How to Get Coupons and Discount Codes: Digital and Paper Deals
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For decades, coupons have helped shoppers save money on groceries and household items. But the number of ways to find them has grown in recent years.
Now, discounts are available almost everywhere, including inboxes, websites and smartphone apps. No matter where you find coupons, be sure to read the fine print and familiarize yourself with store policies before you shop.
1. Shop at stores with rewards programs
Enroll in rewards programs or sign up for the mailing list 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.
Be prepared: Retailers may flood your inbox with messages or use your information, such as demographics and shopping habits, for marketing purposes. Depending on your email service, you may be able to divert messages into a separate inbox to manage the volume. You can check the retailer website for a “do not sell my information” link, and customize the internet cookies you accept.
2. Install a browser extension
When shopping online, use a browser extension to 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 extra work.
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3. Ask for manufacturer coupons
If you favor certain 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. Another option? Leave a comment on the brand’s social media page.
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 on special 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 and apps
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.
Livesey recommends downloading apps for the stores you shop at regularly. Some have features that make it easy to find store and manufacturer coupons in one place.
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 postal “junk” mail
Next time you collect your mail, pause and do a quick review before automatically tossing “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.
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.
