FAQ: Ultimate Guide to Couponing.

Last Updated: January 2025

Want to maximize your savings with coupons? You're in the right place. Our comprehensive guide answers the most common questions about couponing.

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Types of Coupons

There are several types of coupons: manufacturer coupons (issued by product makers), store coupons (from retailers), digital coupons (loaded to store loyalty cards), printable coupons (from websites), and rebate app offers (like Ibotta or Rakuten).

Sitewide Coupons

A sitewide coupon is a promotional code that applies to an entire website's inventory rather than specific items. These coupons typically offer:

Percentage Discounts

Example: "SAVE30NOW"

  • 30% off your entire purchase
  • Original cart: $200
  • After discount: $140
  • Total savings: $60

Fixed Dollar Amounts

Example: "SAVE50MIN200"

  • $50 off orders of $200 or more
  • Original cart: $225
  • After discount: $175
  • Must maintain $200 minimum after other discounts

Free Shipping

Example: "FREESHIP"

  • Free standard shipping on all orders
  • Original shipping cost: $9.95
  • After code: $0
  • Usually excludes expedited options

Buy More, Save More

Example: "TIERED2024"

  • Spend $100: Get 15% off
  • Spend $200: Get 20% off
  • Spend $300: Get 25% off
  • Spend $500+: Get 30% off

Common exclusions often include gift cards, clearance items, and certain brands or categories.

Seasonal Promotions

Example: "SUMMER25" for 25% off everything during summer sales

Holiday Discounts

Example: "CYBER30" for 30% off during Cyber Monday

New Customer Offers

Example: "NEWCUST20" giving first-time buyers 20% off

Free Shipping Promotions

Example: "FREESHIP50" for free delivery on orders over $50

Flash Sales

Example: "24HOURS" for limited-time discounts

Verified Coupons

There are several types of coupons: manufacturer coupons (issued by product makers), store coupons (from retailers), digital coupons (loaded to store loyalty cards), printable coupons (from websites), and rebate app offers (like Ibotta or Rakuten).

How to Identify Verified Coupons:

  • Look for "Verified" badges or checkmarks on coupon websites
  • Check the last verification date (should be recent)
  • Look for success rate percentages
  • Read recent user comments or feedback
  • Confirm on the retailer's official website or email

Common Sources of Verified Coupons:

Direct from Retailer
  • Official website banners
  • Email newsletters
  • Mobile apps
  • Loyalty program portals
Trusted Third Parties
  • Major coupon websites
  • Browser extensions
  • Deal forums
  • Price tracking apps

Warning Signs of Unverified Coupons:

  • No recent verification date
  • Low success rates
  • Negative user comments
  • Too-good-to-be-true offers
  • Required downloads
  • Requests for personal info
  • Suspicious website sources
  • Unclear terms and conditions

Best Practices for Using Verified Coupons:

  • Test codes early in the shopping process
  • Screenshot or save verification details
  • Check terms and expiration dates
  • Sign up for retailer newsletters for direct verified codes
  • Use trusted coupon websites with verification systems

Best Practices for Sitewide Coupons

  • Stack with category-specific deals when allowed
  • Compare different sitewide offers - higher percentage isn't always better
  • Calculate minimum spend requirements vs. discount value
  • Check exclusions before filling your cart
  • Sign up for email newsletters to get exclusive codes

Using Multiple Coupons

Sometimes. You can typically combine one manufacturer coupon with one store coupon on a single item, known as 'stacking.' However, you cannot use multiple manufacturer coupons or multiple store coupons on the same item. Always check store policies, as they vary by retailer.

Organization Tips

Organize coupons by category (food, household, personal care) and expiration date. Use a filing system like an accordion file, binder with baseball card sleeves, or digital organization app. Review weekly and purge expired coupons to stay organized.

Digital vs Paper Coupons

Digital coupons offer convenience and can't be forgotten at home, but paper coupons sometimes offer higher values and more flexibility for stacking. The best approach is using both types to maximize savings opportunities.
Mobile coupon apps like Ibotta, Checkout 51, and Fetch Rewards offer cashback on purchases. Simply upload your receipt after shopping, and the app credits your account with rewards that can be cashed out once you reach the minimum threshold.
Store loyalty programs often offer exclusive digital coupons and personalized deals based on shopping history. These can usually be combined with manufacturer coupons and sales for additional savings. Always register your loyalty card and check available offers before shopping.
Rebate apps provide cash back after purchase, while traditional coupons give discounts at checkout. Rebate apps often require reaching a minimum threshold before cashing out and may have specific purchase requirements or time limits.

Advanced Strategies

Coupon stacking involves using multiple discounts on one purchase. For example, combine a manufacturer coupon with a store coupon, then use it during a sale and pay with a cashback credit card. Check store policies for specific stacking rules.
Start with the original price, subtract dollar-off discounts, then apply percentage discounts in order from largest to smallest. Finally, subtract any additional coupons or rebates. Some stores' registers automatically calculate the most beneficial order of discounts.
Use coupons when items are already on sale to maximize savings. Many stores have sales cycles every 6-8 weeks. Track prices and plan your shopping around these cycles, combining sales with coupons for the biggest discounts.
If an item is out of stock, request a rain check to buy it later at the sale price. Most stores will honor coupons with rain checks if they're still valid when you make the purchase. Always check the store's specific rain check policy.
Buy-One-Get-One (BOGO) coupons require purchasing multiple items, while dollar-off coupons provide a straight discount. BOGO deals can offer better value but require more upfront spending. Calculate the per-unit cost to determine the best deal.
Store policies vary regarding coupon use on clearance items. Some allow it, potentially creating excellent deals, while others prohibit it. Check store policies and look for specific exclusions on coupon terms.

Pro Tips for Advanced Couponers

  • Track store sales cycles to predict the best times for deals
  • Combine manufacturer coupons, store coupons, and rebates
  • Use price matching policies with coupons when allowed
  • Join store loyalty programs for exclusive stacking opportunities
  • Keep a price book to know when a deal is truly good

Common Issues

Politely ask to speak with a manager and have the store's coupon policy ready (many stores post these online). If the issue persists, contact the store's customer service department or the coupon issuer for clarification.
Most stores won't accept expired coupons, but military commissaries overseas often accept them up to six months past expiration. Some stores might honor expired coupons briefly (1-2 days) at their discretion, but don't count on this.
Only use coupons from legitimate sources, never pay for coupons, don't photocopy them, and avoid "too good to be true" offers. Be wary of social media coupon schemes and never modify coupons, as this is illegal.
Only collect coupons for products you actually use, set a reasonable time limit for coupon organization, and avoid buying things solely because they're on sale. Focus on quality deals rather than quantity of coupons.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

  • Always read the fine print before heading to the store
  • Take a photo of the coupon policy on your phone
  • Keep digital screenshots of your coupons as backup
  • Check expiration dates before shopping
  • Verify item sizes and quantities match coupon requirements

Warning Signs of Coupon Scams

  • Coupons being sold online
  • Unusually high discount amounts
  • Poor quality printing or irregular sizes
  • Missing legal text or unusual terms
  • Requests to download or install software

Expert Tips

  • Always check the fine print for exclusions
  • Combine sitewide coupons with category deals
  • Sign up for retailer newsletters
  • Follow brands on social media

Disclaimer: Coupon policies vary by retailer. Always check current store policies.