages or through influencers they work with. Following your favorite brands on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook can help you catch limited-time discounts.

Email and SMS Subscriptions

Many companies offer discounts when you sign up for their email list or text alerts. If you shop at a store often, subscribing to their promotions might be worth it. You can always create a separate email account just for deals to keep your main inbox clutter-free.

How to Spot Fake or Expired Coupons

Too Good to Be True Deals

If a coupon offers a 90% discount or free products with no purchase, it’s probably fake. Always double-check by searching for the same deal on official retailer websites or trusted coupon sites.

Suspicious Websites

Be wary of unfamiliar coupon sites. If a website looks outdated, has a lot of pop-ups, or asks for personal information, it might be a scam. Stick to well-known coupon websites and avoid any site that asks for credit card details just to access a discount.

Expired or Non-Working Codes

Some websites list outdated coupon codes that no longer work. To avoid frustration, look for user reviews or success ratings on coupon websites to see if others have recently used the code successfully.

Malware and Phishing Scams

Some fake coupon sites install malware on your device or trick you into giving out personal information. Avoid downloading anything from unknown sources and never enter sensitive information unless you’re sure the website is legitimate.

Tips for Maximizing Savings

Stack Discounts When Possible

Some stores allow you to use multiple discounts at once. For example, you might be able to apply a promo code on top of a sale price or combine it with cash-back offers from Rakuten. Always check the store’s coupon policy to see what’s allowed.

Compare Coupon Codes

If you find multiple coupon codes, test them to see which gives you the biggest discount. Some codes take a percentage off, while others offer a set dollar amount—one might be better depending on how much you’re spending.

Wait for Major Sales

If you’re shopping for non-urgent items, consider waiting for big sales like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or back-to-school deals. Many retailers offer their best coupon codes during these times.

Use Price Tracking Tools

Websites like CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) track price changes so you can see if a deal is truly the best price. Sometimes, a discount code isn’t worth much if the item was marked up before the sale.

Sign Up for Store Loyalty Programs

Many stores have free rewards programs that give members access to exclusive discounts. Some also offer birthday coupons, cash-back rewards, or points that can be redeemed for future purchases.

What to Do If a Coupon Doesn’t Work

If a coupon code fails, try these steps:

• Check the Expiration Date – Many codes have time limits.
• Read the Fine Print – Some codes only work on certain products or require a minimum purchase.
• Try a Different Code – If one doesn’t work, search for another on a reputable coupon site.
• Contact Customer Service – Some stores may honor a discount if you ask politely.

The Bottom Line

Finding the best online coupons takes a little effort, but the savings are worth it. Stick to trustworthy coupon sites, use browser extensions to save time, and be cautious of scams. With these tips, you can shop smarter and keep more money in your pocket.