Saving money doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, with a little planning, you can stack deals and walk away with serious savings. It’s not just about clipping one coupon and calling it a day.
The real trick is combining savings in layers. With the right approach, you can stack three kinds of discounts—coupons, store deals, and cashback—on the same purchase. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Start With a Store Sale
Everything begins with the store’s own discount. This is your base deal. Maybe it’s 25 percent off sneakers or buy one get one free on cereal. Whatever the deal is, it gives you the starting price before you add any other discounts.
Look for weekly ads, clearance sections, or member-only prices. Some stores offer online-only deals, while others give better prices in store. You don’t need to pay full price just to use a coupon later. Always stack on top of a sale whenever possible.
To plan ahead, browse store apps or websites to see what’s marked down each week. Some even let you filter items on sale or add them to a shopping list with current prices.
Step 2: Add a Manufacturer or Store Coupon
Next comes the coupon. These are often the most direct way to cut a few more dollars off your bill. You can use:
- Manufacturer coupons, usually found on brand websites or apps
- Store coupons, offered by retailers through their app, flyer, or email
- Printable or digital coupons, which are accepted at most major chains
Many stores allow one manufacturer coupon and one store coupon per item. That’s called coupon stacking, and it’s still allowed at places like Walgreens, Target, and Kroger. Read the fine print to make sure both apply.
Some stores auto-apply digital coupons if you use their app or enter your phone number at checkout. In other cases, you’ll need to scan a barcode or enter a code online. Either way, these savings drop your price even lower.
Step 3: Use a Cashback App or Site
Now for the final layer—cashback. After applying the store deal and coupon, your final price can still earn you money back.
There are three main ways to do this:
- Cashback apps like Ibotta, Fetch, and Checkout 51
- Browser extensions like Rakuten or Honey
- Credit card cashback, which gives a percentage back on specific categories or purchases
Cashback apps often reward you for buying certain brands or product types. After your purchase, you upload your receipt or link your account. Points or cash get added to your account, which you can redeem later.
Browser extensions give cashback when you shop online through their link. Just activate the deal and check out like normal. If your store is part of the program, you’ll earn a percentage back.
Finally, credit cards with cashback add another layer. Some offer flat-rate returns, like 1.5 percent on all purchases. Others rotate categories like groceries, gas, or online shopping. Match your card to your spending to earn more without changing habits.
Real Example: Stacking in Action
Let’s say you’re buying shampoo at a major grocery store. Here’s how it might work:
- The store is running a 2-for-$10 deal on select shampoos.
- You have a $2 manufacturer coupon and a $1 store coupon.
- You submit your receipt to Ibotta for $1.50 cashback.
- You used your cashback credit card for 2 percent back.
Your final cost is $5.50, with an extra 20 cents back on your card. From a $10 shelf price, you’ve cut it nearly in half by stacking smartly.
Read More: How to Find the Ultimate Travel Deals
Tips to Make It Easy
Stacking doesn’t have to be complicated. Try these shortcuts to stay organized:
- Use one store app and one cashback app to start. Don’t overcomplicate it.
- Scan barcodes in-store to see if offers match your items.
- Set alerts for cashback bonuses or limited-time coupon codes.
- Make a short list before you shop so you know which items to stack.
- Track your cashback totals each month to see how it adds up.
The more you practice, the faster it becomes. Eventually, you’ll know your favorite stacking combos and which stores make it easy.
Watch for Limits and Rules
Not every store allows stacking. Some limit you to one coupon per item or exclude certain categories from cashback. Others require a minimum spend before the deal kicks in.
Read terms carefully, especially for online orders. Cashback extensions may not work if you use other discounts or leave the site during checkout. And always check expiration dates—some digital offers are only good for a few hours or days.
When in doubt, take screenshots or keep receipts in case something doesn’t go through. Most cashback apps have support teams that can help fix missing rewards.
Final Thoughts
Stacking coupons, discounts, and cashback can turn a good deal into a great one. It just takes a little timing and attention. Start with a sale, add a coupon, then finish with a cashback offer.
Once you get the hang of it, you’ll never look at full price the same way again. Keep it simple, stay organized, and let your savings grow—three layers at a time.
