In 2025, couponing will no longer be about cutting paper. You can now use coupon apps, browser extensions, and in-store digital coupon deals to easily stack your savings. The global digital coupon market is expected to reach $10.6 billion by 2025 from $8.96 billion in 2024. Ninety percent of all consumers in the US have redeemed a coupon at some point in time, and 62% of US shoppers are actively looking for promo codes, discounts, and coupons online when making a purchase.
Whether you are new to couponing or simply want to take your couponing skills to the next level, these 15 couponing tips for beginners will help you save smarter and stress-free. So let’s see, is couponing still worth it in 2025 or not?
Let’s start with my own story!
When I’m at Pathmark checking out at the self-serve lanes, I always get my feelings hurt. The computer always asks me, “Do you have any coupons?” and I always press the button that says no in defeat. Each time this happens, I shake my fists at the screen—I feel like I’m missing out on savings.
As I exit Pathmark, I promise myself that I will start couponing— and raise my frugality to the next level, but I never do because the idea of couponing feels overwhelming for a new jack like me, despite my years of expertise as a frugal chic.
Recently, I tapped into the wisdom of two frugal elders: Sibyl Mind, a military mom of five and one of the most committed members of the $20 Cash Crash Diet, and mommy blogger Tai McNeely of His and Her Money, to get some beginner tips on couponing. These tips will get you feeling like a seasoned pro on your next shopping trip.
How to Get Started Couponing (Beginner’s Quick Guide 2025)
Select One Store to Study In
If you use your favorite Target, Walmart, or grocery chain, familiarize yourself with its coupon policy. Most stores have a digital coupons section inside their app.
Download Two Coupon Apps
Start with Rakuten, Ibotta, Honey, or Fetch Rewards. These apps will automatically apply discounts, cashback, or reward points when you shop online or scan receipts.
Gather a Couple of Paper or Printable Coupons
Pick up the Sunday paper for coupons from manufacturers or search online at coupons.com, smartsource.com, or redplum.com for printable coupons.
Follow Deal Bloggers
Sites such as Hip2Save, The Krazy Coupon Lady, and DoubleSavingDivas keep current site matches and walkthroughs.
Gradually and Keep Track of Progress
One example of a goal could be to save 10% on groceries this month. Then use a spreadsheet or program like Goodbudget to watch your cumulative savings increase.
Couponing Tips for Beginners
Get Started on Sundays
“I started by getting the Sunday paper and asking everyone for their papers,” Mind says. Similarly, McNeely believes that the best place to purchase Sunday papers is at Dollar Tree, for $1, which will have manufacturer coupons in them.
Go Digital First
If cutting papers isn’t your style, start online. McNeely suggests, “Before you sign up for newspaper subscriptions, check online sites such as Coupons.com, RedPlum.com, and SmartSource.com to print coupons.”
In 2025, the business of digital couponing is easier than ever. Many stores now allow you to load coupons directly on your loyalty cards with apps such as Target Circle, CVS ExtraCare, and Kroger.
Follow Coupon Blogs and Deal Sites
“You don’t have to find deals on your own,” McNeely says. “There are plenty of people out there who will do it for you. Follow sites such as DoubleSavingDivas.com and ForTheMommas.com. These sites will give you step-by-step instructions on specific deals.”
Also, you can become a part of couponing groups on Facebook or the subreddit r/Couponing, where users post up-to-date deal matchups and real-time, working savings tips.
Check Wholesale Clubs Like Costco
Costco isn’t only great for buying in bulk. Mind shares, “Costco offers a multitude of discounts such as car buying, vacations, furnishings, and home improvements!”
If you prefer digital membership deals, warehouse clubs like Sam’s Club and BJ’s now offer app-exclusive coupons and cashback offers through their mobile platforms.
Buy What You Actually Need
Knowing what coupons you need ensures that you won’t spend unnecessarily just because you have one. Mind reviews store ads during lunch breaks to see which stores have what she needs and if she has coupons to match.
A smart beginner couponing strategy is to plan your shopping list first, then look for coupons to match—not the other way around. This avoids impulse buys disguised as “savings.”
Bank the Savings You Earn
Mind says, “If I saved $80 with coupons, I would put that amount of cash into my savings account. I made sure to have a coffee can and would put loose change in it. This would be for extra emergency or end-of-the-month cash.”
You can make this more modern by keeping a digital track of your savings through budgeting apps such as Goodbudget or Mint. Create a “Coupon Savings” category and deposit the amount you saved each month into that fund. It adds up faster than you think.
Take It Slow and Steady
With shows like Extreme Couponing, you might feel like your two little coupons don’t count. McNeely warns, “Couponing can be very overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. If you save 10–20% off your bill, that’s great!”
