The One Coupon Hack Your Mom Forgot to Tell You

We’ve all been there: scouring the internet for the best deals, clipping coupons, and hunting for discounts, only to feel like we’re still paying too much. But what if I told you that there’s one simple coupon hack your mom might have forgotten to tell you—one that can save you big on almost everything you buy, from groceries to fashion, and even online shopping?

This secret? Stacking Coupons.

What is Coupon Stacking?

Coupon stacking is the act of using multiple coupons or discounts at the same time to maximize your savings. It’s the kind of hack that savvy shoppers have been using for years, but somehow it often slips under the radar. Your mom might have told you about coupons, but she might not have mentioned that you can sometimes use several at once—whether it’s combining a store coupon with a manufacturer coupon, using rewards points, or applying a promo code along with a sale.

How to Use Coupon Stacking to Your Advantage

1. Use Store Coupons AND Manufacturer Coupons Together

Many stores accept both manufacturer coupons (the ones you get from brands or third-party websites) and store-specific coupons (the ones issued by the retailer itself). This is where the stacking magic happens! For example, if you have a manufacturer’s coupon for $1 off a product and a store coupon for 20% off, you can use both and save even more.

• Example: You buy a box of cereal for $5.
  • Use a $1 manufacturer coupon. Now, the box is $4.
  • Then, use a 20% store coupon. You save an additional 80 cents.
  • Your final price? Only $3.20!

2. Combine a Sale with Coupons

Sales are already a great way to save money, but you can often combine them with coupons for even deeper discounts. Many retailers allow you to use a coupon on top of a sale price. So, don’t just grab the sale item—double-check if there are any coupons available to further slash the price.

• Example: A jacket originally priced at $100 is on sale for $50.
  • You have a 20% off coupon. Apply that to the sale price:
  • $50 – $10 (20% off) = $40.
  • You just scored a $100 jacket for $40!

3. Use Cashback Apps Along with Coupons

A growing number of cashback apps (like Rakuten, Ibotta, or Honey) let you earn cash back on your purchases. The best part? You can use these apps alongside coupons for even bigger savings. For example, you might find a 10% off coupon on a website and then use Rakuten to earn 5% cashback on your total purchase.

• Example: You’re buying a $50 item and have a 10% off coupon.
  • Use the coupon to get $5 off, making your total $45.
  • Then, activate Rakuten to earn 5% cashback. That’s an extra $2.25 back in your pocket!
  • Your final cost: Only $42.75.

4. Look for Coupon Codes on Discount Websites

Before you finalize your purchase, always check discount websites like RetailMeNot, Honey, or Coupons.com for additional promo codes. These websites often offer exclusive coupons that you might not have known about.

• Example: You’re shopping online for a pair of shoes that cost $80.
  • You find a coupon code for 15% off at checkout.
  • Apply the code, and suddenly your shoes are only $68.
  • But wait—then you check Rakuten and see that you’ll get 6% cashback.
  • You just saved $12.88, and your shoes now cost only $63.12.

5. Sign Up for Email Newsletters and Loyalty Programs

Retailers often send out exclusive coupons to subscribers and loyalty program members. Signing up for these can lead to additional discounts, like welcome bonuses or birthday perks, that you can stack with your regular coupons.

• Example: You sign up for a store’s loyalty program and receive a 15% off coupon for your first purchase.
  • Combine that with a 10% off sitewide coupon and a sale item.
  • You end up with savings on top of savings.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind:

While coupon stacking is a great way to save, it’s not always allowed everywhere. Some retailers or coupon providers have restrictions on how many discounts you can apply. Before getting too excited, check the terms and conditions on the coupons or ask the store if they allow stacking. And be sure to read the fine print—sometimes certain items or categories are excluded.

Final Thoughts

Coupon stacking is a game-changer for savvy shoppers, and now that you know the secret, it’s time to put it to use. Whether you’re shopping online, at your local grocery store, or scoring deals at your favorite clothing retailer, stacking coupons will help you stretch your dollars and get the most value out of every purchase. So the next time you go shopping, remember: It’s not just about finding a good coupon—it’s about finding ways to use more than one at the same time.

Your mom may have forgotten to share this hack, but now you’ve got it in your back pocket. Happy saving!