We’ve all seen those extreme couponers with carts full of groceries, grinning from ear to ear as their total drops from like $300 to $20. It may look like some kind of sorcery, but here’s the secret: it’s all about coupon stacking. With some savvy shopping tricks, you can stretch your dollar further and max out your savings.

Whether you’re new to couponing or a seasoned deal hunter, here’s how to master the art of coupon stacking and get the most bang for your buck. Ready to stack for serious savings? Let’s go!

What Is coupon stacking?

To put it simply, coupon stacking is using multiple coupons on the same item to maximize your savings. Sounds too good to be true, right? But it’s completely legit, as long as you follow store policies. Usually, stacking means combining a manufacturer’s coupon with a store coupon for double the discount. Some stores even let you add rebates and cashback offers into the mix, resulting in huge savings or even free items! (If only there were a way to get them to actually pay you to take stuff home, right? But this is the next best thing.)

1. Start with the right coupons: manufacturer vs. store coupons

To stack coupons like a pro, you need to understand the two main types of coupons:

  • Manufacturer coupons: These are issued by the product’s manufacturer (like Procter & Gamble or Unilever) and can be used at any store that accepts coupons. You’ll find them in newspapers, coupon websites, or directly from the brand.
  • Store coupons: These come from the store itself (like Target or CVS) and can only be used at that specific store. You can often find them in the store’s weekly ad, app, or website.

The key: Most stores allow you to use one manufacturer coupon and one store coupon on the same item. That’s where the magic happens!

Brigit tip: Many stores also have digital coupons that you can load directly onto your rewards card or app. These can be stacked with paper coupons for even more savings.

2. Find the best stacking stores

Not all stores allow coupon stacking, so it’s important to know where to shop. Here are a few of the best places to stack:

  • Target: Target is a coupon lover’s paradise. You can stack a manufacturer coupon, a Target store coupon, and a Cartwheel offer (Target’s in-app discounts) all on the same item. Plus, if you pay with your Target RedCard, you’ll score an extra 5% off.
  • CVS: At CVS, you can stack manufacturer coupons with store coupons and ExtraCare Bucks (store credit earned from purchases). You can also combine these with sale prices for maximum savings.
  • Walgreens: Walgreens is another great place for coupon stacking. Combine manufacturer coupons with store coupons and Balance Rewards points for deep discounts.
  • Kroger: If you’re lucky enough to have a Kroger nearby, you can stack manufacturer coupons with store coupons and digital coupons. Keep an eye out for their mega sale events, where stacking coupons can result in huge savings.

Brigit tip: Always check each store’s coupon policy before shopping. Some stores may limit how many coupons you can use per transaction or per item, so it’s good to know the rules ahead of time.

3. Stack coupons with sales for double the savings

The real power of coupon stacking is when you pair your coupons with an already discounted item. Imagine finding your favorite shampoo on sale for 50% off, and then stacking a manufacturer coupon and a store coupon on top of that. Suddenly, that shampoo is practically free!

Hack: Keep an eye on your store’s weekly sales ad or download apps like Flipp or Rakuten to see what’s on sale. Match the sale items with the coupons you have, and voila—you’ve just doubled (or tripled) your savings!

Brigit tip: Some stores also offer double or triple coupon days, where they multiply the value of manufacturer coupons. These are prime opportunities to stack coupons and score big savings.

4. Don’t forget cashback and rebate apps

You know what’s better than getting a great deal? Getting money back after you shop! Enter cashback and rebate apps, which can be stacked with coupons and sales to save even more. Popular apps like Ibotta, Checkout 51, and Fetch Rewards offer rebates on everyday items like groceries, cleaning supplies, and personal care products.

Here’s how to make it work:

1. Check the app for rebate offers before you shop.

2. Buy the item using your stacked coupons and store deals.

3. Upload your receipt to the app to claim your cashback.

Hack: These apps often work alongside coupons and store sales, so you can stack a rebate offer on top of your discounts for max savings. Some apps also give you a welcome bonus when you sign up, so you can start saving right away!

Brigit tip: Use multiple rebate apps for the same item if it’s eligible. For example, you might be able to get cashback on the same item from both Ibotta and Checkout 51, resulting in double the rebate!

5. Maximize your savings with loyalty programs

Loyalty programs are another great way to boost your coupon stacking game. Most major retailers have free loyalty programs that offer rewards, cashback, or store credit when you shop. Combining these rewards with your stacked coupons is a surefire way to save even more.

Where to join:

  • Target Circle: Get automatic access to exclusive Circle offers that can be stacked with other discounts.
  • CVS ExtraCare: Get savings and Earn ExtraBucks on qualifying purchases, which can be combined with coupons for deeper savings.

Brigit tip: Use your store’s app to track loyalty points and coupons in one place. Many apps also alert you to personalized offers and exclusive discounts that you can stack.