What Are Coupon Match-Ups, and How Do They Work?

Sales and coupons can both be effective ways to save money. What many people don’t realize is that you can often combine sales and coupons for even bigger savings. No, this is not some mythical reality you can only dream about, and it’s not cheating the system either. Countless couponers regularly benefit from coupon match-ups, and you can, too! We’ll tell you all you need to know to get started today.

What Are Coupon Match-Ups?

A coupon match-up is simply pairing a coupon with a sale on the product. Since sales are usually run by stores and coupons are often issued by manufacturers, you can generally use a coupon for additional savings off the sale price. Even if a coupon is issued by a store, it may still work with some sale items!

Methods to Find Coupon Match-Ups

The best method to find coupon match-ups is whatever method you’re most comfortable with. Here are a few methods couponers use:

• Go through sale ads, then coupons. You can find store sale circulars in newspapers or online. Peruse these ads to look for the best deals on your favorite products. You might jot down sales you’re interested in or circle them. Then, look through your coupon inserts and favorite websites to clip any coupons that correspond to the sales you’re considering.
• Clip coupons, then go through sale ads. My preferred method for matching coupons is to clip coupons first, then look through sale ads. Because coupons are often good longer than sales, coupons you clipped a couple of weeks ago may pair up beautifully with a sale happening this week. Clipping any good coupons you think you might use can prepare you if you find a good sale on that item.
• Search a coupon database. Several sites maintain coupon databases that list coupons that are currently valid. To do coupon match-ups using these sites, simply make your shopping list based on what’s on sale, then look for additional coupons in the database to stack your savings.
• Find a local coupon match-up online. Some local couponers will do the match-up work for you! Search Google and Facebook using search terms that include “coupon match-up” and your city. You can include the name of your preferred grocery store as well. Be sure to look at the date on any match-ups you find, since they will only be valid for a week or two from the time of publication.

Places to Look for Coupons

If you’re new to couponing and don’t know where to start, we’re here for you! To get started, check out our guide on where to find coupons. Below, we’ll list just a few of our favorite coupon sources to use for match-ups.

• Coupon inserts in newspapers. Newspapers frequently run coupon inserts. Smart Source, RetailMeNot Everyday, and Procter & Gamble are some of the most common inserts.
• Coupon websites. Some coupon websites, like Coupons.com, offer free printable coupons.
• Store websites/apps. A lot of stores now offer digital coupons, which you can digitally “clip” on the website or app and redeem in-store.
• In-store coupons. In-store coupons can be some of the most convenient coupon match-ups. You may find these on packages, tear-off pads, or blinkies.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Store policies may vary. While stores usually allow you to use manufacturer coupons on sale items, they may limit how many you can use. Knowing the store policy before you shop can make you more confident doing match-ups.
• Cashiers may not know the store’s policies. Even if you are complying with all store policies, some cashiers may claim you can’t use your coupons on sale items. And we don’t blame them for thinking that! Some deals just look too good to be true. If you know the store’s policies, it may help to explain them to the cashier or talk to a manager.

What’s the best coupon match-up you’ve ever found? Tell us about your best deals in the comments section below.