Online shopping has always been a great way to score deals, but in 2025, savvy shoppers have more tools than ever to stretch their dollars. From cashback apps to browser extensions that find coupon codes for you, the right strategies can stack savings on almost everything you buy.
And with economic uncertainty still top of mind for many households, tools that help you save or even earn money back are more than just a “nice-to-have.” They’re now part of a smart spending strategy that works year-round, not just during the holidays.
Here are seven simple, effective ways to maximize your online savings — and the best cashback and coupon platforms to help you do it.
1. Use Cashback and Shopping Rewards Extensions
These free browser tools automatically search for promo codes, cashback offers, and price comparisons at checkout — so you don’t have to.
Top Picks:
- Rakuten (https://www.rakuten.com) – Offers cashback on thousands of retailers, with seasonal bonuses and double cashback deals. You can even earn cash back on travel, food delivery, and subscription boxes.
- Capital One Shopping (https://capitaloneshopping.com) – A FREE price comparison and coupon tool that works for everyone (No! you don’t need a Capital One card to get this free tool). It checks for better prices and automatically applies known coupons.
- Honey by PayPal (https://www.joinhoney.com) – Applies promo codes at checkout and includes a rewards program (Honey Gold) that can be redeemed for gift cards.
- RetailMeNot Deal Finder (https://www.retailmenot.com) – Still one of the best for finding live coupon codes and cash back offers across hundreds of retailers. Their browser extension works quietly in the background.
These cashback apps and savings tools can often be stacked with credit card rewards or store loyalty programs, giving you multiple ways to save or earn cashback on a single purchase.
2. Don’t Sleep on Amazon Prime Perks
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you already get fast shipping and exclusive deals, but don’t forget about lesser-known perks that save money:
- Subscribe & Save for household essentials
- Prime Try Before You Buy on clothing and accessories
- Amazon Outlet and Warehouse Deals for open-box and overstock bargains
- Prime Visa Rewards with 5% back at Amazon and Whole Foods (if you use their credit card)
Check out the Today’s Deals and Lightning Deals sections daily and especially during the holiday season for gift-giving savings. Plus, you can set price drop alerts for wishlist items using the Amazon Shopping app or Honey.
3. Sign Up for Store Emails (and Actually Open Them)
Yes, your inbox is probably overloaded. But retailers still send their best coupon codes and early access offers to email subscribers, especially during high-volume shopping seasons.
Look for emails offering:
- Exclusive discounts
- Early access to sales or limited-time drops
- Free shipping codes
- Loyalty program bonuses
Pro tip: Keep Your “Deal” Email Organized!
Create a free secondary email account just for shopping. That way, you get the deals without cluttering your main inbox.
4. Stack Discounts with Store Loyalty Programs
Many major retailers now offer free loyalty programs that reward regular purchases or unlock deeper discounts over time. Some even include birthday rewards or exclusive pricing during members-only events.
Examples:
- Target Circle (extra deals + cashback on future purchases)
- Kohl’s Rewards (5% rewards on every purchase + stacking coupons)
- Ulta & Sephora loyalty programs (rewards + birthday gifts + members-only promos)
You can often stack loyalty discounts on top of cashback or browser coupon codes—another easy savings win for frequent shoppers
5. Use Coupon Code Sites — But Vet the Source
While browser extensions are great, they don’t always catch everything. If you’re shopping at a new site or smaller retailer, do a quick search for “[store name] + coupon code” on Google.
Trusted places to check:
- RetailMeNot.com
- Slickdeals.net
- Coupons.com
- DealNews.com
Be cautious of shady coupon aggregators that offer outdated or spammy deals. Stick to well-reviewed platforms or go directly to the retailer’s site to see what’s available.
6. Shop Early — and Set Alerts for Price Drops
While flash sales and last-minute deals get a lot of attention, shopping early can help you avoid:
- Price spikes on in-demand items
- Backorders and delivery delays
- Paying extra for expedited shipping
Online deal aggregator tools like Capital One Shopping and Honey allow you to create watchlists for specific items and will alert you when prices drop. Amazon’s app also lets you set deal alerts for items in your cart or on your wishlist.
7. Know When (and Where) to Buy in Bulk
Sometimes buying more saves more, especially for practical gifts, household basics, or group gifting. Look for value bundles or restaurant/wholesale vendors on:
- Amazon Business / Bulk Foodservice categories
- Boxed.com (great for snacks, cleaning supplies, and pantry goods)
- Warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club — many offer online-only bulk deals with delivery options
Pair bulk buys with creative wrapping or DIY bundles (like a “movie night” gift box or self-care basket) to turn quantity into quality gifts.
Final Thoughts
From cashback browser extensions to loyalty points stacking, online shopping in gives you more ways than ever to save, earn, and shop smarter — no matter your budget. Whether you’re prepping for the holidays or just stocking up on essentials, these tips can help you make every dollar go further.