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Coupon Stacking: What It Is and How to Do It (the Smart, Simple Way)
Coupon stacking is one of those strategies that sounds almost too good to be true. Yet it’s completely legitimate and widely allowed. It’s also one of the fastest ways to cut your shopping bill without spending hours hunting deals. Have you ever wondered how seasoned savers pay a fraction of the price at a store? Coupon stacking is often the secret.
This article explains what coupon stacking is. It describes how it works and where you can do it. The article also outlines the rules you need to know so you can save more with confidence.
What Is Coupon Stacking?
Coupon stacking is the practice of using multiple discounts on the same item to reduce the final price. Instead of relying on just one coupon, you use several types of savings together. These include store coupons, manufacturer coupons, digital offers, and rewards.
Think of it like layering:
- One coupon lowers the price
- Another coupon lowers it again
- A store sale drops it even further
- Rewards or cashback finish the job
Done correctly, stacking can turn a $10 item into a $2 item—or even free.
Types of Coupons You Can Stack
Most stores allow you to combine one manufacturer coupon + one store coupon on a single product. But stacking can go much deeper depending on the retailer.
1. Manufacturer Coupons
Issued by the brand (e.g., P&G, Unilever). These are the classic paper or digital coupons.
2. Store Coupons
Issued by the retailer (Target, Walgreens, Dollar General, etc.). These can be paper, app-based, or printed at the register.
3. Store Sales & Promotions
Weekly ads, BOGO deals, clearance markdowns, and seasonal sales.
4. Rewards Programs
Examples:
- Target Circle earnings
- Walgreens Register Rewards or Walgreens Cash
- CVS ExtraBucks
These can be stacked on top of coupons and sales.
5. Cashback Apps
These are the final layer of savings:
- Ibotta
Ibotta is a free app that helps you earn cash back on everyday purchases. Whether you’re shopping for holiday meals or weekly staples, it’s one of the easiest ways to save.
Use my referral code BBRIBJ when you sign up to unlock bonus points. Share your own code with friends and family. This way, you earn even more points. You can redeem those points for gift cards to your favorite stores.
Sign up today and use referral code BBRIBJ to get a bonus when you start earning!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting Stacey Knows—I only recommend products I truly love.
- Fetch
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- Shopkick
- Brandclub
If you’re looking for a simple and low-commitment way, Brandclub can help. You can add a little extra to your savings each month. It is a steady, realistic option.
Why Brand Club?
Brand Club makes it easy to turn everyday spending into something that works for you:
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Join today and start your own savings story. Because budgeting shouldn’t mean giving up what you love—it just means doing it a little smarter.
- Checkout 51
Cashback apps don’t interfere with coupons, so they’re perfect for stacking.
How to Coupon Stack Step-by-Step
Step 1: Start With the Store’s Coupon Policy
Every store has its own rules. Some allow multiple stacks, others limit you to one manufacturer + one store coupon. Good stacking stores include:
- CVS
- Walgreens
- Target
- Dollar General
- Kroger (varies by region)
Step 2: Match Coupons to Sales
The biggest savings happen when you stack coupons on top of sale prices. Example: A $5 shampoo goes on sale for $3.50. You have:
- $1 manufacturer coupon
- $1 store coupon
Final price: $1.50 Then submit to Ibotta for $1 cashback → $0.50 total.
Step 3: Add Rewards or Store Bucks
If the store is offering rewards for buying that item, you earn those on top of your stacked discounts.
Step 4: Submit to Cashback Apps
This is where many beginners miss out. Even if you used coupons, you can still redeem cashback offers unless the app specifically says otherwise.
Step 5: Track Your Savings
A simple notes app, spreadsheet, or printable tracker helps you stay organized and see your progress.
Real-Life Example of Coupon Stacking
Let’s say you’re buying laundry detergent at Walgreens.
- Regular price: $7.49
- Sale price: $4.99
- $2 manufacturer coupon
- $1 Walgreens store coupon
- Earn $2 Walgreens Cash
- Submit $1 to Ibotta
Final cost: FREE (plus a small moneymaker)
This is the power of stacking.
Where Coupon Stacking Works Best
CVS
- One of the easiest stores for stacking
- Combines manufacturer coupons, store coupons, ExtraBucks, and app offers
Walgreens
- Stacks manufacturer coupons, store coupons, Register Rewards, and Walgreens Cash
Target
- Stacks manufacturer coupons, Target Circle offers, Target Circle earnings, and gift card promos
Dollar General
- Digital stacking is extremely popular
- Weekly $5 off $25 coupon can be stacked with other offers
Grocery Stores
Policies vary, but many allow at least one manufacturer + one store coupon.
Tips for Successful Coupon Stacking
- Always read the fine print (limits, sizes, exclusions).
- Use store apps—they often have exclusive stackable offers.
- Start with one store to avoid overwhelm.
- Plan your trip using the weekly ad + coupons + cashback apps.
- Stay organized so you don’t miss expiration dates.
Final Thoughts
Coupon stacking isn’t extreme couponing—it’s smart couponing. You don’t need binders, hours of clipping, or complicated math. With a few simple steps, you can dramatically lower your grocery and household costs.
STACEY TEA’S AMAZON STOREFRONT
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Stacey Knows—I only recommend products I truly love.
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