Coupon Stacking Online: Combine Codes for Maximum Discounts

Everyone loves using a coupon to save a few bucks, but what if you could use more than one at the same time? That’s the idea behind coupon stacking—a savvy shopping technique that involves applying multiple discounts to the same order for maximum savings.
While coupon stacking is common in-store at places like Kohl’s or Bed Bath & Beyond, many online retailers also allow various combinations of promo codes, reward offers, and rebates. The key is knowing which combinations work, which don’t, and how to build your stack correctly.
This guide breaks down how online coupon stacking works, where to find stackable deals, and how to combine them with cashback tools for extra value.
What Is Coupon Stacking?
Coupon stacking is the practice of applying more than one discount offer to a single purchase. This can include:
- Promo codes
- Loyalty points
- Sitewide discounts
- Cashback offers
- Rebates or mail-in promotions
Online retailers have different rules about what can be combined, but many allow some level of stacking, especially during major sales or when using their own loyalty programs.
Types of Online Discounts You Can Stack
Understanding the different types of online offers is key to figuring out how to stack them effectively.
1. Promo Codes
Promo codes are usually single-use or public discounts entered during checkout. Examples include:
- SAVE20 for 20% off
- FREESHIP for free delivery
- BOGO50 for buy-one-get-one-half-off
Most websites only allow one promo code per order, but some stores let you enter multiple.
2. Sitewide Sales
These are built-in discounts on the retailer’s website (e.g. 25% off everything). These don’t usually require a code and can often be combined with coupon codes or rewards.
3. Loyalty Rewards
Points earned through a store’s loyalty program can usually be redeemed during checkout for a dollar amount off. Some stores allow points and a promo code to be used together.
4. Cashback Offers
Cashback services like Rakuten, TopCashback, and Capital One Shopping offer rebates after purchase. These stack on top of other discounts because they operate outside the retailer’s checkout process.
5. Credit Card Offers
Some credit card providers offer special deals through their shopping portals. If you're using a site like Chase Offers or Amex Offers, you can earn a percentage back on purchases, which stacks with most other promotions.
How to Stack Coupons Successfully
Follow these steps to get the most out of your online shopping stacks.
Step 1: Start With Cashback
Before you even go to a store’s website, activate a cashback offer via a platform like:
- Rakuten
- TopCashback
- BeFrugal
- Capital One Shopping
Log into your account and click through to the retailer from the cashback site. This ensures the cashback is tracked properly.
Step 2: Apply a Promo Code
Look for working promo codes on:
- Honey (browser extension)
- RetailMeNot
- Slickdeals
- CouponCabin
- The store’s own site or email newsletter
Apply the best one available at checkout. Some browser extensions will test codes automatically for you.
Step 3: Redeem Rewards or Points
If you're part of the store’s loyalty program, check whether you have available points or credits. Apply these after the promo code.
Example:
- A $50 item has a 20% off code → $10 savings
- Then you apply $5 in points → Final price = $35
Step 4: Use a Credit Card With Bonus Categories
If your credit card offers 5% back on department stores this quarter, use it. That’s an extra layer of savings. Some cards also offer extra cashback when used through their shopping portals.
Step 5: Check for Manufacturer Rebates
For electronics or household items, check if the manufacturer is running a rebate or free gift offer. These usually require submitting a receipt or order confirmation after the purchase.
Where Coupon Stacking Works Online
Not all retailers allow full stacking, but many support some combinations.
Retailers that allow some level of stacking:
- Kohl’s: Promo codes + Kohl’s Cash + loyalty rewards
- JCPenney: Storewide sales + code + reward points
- Macy’s: One promo code + Star Rewards + cashback
- Old Navy: Automatic sale + Super Cash + cardholder discount
- Nike: Clearance sale + code + member discount
- Walgreens: Clipable coupons + points + promo code
Retailers with limited stacking:
- Amazon: Usually only one code per item, but cashback works
- Apple: Rarely offers stackable promotions
- Nordstrom: Sitewide sales only, limited promo codes
Always check the terms and conditions on the store’s checkout page to see what combinations are permitted.
Tools to Help You Stack Smarter
- Honey: Tests codes automatically at checkout
- Rakuten/TopCashback: Track and pay out cashback bonuses
- Slickdeals: Community-powered stacking combinations and deal alerts
- Karma: Formerly Shoptagr; tracks wishlist items and notifies on price drops
- Retailer apps: Some offer app-exclusive codes or digital coupons
Use these together to build a multi-layered savings approach on each purchase.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to activate cashback: Always start your session through a cashback portal
- Using expired promo codes: Double-check that the code is still active and applicable to your items
- Overstacking: Too many extensions can cause checkout errors or block cashback tracking
- Skipping reviews: Don’t get so focused on discounts that you overlook product quality
Best Times to Stack Discounts
You’ll find the best opportunities for stacking around major retail events:
- Black Friday & Cyber Monday
- Amazon Prime Day
- Back-to-school sales (August)
- End-of-season clearances
- Semi-annual sales at major apparel brands
During these windows, retailers often run sitewide promotions that layer well with other discount types.