How to Get Coupons and Discounts: 15 Strategies to Try

Coupons have helped shoppers save money for decades.

According to a January 2025 NerdWallet survey, 52% of U.S. adults say they use coupons to save on food and other necessities.

As prices on everything rise, finding discounts is increasingly important. Below are ways to get both paper and digital coupons.

1. Shop at stores with rewards programs

Enroll in rewards programs or sign up for the email lists for the retailers you frequent most. Many stores send returning customers exclusive coupons or apply discounts automatically during checkout.

“Those are savings that you’re going to get without doing a thing except for swiping your card,” says Cindy Livesey, frugal-living expert from coupon website Living Rich With Coupons.

Many retails offer their rewards programs through apps that send you push notifications. These apps make it easy to find store and manufacturer coupons in one place.

2. Install a browser extension

When shopping online, use a browser extension such as Honey or Capital One Shopping, which track down discounts on your behalf.

These extensions typically locate coupons and automatically apply the codes to your cart, so you can save money without putting in much work.

3. Ask for manufacturer coupons

If you have favorite brands, contact the companies directly. They’ll often send manufacturer coupons or samples when you provide feedback (or simply request them).

Look for a “contact us” link on the company’s website. This should direct you to an email form, live chat feature, customer service phone number or mailing address.

4. Pick up weekly ads at the store

Watch for weekly circulars on display near the front doors or registers. These might include store-specific sales or other offers that you can redeem immediately or during a future shopping trip.

This is a good way to find deals on things it can be hard to find coupons for, such as produce, meat and poultry. Some discounters, such as Aldi, don’t accept coupons, but may have circulars that tell you what’s discounted that week. These stores may offer lower prices on everyday items.

5. Search a coupon database or app

Coupon databases are websites that compile printable and digital coupons, including rebates. You can use them to search deals by brand, product or store and save time. Search “coupon database” on Google to get started.

For on-the-go savings, try a free coupon app. Check with the store before you shop. Some stores accept online coupons, others do not.

6. Visit retailer websites for digital coupons

If you plan to purchase an item, check retailer websites first. Most major merchants have a weekly ad, coupon or offers section online. Or you might see a limited-time discount code on the homepage or a banner ad.

7. Check the newspaper

Newspapers, particularly on Sundays, often have coupon inserts. These often feature coupons for food and household items.

Before you pay for a subscription, make sure it’s worthwhile. You might be able to get access to newspapers through friends, businesses and other sources free of charge. Free papers often have coupons, too.

8. Go through your junk mail

Next time you collect your postal mail, pause and do a quick review before automatically tossing any junk mail. Some stores mail flyers containing coupons based on recent purchases.

9. Look at the product packaging

Some discounts hide in plain sight at the grocery store. Inspect items, such as meat and cereal, for a peel-off coupon attached to the box or packaging. You could get instant savings.

10. Browse store aisles

Don’t see a voucher on the product itself? Check shelves and other locations in the store.

“Usually when they have a new product coming out, they’ll put a display with a tearpad on there enticing you to get that product,” Livesey says.

But don’t let a good deal tempt you to buy something you don't need.

11. Check your receipts

Take a close look at your receipt after every transaction. Some stores print coupons on the back. The cashier might also hand over a few extra slips of paper printed from a machine next to the register. These offers, known as Catalina coupons, are usually based on shopping habits. For example, if you buy a toothbrush, you may receive a voucher for toothpaste.

12. Use social media

Follow social media accounts for stores, brands and products you like. Many share coupon codes on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. You could also try reaching out to brands with a post or comment.

13. Subscribe

Some retailers may offer discounts for items you repurchase frequently. Think of daily-use items such as vitamins, dish detergent, shampoo and the like. Amazon, for instance, offers discounts on single purchases when enrolled in the Subscribe and Save feature and greater discounts when subscribed to five or more subscriptions in a single month.

14. Use welcome coupons

Some retailers offer coupons to first-time customers when you sign up with your email or phone number. While you may be apprehensive because you don’t want to share your personal data or be bombarded with emails, you could potentially snag a discount on items you’re going to buy anyway.

One way to get the deals without have to directly deal with spammy emails is to use a separate account for first-time customer deals or to use the "hide my email" feature if you have it enabled on your phone or desktop.

15. Shop the alternatives

Coupons are great, but they're not the only way to save money when you shop. Coupons are often for brand-name products. Generics may be cheaper than the brand-name products, even after the coupon’s discount.