What are the Different Types of Coupons & Their Benefits?
How many different types of coupons are there?
More than you’d think...
And they each offer their own benefits. Those great shopping deals can be yours - if you leverage the right coupon for the job.
Which types do you need? Where do you find them? Which can be stacked? Read on to learn all that and more.
What is a Coupon?
Before we learn about the different types of coupons, let’s figure out exactly what a coupon is.
A coupon is a type of voucher which gives you a discount for a particular product.
These coupons may be percentage-off deals or dollar-off deals. Sometimes you can “stack” coupons together, using more than one on the same product and; therefore, “stack up” on the savings!
What are the Different Types of Coupons?
Each type of coupon will offer a unique benefit. Let’s dive into the variety that you can choose from, so you can get the best deals.
Catalinas
Catalinas are the long, narrow, receipt-like coupons that you sometimes get after you complete a purchase at a store.
Catalinas can be store coupons or manufacturer coupons. Some Catalinas offer you a dollar amount off of your next total purchase.
Where Can You Find It?
You can find Catalinas at the store. They come out of the receipt printer after you complete a purchase.
Which Coupons Stack With It?
Catalinas generally stack with loyalty program discounts and rebate app offers.
Store-coupon Catalinas stack with manufacturer coupons, but not with other store coupons. Likewise, manufacturer-coupon Catalinas stack with store coupons, but not with other manufacturer coupons.
Newspaper Coupons
Newspaper coupons come from – you guessed it – a newspaper!
If you’ve ever had newspapers delivered to your house, then you’ve likely noticed a packet of coupons folded into the rolled-up paper.
These coupons are usually manufacturer coupons. However, there is a chance that the paper will include store coupons as well.
Where Can You Find It?
The most obvious place! Inside one of the national newspapers that you may commonly subscribe to.
You can also find newspaper coupons inside local newspapers and newsletters, including newsletters that are distributed for free in community centers.
Additionally, many coupon-clipping services deliver newspaper coupons.
Which Coupons Stack With It?
You will need to read the fine print on the newspaper coupon to be sure they’re stackable. Nonetheless, most newspaper coupons can be stacked with loyalty program discounts, Catalinas, and rebate app offers.
Manufacturer Coupons
Manufacturer coupons are issued by the product’s brand or manufacturer.
When you use one of these coupons at an individual store, the store is reimbursed for the discount. As such, the store does not lose any money when you use the coupon.
There are usually limits to how many manufacturer coupons you can use at once. Generally, one manufacturer coupon can be used for a single item or product. Some coupons limit you to using only four or fewer of this type of coupon in a single transaction.
Where Can You Find It?
You can find manufacturer coupons in a variety of places. These typically include hard-copy options such as newspapers and local newsletters, as well as digital sources, such as brand websites and apps.
Digital manufacturer coupons can sometimes be printed out and brought with you to a store, or they can be used more quickly online.
Which Coupons Stack With It?
Store coupons, Catalinas, loyalty program discounts, and rebate app offers can all be stacked with manufacturer coupons. Please note that you usually cannot stack manufacturer coupons with each other.
Printable Coupons
Printable coupons are coupons that you find on a computer, print out onto paper, and bring to the store with you. These coupons can be manufacturer coupons or store coupons.
Where Can You Find It?
You can find printable coupons on brand websites, store websites, and even on social media pages. Coupon websites such as Coupons.com will also distribute printable coupons.
Which Coupons Stack With It?
What you stack with a printable coupon depends on whether it is a manufacturer coupon or a store coupon. Generally speaking, printable coupons can be stacked with Catalinas, loyalty program discounts, and rebate app offers.
If your printable coupon is a manufacturer coupon, then it can be stacked with other store coupons and vice versa.
Digital Coupons
When it comes to different types of coupons, digital coupons are the most popular. These coupons cannot be printed out and can be both store coupons and manufacturer coupons. Digital coupons can be used through a store’s app or, sometimes, their loyalty card.
Where Can You Find It?
You can find digital coupons on brand websites, store websites, and even on social media pages. Digital coupons can also be found on a store’s app.
Which Coupons Stack With It?
In general, digital coupons can be stacked with Catalinas, loyalty program discounts, and rebate app offers. They usually cannot be stacked with printable coupons.
Remember to check whether it is a manufacturer coupon or a store coupon. As mentioned, manufacturer coupons cannot be stacked with other manufacturer coupons, and store coupons cannot be stacked with other store coupons.
Store Coupons
Store coupons are coupons issued by a specific store, rather than by the manufacturer. While manufacturer coupons tend to be percent-off deals, store coupons tend to be dollar-off coupons.
Where Can You Find It?
Store coupons come in either printable or digital forms, which you can find on the store’s website or store app.
You can also find store coupons in newspapers, in other weekly ads and newsletters, or inside the store itself. Often times, stores will distribute store coupons for a certain product in the very aisle that the product is sold!
CVS, Kroger, Kohl’s, Petsmart, Staples, Target, Walgreens, and Whole Foods are some stores which offer store coupons.
Which Coupons Stack With It?
Store coupons can stack with many different types of coupons. These include loyalty program discounts, manufacturer coupons, Catalinas, or rebate app offers.
Store coupons usually cannot be stacked with the exact same store coupon, and they cannot be stacked with Catalinas that are store coupons.
Remember, only one store coupon can be used per individual item!
Loyalty Program Promotions
Today, many stores have a loyalty or membership program, which allows you to earn points whenever you make a purchase. They can be used to save money on future purchases at that same store.
Be sure to join the loyalty programs for the stores that you currently shop at! You can use your loyalty card or your phone number at the register to earn points and cash-in on savings.
Where Can You Find It?
Most stores have loyalty programs, so ask at the register the next time you visit.
Drugstores such as Walgreens, Rite Aid, and CVS are stores with popular loyalty programs, as are retailers such as Kohl’s and Target.
Which Coupons Stack With It?
Manufacturer coupons, store coupons, and rebate apps will all stack with loyalty programs. As always, be sure to read the fine print on any coupon, just in case it is an exception to the rule!
Rebate App Offers
Rebate apps are apps which give you cashback for buying specific items.
After you purchase the product, you submit a picture of the receipt through the app. The app may also require you to scan the QR code at the bottom of the receipt.
Where Can You Find It?
You can find rebate apps in your phone’s app store. Popular rebate apps include Ibotta, Checkout51, and Fetch Rewards.
Which Coupons Stack With It?
Because you don’t use the rebate app inside of the store itself, rebate apps stack with all other kinds of coupons and deals!
Why Sunday Coupon Inserts?
If you want an easy way to find many different types of coupons, then you should check out Sunday Coupon Inserts!
Through their Weekly Subscriptions program, this coupon packaging service delivers coupons to your front door every week. Simply choose how many subscription combo packs you want to receive and enjoy the savings.
Best of all, you are in complete control over your subscription – you can start or stop receiving coupons at any time!
You can sign up for Weekly Subscriptions at Sunday Coupon Insert's website today.