Trying to save money these days? Join the club.
We want to let you in on a little secret: Stacking coupons is an easy way to save a ton of money…and most stores will never admit that they let you do it.
With the right apps and well-timed purchases, you can save 30–60% on regular buys. Some people are saving hundreds of dollars per week just from stacking coupons.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- How coupon stacking works
- What kinds of offers can you combine
- Which apps simplify the whole process
- Real-world tips for both online and in-store shopping
Want to make your money go further every time you shop? Read on to learn how to stack discounts like a pro.
What is coupon stacking?
Coupon stacking means combining more than one type of discount on a single purchase to bring the total price down. It usually involves mixing store sales, promo codes, vouchers, loyalty points, and cashback (either online or in-store).
For example, let’s say you’re buying a new pair of shoes. The site has a 20% off sale, you add a promo code for another 10%, then apply loyalty points at checkout. That’s coupon stacking in action. You’re layering the deals to reduce the final price.
Most people think you can only use one discount per order. But that’s not always true. Many retailers allow different types of offers if they come from separate sources, like one from the store and one from a brand.
Helpful Tip: Always apply the biggest discount last. Some websites calculate the total based on the order of codes, and this trick can save you more.
There’s even proven data to back it up. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 58% of Australians used online discount codes or special deals during major sales periods in 2023. That shows more than half the country is actively looking for ways to reduce costs when shopping online, and stacking helps them save even more. Sounds great, right?
Now that you’ve got a clear idea of how stacking works. Let’s go deeper into the types of offers you can use and how to mix them.
Types of discounts you can combine
If you know how to spot them, there are a few main types of discounts that can be stacked. Some work together easily, while others require strategy. The trick is knowing which ones stack automatically and which ones need a manual check at checkout.
Let’s break them down so you know what to look for next time you shop:
- Store coupons vs. Manufacturer coupons: Did you know you can often use both at the same time? Store coupons are from the retailer, like “$10 off when you spend $50.” Manufacturer coupons are from the product brand. One drops the base price, and the other gives you an extra cut. Together, they can bring serious savings.
- Promo codes and Automatic sales: This is when you apply promo codes at checkout. And, automatic sales are already built into the price. These two usually combine without any trouble. It’s a simple stack that works well on platforms like Amazon and most Shopify stores. Keep an eye out during clearance periods when extra codes can often be applied on top of already reduced items.
- Cashback offers: This one’s easy to miss. Cashback is money you get back after you pay, usually through a third-party site or app. Services like ShopBack or Cashrewards don’t cancel out other discounts. They just give you a bonus on top.
- Loyalty points and Rewards: Some stores give you points for shopping, and others let you redeem rewards like $10 off your next order. These programs often work in addition to coupons or promo codes. If you shop somewhere often, the savings add up fast.
Tip: Check the terms before stacking. Some stores limit promo code use during flash sales, but regular promotions are usually stack-friendly.
One of our clients used coupon stacking as a first-time shopper discount with a sitewide promo and a cashback offer during an end-of-financial-year sale. It helped them reduce the total by 38%.
Some of the best stacking results we’ve seen have come from shoppers who use apps to handle the heavy lifting. These tools save time and often catch discounts people would’ve missed entirely.
Best apps for discounts and code stacking
Now, we want to cover some of our favourite apps for discount and code stacking.
These tools are built to help you find and apply multiple offers at once, even ones you didn’t know existed. You won’t have to waste time searching different websites, or testing expired codes. Some apps even alert you to better deals while you’re still browsing.
Here are some of the best apps for you to use if you want to skip guessing:
ShopBack
Did you know you can earn cashback just by clicking through a link before you shop? ShopBack gives you cashback when you shop at thousands of Australian stores, including The Iconic, Myer, and Chemist Warehouse.
Once you make a purchase, ShopBack tracks the transaction and adds cashback to your account after the store confirms the order.
Honey (by PayPal)
No one likes testing ten promo codes just to watch them all fail. The app Honey does that job for you. It’s a browser extension that automatically finds and applies working coupons at checkout.
Honey also tracks price drops and shows you if now’s a good time to buy. You can grab the extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
Cashrewards
Cashrewards is another trusted cashback site in Australia. It works with big brands like Adidas, Apple, and Big W. Before you shop, just click through the Cashrewards site or activate their browser plugin.
This app keeps tabs on your purchases and adds the cashback to your account once the store approves it. There’s also a mobile app if you prefer shopping on your phone.
Our team discovered that using these apps saves money and effort. One client reported saving over $120 in a single month simply by letting Honey and ShopBack run in the background during regular purchases.
Since you’ve got the idea of stacking apps and how they work online, let’s move on to see how online and in-store stacking work differently to change your shopping experience
Online vs in-store coupon stacking strategies
Stacking discounts works a little differently depending on where you shop. Online gives you more automation and built-in tools. In-store gives you more chances to mix physical coupons, membership rewards, and real-time offers.
