How to Find and Use Coupon Codes to Save Money

Coupon codes can help you save a ton of money on your online and in-store purchases. With some time and effort spent looking for codes and using them properly, you'll be amazed at how much you can save!

This comprehensive guide will teach you where to find coupon codes, tips for making sure they work, and strategies for stacking codes and maximizing savings.

Types of Coupon Codes

There are a few common types of coupon codes to know about:

Percent-off codes - These give you a percentage discount off your entire order or specific products. A 20% off everything code is great for big savings.
Dollar or money amount off codes - These codes give you a set dollar amount off your order, like $10 off or $25 off a $100 purchase.
Free shipping codes - These provide free shipping on your order, which is very useful for larger or heavy items that come with a hefty delivery fee.
Buy one get one free codes (BOGO) - As the name suggests, these codes give you a free product when you purchase one at full price.
Free gift with purchase codes - These provide a gift or free product when you spend a minimum amount. The free gift often comes with qualifying beauty or makeup purchases.

Where to Find Coupon Codes

Now that you know what kinds of coupon codes to look for, here are some of the best places to actually find them:

Retailer Email Lists and Newsletters

One of the easiest ways to get coupon codes is to sign up for brand and retailer email newsletters. They will often send special subscriber-only promo codes, discounts, and sales right to your inbox.

Glossier, J.Crew, and The Home Depot are some examples of retailers that frequently email coupon codes to subscribers.

Retailer Websites

Check the retailer's website directly. Many stores have a Coupons, Promos, Deals, or Savings section with codes you can copy. These are often found at the top or bottom of the site.

Some retailers like Kohl's even have an entire Coupon section clearly linked at the top of their website.

Coupon Websites and Browser Extensions

Sites like RetailMeNot, CouponCabin, and Groupon Coupons have partnerships with tons of retailers to provide coupon codes you can use. Install their browser extensions to automatically try codes at checkout.

Cashback and Rewards Websites

In addition to coupon codes, sites like Rakuten, TopCashback, BeFrugal, and Dosh give you cashback for online purchases. Many also provide promo codes.

Follow your favorite retailers on social media. Brands will often post coupon codes on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get engagement and followers.

Turn on notifications so you never miss a code. Hashtag searches like #couponcode can also reveal hidden deals.

Influencers and Bloggers

Influencers often get special coupon codes from brands that they can pass on to their followers. It never hurts to check out YouTubers, bloggers, and Instagrammers in your niche to see if they have any exclusive promo codes or links.

Print Mailers and Magazines

Keep an eye out for coupon mailers and magazines like Valpak. While dwindling in popularity, these still sometimes have physical coupons for in-store discounts.

You might be able to sign up to have them delivered to your mailbox. They can also be picked up for free at grocery stores.

Apps

Check the app store for coupon apps associated with your favorite retailers. For example, the Michael's app has coupons for arts and crafts supplies.

There are also aggregator apps like Coupons.com, Shopkick, and Flipp that compile codes and circulars from tons of different brands.

How to Use Coupon Codes

Once you've found some great coupon codes, here are some key tips to make sure you use them successfully:

Copy and Paste the Code

Never try to manually type in a coupon code - copying and pasting it prevents any errors from mistyping.

Be sure to only copy the actual code itself, not any extra text around it on the site. Double check that the pasted code matches exactly before applying it.

Check for Exclusions

Many codes have exclusions that limit what they can be used on. For example, a promo may only apply to full-priced items and exclude anything on sale.

Carefully read the details before assuming a code will work on your entire purchase.

One Code Per Order

The majority of retailers allow just one coupon code to be used per order. If you try to enter multiple codes, only one will be applied, if any.

Save the other codes to use for future purchases. You can't combine or stack them into one order.

Watch Expiration Dates

Unlike products themselves, coupon codes do go bad! Double check the expiration date before trying to use a code - an expired one will not work.

Set a reminder if you find a code you want to use but can't purchase the item immediately.

In-Store Coupon Codes

For in-store use, you'll need to either print out the coupon code or have it easily accessible on your smartphone to show the cashier.

Retail associates will likely need to enter the code manually at the register rather than scanning it.

Maximizing Savings with Coupon Codes

To get the biggest savings from coupon codes, keep these stacking, combining, and credit strategies in mind:

Stack Coupons with Sales

If the coupon code doesn't exclude sales items, you can really maximize savings by using coupons on already marked down products.

Stacking a 30% off coupon with a 50% off clearance sale nets you a whopping 65% off your purchase!

Use Cashback and Retail Apps

Pair your coupon code with cashback through Rakuten, TopCashback, BeFrugal, or other similar sites.

You can also combine coupon codes with discounts from retail apps like Shopkick that give you points and rewards for just walking into stores.

Buy Discount Gift Cards

Purchase gift cards to retailers at a discount on sites like CardCash and Raise. Then use your gift cards in combination with coupon codes for extra savings!

This strategy is especially effective for expensive stores like Restoration Hardware, West Elm, and Crate & Barrel.

Get Site Credit for Future Savings

Some retailers give you site credit back as part of their coupon codes or cashback offers.

Use the credit from your first order with a coupon to save on your second, third, and future orders!

The Downsides of Coupon Codes

While coupon codes provide fantastic savings, there are a few downsides to watch out for:

Expiration dates mean having to constantly hunt for the latest deals.
Exclusions often limit what codes can be used on.
Fake and expired codes still abound, even on legitimate looking sites.
Coupon clutter can make actually checking out a pain.
Retailers sometimes cancel orders placed with coupon codes or limit quantities.
You may end up spending more than planned just to use a code.
In-store codes can get lost, forgotten, or be a hassle to use.
Couponing takes time - you have to hunt them down and remember to use them!

As long as your expectations are set properly, these downsides are manageable. Just be aware of them going in.

Final Tips for Coupon Code Success

Follow these final best practices for awesome savings through coupon codes:

Always try a coupon code box during checkout - you never know what may automatically apply!
Google "[retailer] coupon code" before purchasing to find the latest deals.
The best codes often come directly from a retailer's own website or emails.
Avoid shady looking coupon code sites that seem sketchy or fake. Stick to well-known distributors.
Create reminder alerts so you use codes before they expire.
Check cashback sites for coupon codes before every online purchase.
When in doubt, search for a code - it only takes 30 seconds to potentially save big!

Using coupon codes does require some strategy and effort, but the savings are totally worth it. Follow this guide and you'll be an expert at finding and stacking coupon codes to lower your costs and maximize value from every purchase. Happy couponing!