The key is consistency. Saving a little each week is far more powerful than extreme efforts you can’t sustain.
Make Use of Couponing and Cashback Apps
In 2025, couponing apps pull the strings for you. For automatic cashback, check out Rakuten, Ibotta for grocery rebates, Fetch Rewards for points from receipts, and Honey to get automatic coupon codes.
Because these coupon applications are free, fast, and great to blend into your everyday shopping behavior, these are some of the best coupon apps for the newcomer.
Stack Your Savings
Stacking is one of the best couponing hacks for newbies. Triple savings-when you can use it, use a store coupon, then a manufacturer coupon, and finally a cashback app. Many large retailers are now in favor of stacking online and in-store.
Use Loyalty Programs
Virtually all grocery stores have loyalty programs that offer special digital coupons to their card members. Sign up for your favorite store’s app to access hidden discounts, bonus points, and early access to special deals.
Track Your Progress
Just keep an easy-to-maintain savings journal or spreadsheet. The actual savings at the end of each week help to motivate you and enable you to set larger financial goals over time.
Staying Current on Store Policies
Rules of coupons vary from retailer to retailer. Some will stack papers and digital coupons; some will limit the number of coupons for any given transaction. A quick glance at store policies will save you time and avoid checkout frustration.
Don’t Sleep on Email Coupons
Subscribe to newsletters of your favorite brands and stores. Many e-marketers send special codes to subscribers that are not offered elsewhere.
Utilize Browser Extensions for Shopping Online
Set up free apps such as Honey or Capital One Shopping to automatically apply the best coupon codes to you at checkout. They also monitor price reductions, so you never pay more than you should again.
Where to Find Coupons in 2025
Coupons are no longer found exclusively in the Sunday paper. They are now available pretty much anywhere on the internet. Begin by exploring digital coupon websites such as Coupons.com, SmartSource, and RedPlum for printable and online coupons. Check manufacturers’ websites and newsletters for special code deals, and don’t forget to look at store apps like Target Circle, CVS ExtraCare, and Walgreens Balance Rewards, which have coupons loaded to your account on an automatic basis.
You can also shop for deals on cashback and rebate apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, Checkout 51, and Honey. For community-based deals, use Facebook groups or r/Couponing on Reddit, where users are posting coupon deals from other stores.
Best Coupon Apps and Tools in 2025
To save you the guesswork, here’s a quick comparison of today’s top coupon and cashback tools that can help you save smarter:
|
App |
Type |
Best For |
Bonus Tip |
|
Rakuten |
Cashback |
Online shopping |
Add the Chrome browser extension to get automatic cashback alerts. |
|
Ibotta |
Rebate |
Groceries and essentials |
Upload your receipts for instant rebates and combine with store coupons. |
|
Fetch Rewards |
Points & gift cards |
Everyday purchases |
Snap receipts to earn gift cards for Amazon or Target. |
|
Honey |
Browser extension |
Online discounts |
Automatically applies coupon codes at checkout. |
|
Checkout 51 |
Cashback |
Groceries |
Get weekly deals and cash out via PayPal once you hit $20. |
These apps are free, easy to use, and ideal for beginners who want savings without the overwhelm of extreme couponing.
Common Couponing Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying items you don’t need. A discount is not worth it if the item goes unused.
- Ignoring expiration dates. Always look at dates to prevent invalid coupons at checkout.
- Forgetting store policies. Each retailer has differing rules on stacking or limits; check frequently.
- Skipping loyalty programs. Points and rewards frequently pile up with coupons for maximum savings.
- Not tracking your progress. Maintaining a weekly record of savings helps you to be consistent and motivated.
FAQ – Common Couponing Questions in 2025
Is couponing still worth it in 2025?
Yes, digital coupons and cashback apps make saving easier than ever.
What’s the easiest way to start couponing?
Begin with one store and use apps like Rakuten or Ibotta to find deals.
Can I use paper and digital coupons together?
Yes, most stores allow stacking if the coupon terms permit it.
How do you start couponing?
Pick one store, download its app, and match coupons with weekly sales.
What is the best store to coupon at?
Target, CVS, and Walgreens are beginner-friendly with flexible coupon policies.
Where do extreme couponers get the coupons?
They use store apps, coupon sites, rebate apps, and Sunday paper inserts.
What is the trick to extreme couponing?
Stack multiple coupons during sales and buy in bulk when prices drop.
Final Thoughts
Couponing in 2025 is all about being smart, not extreme. Whether you’re clipping Sunday papers or scanning receipts into apps, the goal is the same—to make every dollar work harder for you.
These 15 couponing tips for beginners combine old-school wisdom with modern convenience, helping you save more money while keeping your routine simple and stress-free.
