Coupon stacking is the practice of combining several discounts on a single purchase. Done right, it can turn a good sale into a great deal.
Types of discounts you can combine
- Store sales: the item’s marked-down price.
- Manufacturer coupons: issued by the brand and usable at many stores.
- Store coupons: issued by the retailer and usable only at that store.
- Promo codes: codes entered at online checkout.
- Cashback offers: a percentage back from a cashback site, app or card portal.
- Gift card deals: discounted gift cards or bonus cards with purchase.
- Loyalty rewards: points or rewards dollars from a store program.
How stacking usually works
Many stores allow one manufacturer coupon and one store coupon on the same item, on top of a sale price. Online, you can often use a promo code at checkout, earn cashback through a portal and pay with a discounted gift card, all on the same order.
An example
Say a blender is on sale for $80. You apply a 10% promo code to bring it to $72. You shop through a cashback portal that gives 5% back, and you pay with a gift card you bought at a discount. Each layer adds a bit more savings.
Rules to know
- Every store has its own coupon policy. Read it before you shop.
- Some promo codes exclude sale items or certain brands.
- Usually only one promo code can be used per order online.
- Cashback may not track if you use a code from an unapproved coupon site.
Tips for stacking success
- Plan purchases around store sales cycles.
- Keep digital coupons clipped in store apps.
- Sign up for store emails to get welcome codes.
- Check your cart before paying to confirm every discount applied.
Keep reading: How to find real online deals and how to shop safely online. Browse current e-commerce deals.