Here’s how to make the most of both:
Online shopping: Use tools to stack smartly
Got a promo code field at checkout? That promo code field is your doorway to stacking smarter. Online shopping gives you more flexibility to layer promo codes, loyalty rewards, and cashback (all in one go). With tools like browser extensions and cashback apps, most of the work happens automatically, without you having to do much. So, you save more with less effort.
Try using a promo code at checkout (many sites accept one). Here are a few common types:
- Apply loyalty points from your account for an extra cut
- Activate cashback through apps
- Use extensions like Honey to test and apply live codes
Our analysis has shown that shoppers who stack offers online during major events save between 25% and 60% on total cart value.
In-store shopping: work with what the register allows
If you’re addicted to in-store shopping, you may not notice how different coupon stacking can be. But if you’re not, you’ll find that it can be a bit tricky. Though it takes a little more effort, in-store stacking still works when you know what to bring and what to ask for.
Here’s what to look for:
- Combine store sales with paper or digital coupons
- Use manufacturer vouchers from brands alongside store deals
- Scan your loyalty card or app at checkout to apply perks
- Check catalogues and in-app offers before heading to the shop
In some stores, stacking depends on the cashier and how flexible the system is. In that case, you should be friendly and ask them clearly. Some team members are happy to scan both codes if it go through. When you know the store’s policy, you get a better chance at combining offers without hassle.
Once you understand how stacking works in both spaces, you can decide where to shop based on, which gives you more value for each dollar spent.
Voucher discount policies at popular retailers
Before you start stacking, it helps to know how major stores handle discounts. Some are pretty flexible, while others have strict rules. A few let you combine sales, codes, and loyalty points like it’s no big deal. Others? They act like you’ve asked to hack their checkout system.
Here’s what to expect from a few well-known retailers:
- Amazon: Wish you could use more than one code on Amazon? So do we. But while they only allow one promo code at checkout, you can still stack savings by combining sale prices with cashback from ShopBack or Cashrewards. You can also use gift cards or a credit balance. And, during events like Prime Day or Boxing Day, Amazon often builds discounts into the prices without any code.
- Target: Target stacking feels like a puzzle worth solving. You can pair app deals with weekly catalogue sales and sometimes add a printed or digital manufacturer’s coupon. Scan your loyalty barcode for another layer.
- Shopify stores: Shopify shops keep things interesting. Some stores accept multiple promo codes if they’ve added custom checkout plugins, while others only allow one. If things aren’t clear, check the FAQ or message support. Most store owners are more flexible than their setup suggests.
If you understand these store rules, you’ll be in a better spot to save, as that insight gives you an edge when planning your purchases. You’ll know what to expect, what to ask for, and when it’s worth trying a combination.
Next, we’ll show you how to build a simple strategy so you can stack deals with less guesswork.
How to build your own stacking strategy
Building your own stacking strategy doesn’t have to be complicated. The best way is to set up a few tools, stay aware of what each store allows, and keep an eye out for timing. A couple of smart habits can stretch your money further with very little extra effort.
- Install one or two tools like Honey or ShopBack. Let them run quietly while you shop.
- Check for ongoing store sales before looking for extra codes. This gives you a base discount to build on.
- Look at coupon code sites or your email promos to see if any extras apply.
- Apply your promo code first, then use loyalty points, and finally activate cashback. That order usually works best.
- If a code fails, remove it and test again. Sometimes, stores don’t show why stacking fails.
- Save your big buys for stacking-friendly events like EOFY (End of Financial Year) or Boxing Day.
- Keep a short list of stores where stacking works well. After a few shops, you’ll know which ones are worth targeting.
Based on our experiences, shoppers who keep a simple setup tend to save more regularly and feel less frustrated at checkout. They know what tools to trust, which stores are worth the effort, and when it’s best to wait for an exciting event. Over time, stacking becomes a habit, not a hassle.
Stack smart to save more
You’ve seen how combining promo codes, loyalty points, cashback, and sales can stretch your budget. No matter where you’re shopping, online or in-store, a good coupon stacking strategy lets you save more without adding stress to your day.
We’ve walked through how tools like Honey, ShopBack, and Cashrewards make finding deals easy. You’ve also picked up how different stores handle stacking, what order to apply discounts in, and when to plan your large buys.
You’ve got the tools, the tips, and the know-how. The next step is just giving it a go. So start with one stacked deal and try it during your next online order or weekly shopping. You’ll see how those little savings start to build up.
Ready to take the next step? Visit us at Unsubscribe Deals to find the latest sales, promo codes, and cashback offers all in one place. We’ll help you stack smarter, save more, and make every checkout feel like a win.
Once you try it, stacking becomes second nature. It’s easy. It works. And honestly, it feels good to pay less.