If you’ve been using online coupons for a while, you probably already know how satisfying it is to knock 15 or 20% off your cart total with a simple code. But what if I told you that’s just the start? There’s a whole second level of savings most people overlook—and it’s called cashback.

The real win comes when you combine cashback with coupons to double up your discounts. You save at checkout, and then you get paid after the purchase. It’s like getting rewarded again for being a smart shopper. And no, you don’t have to open five browser tabs or submit a rebate form with a barcode you’ll lose immediately.

This strategy works beautifully, especially for beginners. Let’s break it down and help you start stacking like a pro.

What Is Cashback, Exactly?

Cashback is money you earn back on a purchase, either as a percentage of what you spend or as a flat reward. It’s typically offered through cashback websites, apps, or credit cards. The key thing to know? It doesn’t reduce your total at checkout—but it puts money back in your pocket later.

Think of it as a rebate that actually works and doesn’t require a stamp.

How Is It Different From Coupons?

Coupons give you an instant discount. Cashback gives you money later. But they don’t cancel each other out—you can use both.

For example, let’s say you:

• Use a 20% off promo code
• Activate 5% cashback through a site like Rakuten or TopCashback
• Pay with a credit card that gives you 2% cash back on online purchases

You’re saving in real time and in the background. It adds up fast—especially for bigger purchases or frequent shopping.

How to Set It Up

You don’t need a system with spreadsheets and alarms. You just need a free account on one or two cashback platforms and a browser extension.

Step 1: Pick a Cashback Platform

Start with a well-known and trusted site. Some of the best options include:

• Rakuten
• TopCashback
• BeFrugal
• Capital One Shopping (which also compares prices)

Each one has its own percentage rates, and they can vary by store and day. That’s why some people check a few to see who’s offering the best deal before buying.

Create an account, and you’re ready to start earning.

Step 2: Install the Browser Extension

Most cashback platforms have Chrome extensions that alert you when a site you’re visiting offers cashback. It’ll pop up with a little notification that says something like “Activate 6% cashback on this site.”

Click one button and boom—you’re tracking cashback automatically. It’s simple and makes it way easier to remember.

Step 3: Find and Apply Your Coupon

This is where it gets good. After activating cashback, find a working promo code for the store you’re shopping with. You can search manually (RetailMeNot, CouponFollow, etc.), or let an extension like Honey test them at checkout.

Just make sure you activate cashback before applying the coupon. That way, the cashback tracking stays intact.

Will Stacking Ever Cancel One of the Discounts?

Occasionally. A few stores or cashback platforms won’t let you stack coupons from outside their system. To be safe:

• Stick with coupons found on the retailer’s site, their email, or through the cashback portal itself
• Avoid referral links or third-party coupon sites that might break cashback tracking
• Always activate cashback as your last click before checkout

You can also use incognito mode or clear your cart if you’ve visited the site earlier. It helps the system recognize your purchase as eligible for cashback.

Add a Rewards Credit Card for a Triple Stack

Once you’ve got coupons and cashback going, layer on a credit card that earns rewards.

Use one that gives you:

• 1–5% back on general or online shopping
• Rotating category bonuses
• Points, miles, or statement credits

Even a 1.5% cash-back card adds up over time—especially if you shop online often. Just make sure you’re paying it off in full so you’re not losing savings to interest.

Real-Life Example: The Triple Play

Let’s say you’re buying a $100 item.

• You find a 15% promo code ($85 total)
• You activate 6% cashback ($5.10 back)
• You pay with a 2% rewards card ($1.70 back)

Final result?

You saved $15 upfront, plus got $6.80 back later—$21.80 total. All from doing what you were going to do anyway.

That’s not just savings. That’s efficiency.

Where This Strategy Works Best

You’ll get the biggest bang for your buck on:

• Electronics
• Clothing and accessories
• Subscription boxes
• Home goods and furniture
• Beauty and skincare
• Travel bookings (hotels, rental cars, etc.)

The bigger the purchase, the more cashback matters.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Cashback + Coupons

• Bookmark your favorite cashback portals
• Use browser extensions to simplify activation
• Check multiple cashback rates before buying
• Always apply coupon codes after activating cashback
• Don’t forget to cash out—many sites let you transfer to PayPal or get gift cards

Also, some cashback sites offer bonuses if you refer friends or hit a certain earning threshold, so take advantage when you can.

What About Mobile Shopping?

Some cashback platforms have mobile apps that work the same way. But be cautious—mobile tracking can be finicky, especially if you switch between apps or browsers. If possible, complete big purchases on a desktop for better results.

Using coupons is smart. Using cashback is smart. But using both together? That’s next-level savings.