How to Coupon: Tips For Beginners & Veteran Shoppers (2025)

Feeling like your everyday expenses are too high? Couponing could be the budget hack you need. It’s an easy way to save on groceries, clothes, and more. With a little effort, you can stretch your budget and keep rising costs in check. In fact, 90% of Americans have used coupons at least once in the past year, and over half prefer digital ones.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to up your couponing game, this guide has all the basics to get you started. We’ll walk you through finding the best deals, share tips to help you maximize savings, and help you learn how to coupon. Let’s dive in!
What is Couponing and How Does It Work?
Couponing is simple. You use discounts, vouchers, or promo codes to get money off your purchases. It can be a flat discount (like $2 off) or a percentage (say 20% off), and most retailers accept them. You can find coupons almost everywhere: newspapers, magazines, online platforms, apps, and even directly from the product manufacturer.
An average U.S. household can save around $1,465 a year just by using coupons on essentials like groceries, entertainment, and clothing.
The key to getting the most from couponing is to have a strategy. It's not about grabbing any coupon you come across. You can really make a dent in your grocery bill, score deals on electronics, and even get freebies when you plan ahead. |
Types of Coupons
To get good at couponing, it's helpful to be familiar with the various types of coupons out there. Here are the main ones you'll come across:
1) Manufacturer Coupons:
These coupons come straight from the product makers and can be used at any store that accepts them. They usually give you a discount on a specific item. You can often find these online or in the Sunday newspapers.
For example, Walgreens' website offers manufacturer coupons that you can apply to your Walgreens cart or loyalty card with the click of a button.
2) Store Coupons:
Offered by retailers, these coupons are only valid in their stores. Combine them with manufacturer coupons for even bigger savings. Some manufacturers, like Target and Walgreens, allow you to stack manufacturer coupons with store coupons.
You can't use specific store coupons at other retailers. For example, a Bath and Body Works coupon for 20% off body care items can only be used at Bath and Body Works.
Bookmark GrabOn's Store Coupon Pages
No way are we letting you pay full price! Head to our dedicated deals pages for all the top retail stores.
3) Digital Coupons:
Digital coupons are easy to use and widely available. Find them on mobile apps or store websites. Load them onto your loyalty card or app, and they'll apply automatically when you make a qualifying purchase. No need to clip or print anything.
For instance, if you have a digital coupon for Kohl's that offers 20% off your entire purchase, you can use it either online or in-store. To use it online, simply enter the coupon code at checkout. If you're shopping in-store, show the digital coupon on your phone at the register to get the discount.
4) Catalina Coupons:
Ever notice those slips that print at the register? Those are Catalina coupons, and they're often tailored to what you just bought.
For instance, if you buy a few boxes of Kellogg's cereal, you might receive a Catalina coupon offering $1.00 off your next purchase of any Kellogg's cereal. These coupons can be used for discounts on future purchases and are a great way to save on items you frequently buy.
5) Promo Codes:
Promo codes are alphanumeric codes used primarily for online shopping. Enter these codes during checkout to apply discounts, free shipping, or special offers. Promo codes are typically shared through email newsletters, social media, or promotional websites.
For example, a promo code like “SAVE10” might give you 10% off your online order. Simply enter the code in the designated field at checkout, and the discount will be applied to your total. Promo codes often come with expiration dates or usage limits, so be sure to use them before they expire.
How To Get Into Couponing
Take it step by step in the beginning and it doesn’t have to be complicated. So, begin by choosing a specific goal and stick to it, now it can be anything from saving on groceries or household items to saving on a car tire. Next, find reliable sources for coupons, such as store apps, manufacturer websites, couponing blogs, or Sunday newspapers.
Start small by focusing on items you regularly buy to make the savings feel immediate and practical.
Organization is key. Use a binder, a digital app, or even a simple envelope system to track your coupons by category or expiration date. Always read the fine print to understand restrictions like purchase limits or eligible locations. Pair coupons with sales or store rewards programs for maximum savings, this is often called "stacking, and it's a game-changer.
One secret many experienced couponers swear by is timing. Stores often follow predictable sales cycles for items, so aligning your coupon usage with these cycles can double or triple your savings. Finally, don't overdo it. Focus on buying what you need, not just what's discounted, to avoid clutter and overspending.
Where to Find Coupons
Finding coupons has never been easier, and we're here to help you save more on every purchase. Whether you’re looking for discounts on fashion, food delivery, or everyday essentials, there are several great places to start your search.
- Coupon Websites: At GrabOn, we make it simple for you to discover discounts across a wide range of categories. Our platform brings together the best coupons from top retailers, all in one place, so you can find the deals you need without any hassle.
