How To Coupon: Ultimate Beginner's Guide

Not all coupons are created equal! In the USA, stores and brands offer different types of coupons. Understanding coupons and how to use each coupon can help you save more. Here are the main types of coupons you need to know,

1. Manufacturer Coupons:

These coupons are issued directly by brands like P&G, Kellogg’s, or Unilever. You can use them at almost any store that accepts coupons. Like Walmart, Target, or your local grocery store. But the thing is you can not combine two manufacturer coupons on the same product. You can pair manufacturer coupons with store coupons for extra savings. You can find manufacturer coupons in Sunday newspaper inserts, brand websites, and coupon apps.

2. Store Coupons:

Store coupons come straight from retailers like CVS, Walgreens, or Kroger. And you can use these coupons only for that specific store. Most stores allow you to stack their coupons with manufacturer coupons. This means you can double your discounts. You can find store coupons in weekly ads (the ones you toss in the trash without looking, stop doing that). Store coupons are also available in store apps.

3. Digital Coupons:

If you don’t want to mess with paper coupons, digital coupons are the way to go. Most major retailers let you load them straight to your store loyalty card or app. All you have to do is enter your phone number at checkout. Easy, right? You can find digital coupons on Grocery store apps, Big-box stores, or Manufacturer sites.

4. Printable Coupons:

Some brands and coupon sites let you print your own coupons at home. However, few stores accept these nowadays (thanks to fraud issues). They are a solid way to save if you shop at stores that take them. You just need to check the store’s policy before you show up with a handful of printed coupons! You can find printable coupons at Brand websites or Grocery store websites.

5. Cashback and Rebate Apps:

Cashback and rebate apps aren't exactly coupons but they work the same way. Only difference is instead of saving money at checkout you will get cash back after your purchase. Cashback Apps will give you real money back just for buying stuff you’d get anyway. It’s basically free money!

Tip for you: Use a manufacturer coupon + store coupon on the same item. Shop during sales for even bigger discounts.

Now that you know the different types of coupons, it's time to track them down. The fact is Coupons are everywhere, you just need to know where to look. Whether you like old-school clipping or prefer digital deals, here's where to find the best coupons.

1. Sunday Newspaper Inserts:

Yes, newspapers still exist. And yes, they still have some of the best manufacturer coupons around. Every Sunday, newspapers like The New York Times, USA Today, or your local paper include coupons. Newspapers are the smart source for grocery, personal care, and household item coupons.

2. Store Apps & Websites:

Almost every major retailer has an app or website loaded with digital coupons. The best part? These coupons can be clipped (aka saved) to your store loyalty account. So all you have to do is enter your phone number or scan the app at checkout. Some of the Best Store Apps for Coupons are ShoppingWays and CouponMoto.us.

3. Manufacturer Websites:

Many brands offer printable coupons or cashback rewards directly on their websites. If you have a favorite brand, check their site. Otherwise, you might be leaving free money on the table!

Popular brands that offer online coupons include P&G Good Everyday, Kellogg’s Family Rewards, Colgate & Huggies Websites, etc. Don't forget to sign up for brand emails for exclusive coupons.

4. Printable Coupon Sites:

If you prefer paper coupons but don’t want to buy newspapers, printable coupon sites are a goldmine. Just print, cut, and save!

Tip: Some stores don’t accept printed coupons due to fraud, so always check the store’s policy first!

5. Cashback & Rebate Apps:

Don’t feel like clipping or scanning barcodes? No problem! Rebate apps give you cash back after you shop. Just upload your receipt or link your store account. You can stack cashback apps with coupons double savings.

6. In-Store Coupons:

Some coupons aren’t found until you’re actually in the store. Keep an eye out for Peelie Coupon, Blinkies, Catalina Coupons, and more. If a Catalina coupon prints and you don’t need it, hand it to someone who might. Coupon karma is real!

You’ve got your coupons ready, but before you hit the checkout line, there’s one major thing you need to know. i.e. Store Coupon Policies. Every retailer has its own set of rules for accepting coupons. If you don’t follow them, you might end up with rejected coupons (cue the disappointment).

Understanding store policies not only saves you headaches but also helps you stack coupons, double savings, and even score freebies the right way. Here are the things you need to know,

1. Do They Accept Manufacturer Coupons?

Most major grocery and retail stores accept manufacturer coupons. But not all stores do. Some have limits on how many you can use per item or per transaction.

Stores That Accept Manufacturer Coupons are Walmart, Target, Kroger, Publix, Safeway, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Dollar General.

Stores That Don’t Accept Manufacturer Coupons are Costco, Sam’s Club, Aldi, Trader Joe’s (but they have their own deals!)

2. Stacking Coupons: Can You Use Multiple Coupons on One Item?

Some stores let you stack different types of coupons together for epic savings. Others? Not so much. Here’s how stacking works:

• Manufacturer Coupon + Store Coupon = Allowed at most stores
• Store Coupon + Digital Store Coupon = Sometimes allowed (varies by store)
• Two Manufacturer Coupons on One Item = Nope, never allowed

Best Stores for Stacking Coupons are Target, Walgreens, CVS, and Kroger. You can stack Target Circle offers, store coupons, and manufacturer coupons. For Walgreens, stack a Walgreens store coupon with a manufacturer coupon.

Tip: Check if your store lets you use cashback apps on top of stacked coupons for even more savings.

Want to know more about Coupon Stacking Techniques check out How to Stack Coupons Online.

