How to Get Coupons

Co-authored by Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: January 2, 2023 References

You've probably heard people talk about how much money they save by using coupons. Fortunately, it's easy to get coupons from newspapers, store ads, or the mail. Find electronic coupons if you don't have time to cut coupons. Load coupons to reward cards or text them to your phone. There are more ways than ever to coupon, so try a few different methods to see what works for you.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Getting Physical Coupons

1
Get the Sunday newspaper for the coupon inserts. Although weekday newspapers might have a few coupons, the Sunday paper is known for including a large coupon section. You may have to spend a few dollars for the paper, but you'll usually save more than this with the coupons you get.^{[1]
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- Consider getting the Wednesday paper too because that's when a lot of grocery ads and coupons come out.
Tip: To get the paper for free, look through recycling bins or ask newspaper sellers to give you their day-old papers.
2
Check the entrance of grocery stores or shops for their fliers. You'll probably see a stand with the store's weekly ad near the front of the store. Always look through the ad for coupons that you can take.
- Some stores also place coupons in the aisles where the products are located, so check for hanging coupons or boxes that might hold them.
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3
Look at the products for coupons that may be attached. You might see a coupon stuck to the front of an item. Simply peel off the coupon and remember to hand it to the cashier when you purchase the item at the checkout. Although you could leave it attached to the item, the cashier might not notice and scan it.^{[2]
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- Always check the bottom or back of your store receipts for additional coupons. These might be coupons for local businesses or for items that you frequently purchase.
4
Contact manufacturers to send you coupons. If you're loyal to a brand, call their customer service, email them, or write their headquarters and tell them which of their products you use. Ask if you can get coupons or join their loyalty program.^{[3]
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- Some companies will send you offers or coupons to try new products.
- Remember that you can use manufacturer's coupons at whichever several stores sell their products.
5
Ask friends and family for coupons. You probably know people who don't keep coupons or have coupons for things they don't buy. Let your friends and family know that you're looking for coupons. Check community centers, restaurants, and the library for coupons that they're tossing.^{[4]
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- Check in your community to see if there are coupon trading groups you could join.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Finding Electronic Coupons

1
Create a dedicated email address for your coupons. Make a new email address to prevent unwanted third-party emails and keep your electronic coupons in one place. Use this dedicated email account every time you sign up for coupons or reward programs.^{[5]
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- Consider making specific folders to manage the coupons. For example, make folders for stores you shop at or for brands you buy.
2
Print coupons from couponing sites or manufacturer's sites. Search websites that are dedicated to rounding up coupons. You can print these or load them to your phone. Remember to check manufacturer's websites too since these often have loyalty coupons that you can save.^{[6]
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- For example, search SmartSource.com, RedPlum.com, Coupons.com, and CouponNetwork.com for coupons.
3
Join loyalty clubs for stores you shop at frequently. Go to the customer service desk or ask your cashier about signing up for a loyalty program. Most large stores will give you a card that tracks your purchases and rewards you.^{[7]
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- For example, you might get coupons in the mail for items that you frequently purchase or you may get a rebate coupon for your next storewide purchase.
4
Load electronic coupons to your card or account. Look for coupons or rewards on a specific store's website. You'll then be able to load coupons directly to your account. Then when you buy something at the store and swipe your card, the coupon will automatically be applied.
- Keep in mind that some stores offer a combination of printed coupons and digital coupons, so always check the store's website to learn their policy.
5
Sign up for text couponing if you have a smartphone. It can be a hassle to print off a coupon for a single item or transaction, so many stores allow you to select a coupon that they'll text to you. Then you can scan your smartphone during checkout so the coupon is automatically applied.
- Pay attention to when the coupon expires since many of the text coupons expire sooner than printed coupons.
Tip: If you sign up for text couponing, you'll have the option to receive texts when items go on sale. These can help you save even more.
6
Use reward applications that track your receipts. You're probably used to using coupons at the time of purchase, but did you know that you can get coupons or rebates after shopping? Join reward apps, such as Ibotta, Savings Catcher, or Fetch Rewards, and scan or send in your receipts. These apps will track what you purchase and give you minor rebates that can add up over time.^{[8]
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- Some of these apps will pay you through a separate site, such as PayPal, so you'll need to set up an account for this.