The Top Coupon Sites Actually Worth Your Time

 

Rachel Slifka

 

Who wouldn’t want to save a few dollars here and there?

 

Traditional coupons can certainly help to lower your expenses, but can be a hassle to use. Clipping coupons and planning out a shopping trip can take hours, causing some people to give up on coupons altogether.

 

Fortunately, there are easier ways to save without sorting through thousands of coupons each week. Nowadays, you can find digital coupons for products you actually need. These coupon sites are actually easy to use and can quickly save you money without much effort on your part.

 

1. Ebates

 

Instead of offering coupons, Ebates provides cash back on many online purchases you make. Their site partners with a large network of retailers, such as Amazon, Lowe’s, Nordstrom, Groupon, Walmart, Kohl’s, and many more.

 

The best part of Ebates is that consumers do not have to shop directly on the Ebates site. A shopper simply logs into Ebates, searches for retailers who are offering cash back, and is then directed to the retailer’s website. If shoppers make a purchase, they then will receive cash back through Ebates. Cash back ranges from 1 to 40 percent of the total purchase, depending on the retailer.

 

Ebates is free and easy to use. Currently, they are running a promotion for every new Ebates customer. When you sign up using this link you will receive a $10 Walmart gift card or $10 Ebates credit after you spend $25 or more at qualifying Ebates merchants within 90 days of becoming a member.

 

2. Groupon

 

Instead of providing discounts on just products, Groupon is unique in that you can find discounts on vacations, activities, hotels, and more.

 

Personally, if I am looking to try something new, I always go to Groupon first. For instance, if I’m looking for a new hairstylist, I check to see what stylists advertise on Groupon. Many stylists will list their services on Groupon for up to 95% off their regular price for new customers only. If you’re uncertain about trying something new, Groupon provides an affordable introduction a new product or service.

 

3. BeFrugal

 

BeFrugal offers up to 40 percent cash back at thousands of popular stores. Some merchants commonly featured include Walmart, Best Buy, and even Groupon. With over 5,000 merchants, you’re sure to find a deal on whatever you are looking for.

 

If you sign up using this link you are eligible to receive a $10 bonus when you earn $10 in cash back. Within the site, Be Frugal offers additional coupons and feature deals to help you save even more money.

 

4. Coupons.com

 

If you are a traditionalist and enjoy clipping coupons, then check out Coupons.com. They are similar to a coupon circular, except that you can simply search for what product you are looking for, click to “clip” the coupon, and then print out the coupons at home. You can then take your coupons into any participating store and use like normal.

 

I appreciate how easy it is to search their website to find what you are looking for. They split all of their coupons into categories, so you don’t have to waste time shifting through coupons that are of no use to you. Best of all, Coupons.com is free to use. You just need to sign up to start printing coupons.

 

5. Raise.com

 

Raise isn’t exactly a coupon site, but it does go a long way to helping you save money. On Raise, you can buy (or sell) gift cards at a discounted price.

 

You don’t often see extraordinary deals on Raise, but if you can purchase a gift card for 5 percent less than its value then it’s worth it. Plus, using discounted gift cards in addition to regular couponing can in essence compound your savings.

 

6. Honey

 

Honey is a relatively new coupon site, but it’s definitely worth checking out. Once you sign up for Honey, it will install in the toolbar of your web browser. Every time you are shopping online, Honey will automatically browse for coupons for anything in your shopping cart. Before you check out, Honey will do a final scan to see if there are any additional coupons or discounts available to use. They will automatically add the best available discount, so you don’t have to do anything else.

 

I love Honey because I know I will always get the best deals, even when I forget to look for a coupon. It really is that simple.

 

7. RetailMeNot

 

Before you purchase anything online, be sure to search RetailMeNot first to see if there are any coupons available. RetailMeNot has been around for awhile (since 2006) and was one of the original coupon websites. Today, they have coupons from thousands of retailers, including limited-time coupons.

 

8. Ibotta

 

With Ibotta, you utilize their app to receive cash back on groceries. While they do occasionally offer cash back on dining and traveling, groceries are the bread and butter of their business (no pun intended).

 

Ibotta works with most major supermarkets to offer discounts and cash back on everyday items. Not only do they partner with most regional grocery stores, but they also partner with box name stores such as Walmart, Target, eBay, Walgreen, Best Buy, Sams Club, and more.

 

Ibotta lets you “clip” coupons and cash back incentives. One small con of Ibotta is that they require you to answer a brief survey question or watch a short clip in order to claim most coupons. While this doesn’t add much time, it can slow down your progress slightly.

 

On the other hand, a big pro of Ibotta is their bonus system. If you connect your app to Facebook, you’ll automatically be in a “team” with your Facebook friends who also use the app. You and your team can work together to redeem cash back purchases. As you work together, you will receive bonuses as you reach preset goals. While the bonuses aren’t much, you can occasionally receive a dollar extra here and there for no additional work.