3. Does the Store Offer Coupon Doubling?

Some grocery stores will double the value of your coupons. So a $0.50 coupon becomes $1.00 off. However, this is becoming rarer, and most major chains have cut back on it.

Stores That Still Double Coupons are Kroger (some regions), Safeway (some regions), ShopRite, Harris Teeter, Giant. Walmart, Target, Walgreens, and CVS do not double coupons.

4. Limits on Coupon Usage:

Most stores limit how many identical coupons you can use per transaction. This stops extreme couponers from wiping out entire shelves (we’ve all seen those people).

Here are some Common Limits,

• Kroger & Safeway: Limit 5 identical coupons per transaction
• Walmart & Target: Usually limit 4 identical coupons per transaction
• CVS & Walgreens: Varies, but limits on store rewards apply

5. Does the Store Accept Expired Coupons?

Most stores do not accept expired coupons. But there are a few exceptions. Bed Bath & Beyond are amous for accepting expired store coupons. Military Commissaries accept expired manufacturer coupons up to 6 months past expiration. Walmart, Target, Kroger, CVS, Walgreens, and most grocery stores won’t take expired coupons.

Tip: If you have expired coupons, donate them to military families through programs like Coupons for Troops!

6. Do They Allow Overages? (AKA Getting Paid to Shop!)

Coupon overage happens when your coupon discount is higher than the item’s price. Meaning the store owes you money. Some stores let you apply the overage to the rest of your purchase. While others just adjust the coupon down.

Stores that allow overages are Walmart and Publix. Target, Walgreens, CVS, and Kroger will adjust the coupon down to avoid overages.

7. Are There Restrictions on Using Printed or Digital Coupons?

Some stores don’t accept printed coupons due to fraud. Others limit how many you can use at once.

Dollar General and Dollar Tree might NOT accept printed coupons. Stores like Walmart, Target, Kroger, Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid always accept digital coupons.

Tip: If a store denies your printed coupon, stay polite and ask for a manager. Sometimes cashiers aren’t familiar with the store’s policy!

8. Rain Checks: Get the Deal Even If It’s Sold Out

Ever go to grab a hot deal only to find an empty shelf? Don’t worry, you might be able to get a rain check! Rain Check is a store-issued voucher that lets you buy a sold out item at the sale price later, even after the sale ends.

Stores that offer Rain Checks are

• CVS & Walgreens: Yes, but not on all items
• Kroger & Safeway: Usually yes, depends on location
• Publix: Yes, with a 30-day expiration
• Walmart & Target do NOT offer rain checks.

Couponing is all about smart shopping. But there’s a fine line between scoring great deals and breaking the rules. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, it’s important to play fair so that stores continue offering great coupon deals.

If people abuse the system, stores tighten policies, stop accepting certain coupons, or even cancel awesome promotions (yep, it happens!). That’s why ethical couponing is essential. It keeps the savings going for everyone.

Here’s how to stay on the right side of couponing while still maximizing your discounts.

1. Only Use Coupons as Intended

Using a coupon for the wrong item or trying to game the system is a big no-no. Some shoppers try to use a coupon for a different product (like using a $2 off shampoo coupon on body wash), but that’s considered fraud.

2. Never Copy, Alter, or Sell Coupons

Coupons are not free money. They’re marketing tools from brands and stores to drive sales. Some people try to copy, alter, or even sell coupons online (yes, that’s illegal). So, don't photocopy printable coupons because most stores track unique barcodes and will reject duplicates. Editing coupon values is banned like changing a "$1 off" coupon to "$10 off." Buying or selling coupons is also against manufacturers’ terms.

3. Follow Store Limits – No Hoarding or Shelf Clearing

We get it when you see a crazy deal, it’s tempting to load up. But wiping out an entire shelf just because you have 20 coupons? Not cool. Most stores limit how many coupons you can use per item or transaction to prevent hoarding. This keep deals available for everyone.

4. Don’t Use Coupons on Resale Items

Some people try to use coupons on bulk purchases and resell items for profit (like at flea markets, dollar stores, or even on eBay). But manufacturers strictly prohibit using coupons for resale purchases. Using coupons to buy large amounts of items for resale is not allowed.

5. Respect Cashiers & Store Employees

Let’s be real, cashiers deal with a lot of difficult customers. The last thing you want is to be that couponer who argues over every discount and holds up the entire checkout line.

So, be a polite couponer. Have your coupons organized and ready before checkout. Follow store limits, don’t fight cashiers over policies. If a coupon won’t scan, politely ask if they can double-check, but don’t demand they override it. If you have a huge haul with coupons, use self-checkout when available or go during non-peak hours to avoid slowing down lines.

6. Don’t Use Coupons on Mismarked Items

Sometimes stores misprice items or forget to remove an old sale tag. Ethical couponing means not taking advantage of mistakes just to score a freebie. Don't use a coupon on an item that’s mismarked at the wrong price. Don't argue with employees to honor expired sales or incorrect pricing. If you see a mispriced item, politely ask a manager if they’ll honor it. If not, move on!

Couponing isn’t just about cutting out little pieces of paper. It’s about shopping smarter, saving more, and making every dollar count. Whether you’re just starting out or already picking up great deals, using coupons the right way can help you slash your grocery bill, score freebies, and keep more money in your pocket.

By now, you should have a solid understanding of how to find, stack, and use coupons effectively. The next step? Put these tips into action! Start small, use a few coupons on your next shopping trip, and watch how quickly the savings add up.

Did this guide help you understand couponing better? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below and let us know What’s the best deal you’ve scored using coupons?

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