- Retailer Newsletters: Sign up for a retailer's newsletter for exclusive discounts and early access to sales. Some retailers offer up to 20% off just for signing up!
- Mobile Apps: Retailer apps and third-party apps often offer mobile-exclusive coupons and flash sale notifications. These apps also track your shopping history, making personalized coupon recommendations.
- In-Store Promotions: Check for coupons in-store, whether on product packaging, in flyers or through loyalty programs. Sometimes, you can combine these with online discounts for extra savings. Always ask at checkout if there are any active promotions. It never hurts to ask.
- Social Media: Follow your favorite brands online. They often share exclusive discounts through their social media channelssometimes, it's first come, first served!
How to Maximize Your Savings with Coupons
Want to save big with coupons? It's not just about finding dealsit's about using them smartly. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your coupons:
- Plan Your Shopping Around Sales: Don’t just shop on a whim. Plan ahead. Be on the lookout for upcoming sales and pair them with your coupons. Stores like Target and Kohl’s often combine store-wide promotions with coupons, which can lead to steep discounts.
- Stack Coupons for Double Savings: Look for chances to stack coupons when you're shopping. Many stores let you combine a store discount with a promo code or a cashback offer. For example, you can use a store coupon and a cashback app and really pile up the savings on the same purchase.
- Set Up a Dedicated Email for Coupons: Make a separate email just for coupons. That way, your personal inbox stays clutter-free, and you won't miss out on any deals.
- Download Coupon Browser Extensions: Tools like Honey or Rakuten do the work for you by automatically finding and applying coupon codes when you shop online. They also often notify you of cashback opportunities, making your savings stack up even faster.
- Ask About Special Discounts: Many retailers offer military, student, or senior discounts, but they don't always advertise them. Don't be shy! Ask if there are any special discounts available at checkout. You could qualify for savings just by asking a simple question.
- Price Match While Using Coupons: If you spot a better deal elsewhere, see if your store will price match it, even with your coupon. This works especially well for high-ticket items like electronics, where even small price differences can save you a lot. Just show proof of the lower price and ask the store to match it.
- Organize Coupons by Expiration Date: Stay on top of your coupons by organizing them based on expiration dates. Use the soonest-to-expire coupons first and set reminders on your phone so you never miss out on a deal. This ensures you get the most value before they're no longer valid.
- Leverage Loyalty Programs: Many stores have loyalty programs that reward you for frequent purchases. For instance, drugstores like CVS and Walgreens offer rewards points that can be combined with coupons for added savings. Some programs even offer members-only coupons or discounts.
- Shop During Holiday Sales: Big sales events like Black Friday or Labor Day offer some of the best opportunities to stack coupons with store promotions. Plan your purchases around these holiday sales, combining store discounts, promo codes, and cashback offers to maximize your savings.
Staying Organized with Coupons
Once you get into couponing, it's easy to lose track of all those deals. Staying organized can help you keep everything in check. Here are some tips to stay on top of your coupons:
- Create a Digital Folder: Save your online coupons and promo codes in a digital folder, or use a note-taking app to list codes and their expiration dates. Bookmark important coupon sites like GrabOn for quick access.
- Use a Coupon App: Coupon apps help you store and organize digital coupons. Many will even send you reminders when your coupons are about to expire.
- Categorize Your Coupons: Whether you prefer a physical binder or a digital system, group your coupons by type or product category so you can quickly find what you need.
- Check Your Coupons Regularly: Go through your coupons often to remove expired ones and check for new deals on your shopping list.
Couponing 101: Top Tips for Beginners
Getting started with couponing can be overwhelming, but these simple tips will have you couponing like a pro in no time:
- Start Small: Don't try to use dozens of coupons right away. Start with a few key items and work your way up.
- Keep Your Budget in Check: It's easy to overspend when you're excited about savings. Set a budget for your discounted items to stay on track.
- Play by the Rules: Follow the rules of couponing. Don't photocopy coupons or use expired ones. It keeps you in good standing with stores and helps maintain the couponing community's integrity.
- Read the Fine Print: Coupons come with restrictions, such as purchase limits or minimum spend requirements. Read the details carefully to avoid surprises.
- Stay Consistent: Couponing isn't a one-time thing. Consistency pays off. Saving a little each time adds up to significant savings over the year.
Why Couponing is Worth It
Couponing isn't just about saving a few bucks. It's about getting the most bang for your buck. Whether you're saving regularly or just looking to knock a chunk off a bigger purchase, couponing can be a game changer. Over time, even small savings add up to make a big difference in your budget.
GrabOn is a great resource that offers coupons across a range of categories. With cashback offers, shopping tips, promo codes, and seasonal discounts, you can up your savings game. Why not give it a shot and see how much you can save?