Hack Online Shopping: How To Save With Coupon Codes, Cashback and More

3 minute read

By Ryan Pauls

Online shopping offers the ease of purchasing from home, but many miss out on great savings. Simple tricks, like using coupon codes, cashback deals, and other discounts, can make a big difference. With these online shopping hacks, you can enjoy buying more while spending less. Learn how to save money on your favorite items by exploring these strategies for getting the best deals.

Use Coupon Codes for Instant Discounts

One of the easiest ways to save while shopping online is by using coupon codes. Many websites provide codes that give you discounts on specific products, orders, or even no-fee shipping. Popular sites like RetailMeNot and Honey gather and share the latest coupon codes across various retailers.

Before you check out, look for coupon codes to see if they’re available for your chosen store. This small step can often lead to impressive discounts and savings.

Try Cashback Websites and Apps

Cashback websites and apps reward you for each purchase made through their links. By signing up on platforms like Rakuten or TopCashback, you can receive a percentage of your purchase back in cash. Here’s how it works: first, create an account on a cashback site, then look for the retailer you want to shop with, and click through their link to visit the store.

Once you make a purchase, the cashback platform tracks your transaction and credits a portion back to your account. Cashback savings can add up over time, especially for frequent online shoppers.

Sign Up for Store Newsletters

Many online stores offer exclusive discounts and coupons for those who subscribe to their newsletters. By signing up, you can receive special offers directly to your inbox, including welcome discounts, which often range from 10% to 20% off your first purchase.

Besides one-time discounts, you’ll get alerts about future sales and promotions. This way, you can plan your shopping around seasonal sales and exclusive deals, saving even more.

Leverage Browser Extensions for Savings

Browser extensions like Honey, Capital One Shopping, and Piggy automatically search for and apply the best coupons when you shop online. These tools run in the background while you browse, saving you the hassle of looking for codes yourself.

Many extensions also offer price comparisons across different stores, helping you find the lowest price. With these browser tools, you’ll never miss out on a discount and can make smarter shopping decisions with minimal effort.

Use Loyalty Programs and Reward Points

Many online stores offer loyalty programs that reward frequent shoppers. Joining these programs can lead to special discounts, no-fee shipping, and exclusive offers. For example, Amazon Prime members get no-fee shipping, early access to deals, and other perks.

Similarly, brands like Sephora and Ulta offer reward points for every dollar spent, which can later be redeemed for discounts or complimentary products. Signing up for these programs is usually without charge and offers plenty of value, especially if you’re loyal to certain brands.

Don’t Forget Seasonal and Clearance Sales

Retailers often run major sales around holidays and change of seasons. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school sales are prime times to find bargains. Similarly, at the end of each season, stores put items on clearance to make room for new stock.

Shopping during these times can help you score high-quality items at a fraction of their original price. If you can wait for a good sale, you can make significant savings on almost everything.

Stack Savings Whenever Possible

For maximum savings, combine multiple offers whenever possible. For example, you could use a coupon code along with cashback on the same purchase. Some stores also allow customers to stack their loyalty rewards with promotional codes and cashback.

By stacking these different offers, you can often achieve substantial discounts that are difficult to find otherwise. Just make sure to read the terms and conditions for each offer, as some discounts may not be combinable.

Always Compare Prices Before Checking Out

Price comparison is essential for online savings. Tools like Google Shopping, CamelCamelCamel, and PriceGrabber make it easy to see if you’re getting the best deal.

These tools compare prices across various sites, including Amazon, eBay, and Walmart, to ensure you’re not overpaying. By comparing prices before you buy, you can ensure you’re truly getting the best possible deal and avoid buyer’s remorse.

Hack Online Shopping Every Time You Shop

With these tips, you can turn every online shopping trip into a chance to save. From searching for coupon codes to using cashback platforms and taking advantage of loyalty programs, each strategy helps you get more for your money.

Embrace these hacks, and enjoy a smarter shopping experience that puts extra cash back in your pocket. Your wallet will thank you!

Contributor

Ryan has been writing and editing professionally for a dozen or so years. From his time covering music news at his university newspaper to his current role in online publishing, Ryan has made a career out of his love for language. When he isn’t typing away, he can be found spending time with family, reading books, or immersed in good music.