Using store coupons and manufacturer coupons together is called stacking. It is a simple grocery savings strategy many couponers have used for years. Learn how to stack coupons and even where you can try this out the next time you shop.
A woman uses a digital coupon. Image source: Getty Images.
Coupon Stacking. You may have heard this term before from other people who use coupons or even on other websites. But, do you really know what this means?
Coupon Stacking is using both a store coupon and a manufacturer’s coupon on a single item
So now that you have a basic understanding of what a coupon stack is, how can you tell if your coupon is a store coupon or a manufacturer’s coupon? That can be tricky. Here are some tips that can help.
IDENTIFYING MANUFACTURER’S COUPONS
Most coupons you find will be manufacturer’s coupons. They are distributed by the manufacturers themselves and usually found in your Sunday newspaper or printed from sites like Coupons.com.
When you redeem your coupon at the store, that retailer is reimbursed the face value of the coupon PLUS a small handling fee. Here are some common manufacturer’s characteristics:
- Says “Manufacturer’s Coupon” on the coupon (usually at the top).
- Includes a redemption address in the fine print on the coupon. This is where the retailer will submit the coupon so that they can be reimbursed.
- It may say things such as “Redeemable at” or “Available At” on them, but they are still manufacturer’s coupons and should be accepted anywhere. However, keep in mind that some stores will not accept any coupon with another store’s logo on it, even in this instance.
This coupon shows the manufacturer’s wording at the top. It is usually easily located
near the coupon expiration date or along the side of the coupon.
This coupon shows the Walmart store logo and says, “Redeemable at Walmart”
on it, however, it is a manufacturer’s coupon and can be redeemed anywhere.
This coupon clearly lists the address where the retailer can
send the coupon in order to be reimbursed.
Also see: How to coupon: A guide for beginners
HOW TO TELL IF IT IS A STORE COUPON
Store or Retailer coupons are issued by the store themselves. They are basically a store sale, just issued in coupon format. These are completely funded by the store — no manufacturer reimbursem*ntis listed on the coupon. These are very common at national retailers such as CVS, Walgreens,and Target.
These can be found in the weekly ad or even on racks directly inside of the store. You may also be able to print them from the store’s website (such as Target). Your store may also load them as a digital coupon directly onto your rewards card (Hen House does this automatically each week).
You might even be able to log into your store rewards account and select the coupons you want to use (such as the HyVee Fuel Rewards program). You can usually identify a store coupon by the following:
- Includes the store’s logo.
- Does not include any redemption information on the coupon (the store will not be reimbursed for the coupon, so this information is not needed).
- Usually says “Store Coupon” — where the store is the store name — i.e. Target Coupon.
This is a Target store coupon as it clearly states “Target Coupon” at the top.
Coupon includes the store logo. It also does not include any address redemption details.
Also see: Treasure hunt of where to find the best coupons
HOW TO STACK COUPONS AT YOUR STORE
Now that you know how to identify the coupons, you are ready to try your hand at coupon stacking! While most computer systems are smart enough to correctly credit your purchase in the right order, that may not always be the case.
It is usually best to always hand over the store couponsbeforeyou hand over your manufacturer’s coupons. This usually creates less hassle and having to hear those annoying beeps.
Here is an example of how it may look:
Shampoo, $4.00
Use Store coupon to save $1.00
PLUS
Use the Manufacturer’s coupon to save $1.00
Final price: $2.00
So now that you know how you can stack coupons let’s share the stores where you can put your stacking skills to work!
NATIONAL CHAINS WHERE YOU CAN STACK COUPONS
CVS
At CVS, you can do what is called a Triple Stack. That means you can use a CVS store coupon + a manufacturer’s coupon + Extra Care Bucks (earned on prior transactions).
Dollar General
You can use both a Dollar General store coupon + a manufacturer’s coupon.
Kohl’s
You can use a value off coupon with a percentage off coupon. However, you can not combine multiple percentages off coupons. In addition, you can use Kohl’s cash with any other additional coupon (but Kohl’s cash comes off before any discount is calculated).
Michael’s
You can use multiple coupons as long as the barcodes are all different.
Rite Aid
You can stack use coupon stacking here as well. You can use a manufacturer’s coupon + a Rite Aid store coupon.
Target
Target allows a triple stack! You can combine a manufacturer’s coupon + a Target store coupon + aTarget Circle offer.
Walgreen’s
Walgreen’s will allow you to stack one of their store coupons, called an Instant Value Coupon, with a manufacturer’s coupon. You can also combine Register Rewards (earned on prior purchases), but the total coupons cannot exceed the number of purchased products.
GROCERY STORES THAT ALLOW STACKING COUPONS
Hen House
You can use a digital coupon or store coupon + a manufacturer’s coupon.
HyVee
You can stack a HyVee store coupon with a manufacturer’s coupon
Price Chopper (Kansas City metro area)
You can use a store coupon with a manufacturer’s coupon.
Publix
When shopping here, you can stack your Publix store coupons with the manufacturer’s coupons.
Safeway
You can use a Safeway store coupon with a manufacturer’s coupon.
Whole Foods
They will allow you to use a store coupon + a manufacturer’s coupon.
