If you’ve ever looked at your shopping cart total and thought, “There has to be a way to pay less,” you’re right—and stacking coupons is one of the most powerful (and underused) methods to do it.
Retailers rarely advertise how stacking works because, frankly, it costs them money. But savvy shoppers use it every day to get deep discounts on groceries, clothing, electronics, and even travel. Whether you’re new to couponing or a seasoned deal hunter, here’s how to stack coupons like a pro—and save big without breaking a sweat.
What Does “Stacking Coupons” Mean?
Coupon stacking refers to using more than one coupon or discount code on a single item or order. This can involve:
- A manufacturer coupon combined with a store coupon
- A promo code used with automatic discounts or cashback offers
- Digital coupons stacked with paper coupons
- Layering sales with loyalty rewards, coupons, and rebates
Done right, stacking can slash prices by 30–80% or more, especially during sales.
1. Know the Types of Coupons You Can Combine
To stack effectively, you need to understand the basic categories:
| Coupon Type | Description | Can It Be Stacked? |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Issued by product makers (e.g., P&G, Kellogg’s) | ✅ Usually yes |
| Store/retailer | Issued by stores like Target, CVS, or Walmart | ✅ Often combinable with manufacturer |
| Promo Codes | Used online at checkout | ⚠️ Sometimes—read fine print |
| Cashback Offers | Rebates from apps like Ibotta or Rakuten | ✅ Works after purchase |
| Loyalty Coupons | Discounts or rewards tied to store memberships | ✅ Yes, usually |
2. Combine Store + Manufacturer Coupons In-Store
This is the classic coupon stack and works best at grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box retailers. Here’s how it works:
Example:
- A shampoo is $4.99
- You have a $1 manufacturer coupon
- The store offers a $1 store coupon
- Final price: $2.99
- If it’s also BOGO 50%, your savings go even further
Tip: Use stores like Target, Walgreens, CVS, and Kroger, which clearly allow stacking in their policies.
3. Stack Online Promo Codes with Cashback and Auto-Appliers
Online shopping opens up more stacking potential:
- Use Honey or RetailMeNot to auto-test codes at checkout
- Pair promo codes with rebate/cashback apps like Rakuten or Capital One Shopping
- Stack with store reward points or email sign-up offers
- Free shipping codes often stack with percent-off or BOGO codes
Pro Tip: Shop in a private browser tab to avoid dynamic pricing or code blocks from cookies.
4. Look for Hidden Stackable Opportunities
Retailers don’t want you to know these work:
- Mobile app exclusives + website codes (yes, both!)
- Student/military discounts + public promo codes
- Subscribe & save + manufacturer coupons (e.g., Amazon)
- Retail credit card offers + store coupons
These stacks are rarely promoted but can easily save you 20–40% more.
5. Time Your Stack with Store Sales
Coupon stacking multiplies savings during markdown events:
- Major holidays (Labor Day, Memorial Day, Black Friday)
- End-of-season clearances
- Flash sales and clearance + coupon codes
Example:
- Target’s summer clearance has items 50% off
- Stack with a Target Circle offer and a $5 off $25 coupon
- Total discount: up to 70% or more
6. Use These Free Tools to Stack Faster
- Flipp App – for local circulars and store + manufacturer coupon matches
- Krazy Coupon Lady – real-time stacking scenarios and breakdowns
- Rakuten, Fetch, and Ibotta – rebate apps that pay out after stacking
- Honey/Capital One Shopping – finds working promo codes instantly
Common Coupon Stacking Mistakes
Avoid these rookie errors:
- ✅ Assuming all coupons stack: Always check store policy
- ✅ Forgetting expiration dates
- ✅ Stacking two manufacturer coupons: Not allowed
- ✅ Not scanning coupons in the correct order (store coupons first, then manufacturer)
💬 Final Thoughts
Stacking coupons isn’t just for extreme couponers—it’s a skill anyone can learn and apply, whether you shop weekly or seasonally. By combining digital tools, reading the fine print, and understanding how different discounts interact, you can walk away with real, repeatable savings—often on the things you’re already buying.
So next time you’re at checkout—physical or digital—ask yourself: “Can I stack something else onto this?” Chances are, the answer is yes.