How to Coupon: Simple Steps, Tools and Tips for 2026

Learning how to coupon means understanding today’s digital tools — from store apps and loyalty programs to AI browser extensions and rebate apps. This guide walks beginners and seasoned savers through the best ways to use coupons to maximize savings

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Updated Jan 1, 2026 · 4 min read

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Couponing trends to watch in 2026:

Knowing how couponing is evolving can help you take advantage of new savings tools — and avoid strategies that no longer work.

In-app exclusives have replaced paper coupons: Newspaper circulars and paper coupons are being phased out, leaving room for app-only coupons and store loyalty programs.
AI tools boost savings: AI tools such as coupon apps and browser extensions can help you save by finding the best coupon, listing price-matching opportunities, and finding retailer-specific promos you might be missing.
Location-based offers determine savings: Retailer apps track your past purchases, store location, inventory and price trends to give shoppers an offer.
Watch for social media flash deals: Influencer partnerships and timed deals on Instagram and TikTok are chances to save if you catch them. Redditors also share discount codes and savings tips on message boards.
Coupon stacking might become harder: Retailers are tightening restrictions on how many coupons shoppers can stack and double coupon programs. That means shoppers in the same city might get different coupons.

If you’re a couponing beginner, we’ll help you make a plan. First, learn where to find coupons and how to apply them, then try tools to help you stay organized as you shop.

1. 'Stack' store and manufacturer's coupons

There are two major kinds of coupons to know about:

Store coupons are issued by a specific retailer and can only be used at those locations.
Manufacturer’s coupons are issued by the company that makes the product and can be used at any retailer that accepts them.

You may be able to find both types of coupons in retailer apps and flyers in the mail. If you subscribe to a newspaper, check there, too — the Sunday edition usually has the most coupons.

Make sure the store allows coupon stacking before you try.

» See our guide: How to get coupons

The best scenario is using a store coupon and manufacturer’s coupon together. This strategy is called “coupon stacking,” and it can save you big at the register.

For example, maybe you buy a box of Pampers diapers at CVS, which is offering a “$5 off a $25 baby purchase” store coupon. You snag that deal, then tack on a “$3 off Pampers” manufacturer’s coupon you found online — totaling $8 in savings.

Before stacking coupons, check that the retailer allows you to do so.

2. Find a coupon database or a browser extension

Downloading the apps from your favorite retailers can get you access to digital coupons that you can “clip” on your phone and present at checkout.

Also explore coupon databases, which are websites that aggregate coupons in one place, so it’s easy to find deals. Search online for the words “coupon database” to find one you like. Some databases allow you to search by coupon type — such as a printable, newspaper insert or mobile coupon.

If you don’t feel like searching through a coupon database, consider installing a browser extension, which will do the work of finding coupons and discount codes while you shop online. Popular extensions include PayPal Honey and Rakuten, which is also a cash-back app.

3. Download store apps for digital coupons and offers

Many retailers have shifted away from paper coupons and offer deals through their smartphone app. To get access to those special savings, download the apps for stores you shop at most and join their free loyalty programs.

Just downloading the app isn’t enough, though. You’ll likely need to “clip” digital coupons to get the savings at checkout. You might also have to enter your phone number or scan a loyalty card at the register to get the deals.

Lastly, enable push notifications, to see personalized offers based on your previous purchases and access to special savings based on your location.

» Learn about the Target Circle loyalty programs

4. Read the fine print and know your store’s policy

Before using a coupon, check the fine print so you know exactly what qualifies — the correct product size, limits per transaction and whether you need a separate coupon for each item. This helps you avoid surprises at the register.

It’s just as important to understand your store’s coupon policy. Rules vary by retailer: some double coupons up to a certain amount, while others require you to join their loyalty program to access deals or stack discounts.

You can usually find these policies online, or go in person and ask, says Jenny Martin, the writer behind frugal-living website Southern Savers.

Once you learn a store’s policies and shop there regularly, you’ll start to recognize its sales cycles, making it easier to stock up when prices are lowest.

5. Make a shopping list and use apps for more savings

Know which products you plan to buy so you can find coupons that match. A grocery list app, such as Bring! or AnyList, can help keep you organized.

They allow you to create shareable grocery lists that you or other family members can edit. The apps can organize the list based on categories, such as dairy, pasta or produce to help you shop efficiently. There are also free apps that let you digitally clip coupons for products that are on your list.

And check out cash-back apps, such as Fetch or Ibotta, that allow you to upload receipts and earn rewards or rebates for the purchase of featured products. They can help you save even more.

6. Use coupons strategically

Don’t use coupons solely because you find them, which could mean you're buying unnecessary items. Check whether there's an alternative that's cheaper than your coupon deal, such as a store brand or sale item.

Pay attention to annual sale cycles, and look for coupons to amplify savings. For example, school supply sales begin mid-summer. You can save even more if you are gathering coupons for pens, pencils, notebooks and so on leading up to those sales — but keep an eye on the coupons' expiration dates.

7. Buy in bulk

When you find a good sale, buy a few of the items — as long as you know you’ll use all of them before they expire.

Items that are particularly good for buying in bulk are nonperishable goods (think canned goods, rice, flour, pasta), personal care items (shampoo, conditioner, soap) and other household items (toilet paper, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies).

Creating a small stash of goods allows you to dictate how much you pay — rather than letting the retailer dictate, according to Cindy Livesey, frugal-living expert from coupon website Living Rich With Coupons.

For instance, if you run out of toilet paper, you’ll pay the current price. But if you have a few extra packages on hand, you can monitor prices and time your purchase accordingly.

This strategy can be especially important in times of inflation. If you can score a good deal on items you know you will use, that insulates you from price increases later.

8. Start small

Martin recommends browsing your store’s ad and picking 10 items that are on sale. Then pair coupons with these items and head to the store.

“It’s kind of setting you up for a small win, which is a great way to get started,” Martin says.

“You got your 10 items, you used all of your coupons, you saw that the store didn’t treat you horribly — and they took everything. And you saw how much you saved, and that’s the best part.”

» Keep it up: more ways to save money

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the easiest way to start couponing?

Download the store apps for the places you shop the most, enable notifications using your smartphone settings and use one browser extension for online shopping. Next, add a rebate app of your choice to get extra cash back. This is a fairly simple setup that doesn’t overcomplicate things but takes advantage of the many ways to save.

Are paper coupons still worth using?

Any coupon that saves you money on something you need is worth using, but the reality is that paper coupons are very hard to find. Paper coupons can also be frustrating to use since many retailers promote app-only coupons and digital manufacturer coupons along with loyalty or member-only deals.

How do AI coupon tools work?

When we say AI coupon tools, we mean browser extensions, like Honey and Capital One Shopping, along with rebate apps, such as Ibotta and Fetch. These are powered by AI technology that scans your cart, tests available promo codes, alerts you to price drops and can even offer cash-back opportunities.

These tools can also recommend products based on your previous purchases and determine prices based on your location.

What’s the difference between digital coupons and rebate apps?

Digital coupons are codes that lower your price before checking out. These can be found on retailer websites, using a browser extension or on social media, or on social media, where influencers with brand deals frequently offer codes to their followers.

Rebate apps, such as Fetch and Ibotta, give you cash back or points after you make your purchase. You redeem these points by scanning your receipts or linking your loyalty account.

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