What Are Double Coupons?

A double coupon refers to a store doubling the value of your coupon. For example, if a coupon gives you $5 off your purchase, the shop’s register or IT systems will automatically double its value and give you a $10 discount. You only need to check that the retailer has the offer, as the double discount is automatic (no need to ask for it).

Retailers and manufacturers have this offer to attract customers by offering twice the value of the usual discount. The potentially significantly lower prices can create potentially huge savings. Many grocery stores, drug stores, and retailers offer double coupons. However, the exact policy can vary widely from one store to another.

Key Takeaways

• Double coupons are a promotional strategy wherein a store doubles the value of your coupon. Usually, there is an upper limit to the amount the store will double; the limit is often $0.99 or $1, meaning your coupon is worth $1.99 or $2 in practice.
• Shoppers must understand the store’s policy, such as the maximum doubling limit and any restrictions on the types of coupons accepted.
• Initially popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s, double couponing is still prevalent among retailers aiming to attract cost-conscious shoppers.
• Savvy customers can maximize savings by finding and collecting coupons, understanding different store policies, using coupons tactically during sales cycles, and keeping coupons well-organized.
• Customers can use multiple coupons for a single item if a store permits. This is done by applying a manufacturer’s coupon and a store’s coupon together, doubling the total savings.
• Some stores may impose a cap on the face value that can be doubled or restrict the use of a double coupon to special events.

What Is Double Couponing?

The concept is straightforward: if a customer presents a coupon for a discount on a product, the store will double the amount of that discount at checkout, subject to certain limits and conditions. 

The basic rule is only that a coupon’s worth is multiplied by two. The process is usually automated at the cash register (or online), where the system recognizes eligible coupons and applies the doubled discount.

How Does Double Couponing Work?

To take advantage of double coupons, shoppers must know the store’s policy, such as the maximum doubling limit and any restrictions on the types of coupons accepted. Read the coupon’s terms closely and identify information like:

• Qualifying items for the double discount.
• The necessary quantity of products to purchase for the discount to apply.
• The coupon’s expiration date. This is very important, as it can help you avoid spending a lot of time on shopping only to find out at the checkout that the coupon no longer applies.

Popularity and Usage

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, retailers, especially grocery stores, started offering double coupon days to attract shoppers seeking to stretch their budgets. It remains a common practice, especially in competitive markets where stores aim to attract cost-conscious shoppers.

They can be sporadic, with some retailers offering them as part of periodic events or special promotions.

How to Save Money with Double Coupons

Savvy customers use double couponing to maximize their savings while shopping. The strategy is built on a few key steps:

• Find double coupons: First, you’ll need to find and collect coupons to double. They can be found in newspapers, magazines, coupon websites, and sometimes directly from the manufacturer’s website or newsletter.
• Understand the policy: each store has rules for accepting double couponing. Some stores may limit the coupons you can use in a single transaction or a day. Others might only offer to double coupons up to a specific value.
• Tactical shopping: use your coupons wisely by monitoring the sales cycles of the products you buy. Pairing double couponing with these sales can result in even better savings.
• Organize your coupons: proper organization can make the couponing process smoother and more effective. Keep your coupons neatly filed so you can easily find them when the perfect opportunity arises to use them.

• Watch for advertisements: retailers may advertise double coupon events in their flyers, emails, or websites.
• Loyalty programs: enrollment in a store’s loyalty programs can offer advanced notice of double coupon days.
• Store schedules: some stores have a routine schedule for coupon doubling; identifying this pattern will increase how much money you save when shopping.

Coupon Stacking

Stacking coupons refers to using more than one coupon for a single item. For double coupons, this means applying a manufacturer’s coupon in conjunction with a store’s coupon and doubling the total savings if the store permits.

• Manufacturer coupons: provided by the product’s manufacturer. Generally found in newspapers, product packaging, or online.
• Store coupons: issued by the retail store, these can be combined with manufacturer coupons for greater discounts if the store policy allows it.
• Stacking strategy: use a manufacturer’s coupon alongside a store coupon during a coupon doubling event to maximize discounts.

Limitations and Restrictions

There are several limitations and rules that shoppers must keep in mind:

• Participating stores: not all retailers participate in doubling promotions.
• Face value cap: stores may limit the maximum value of coupons they will double (for example, up to $0.99).
• Terms of use: coupons contain specific terms of use, such as eligible items, sizes, and expiration dates.
• Probably non-stackable: double coupons usually cannot be combined with other discounts or used for purchasing items on sale.
• Store events: some stores may limit double couponing to special events.

Policy Variations

• Coupon limits: retailers may limit how many coupons a customer can double.
• Product types: only certain items or sizes may be eligible for double couponing.
• Day restrictions: double coupon offers may only occur on specific days.

Double Coupons Pros and Cons

Like most financial strategies, double couponing has benefits and drawbacks for both customers and retailers.

For Shoppers

Pros

• Significant savings: double coupons can drastically reduce the cost of groceries and other purchases, sometimes by as much as 50% or more.
• Potential for free items: coupon doubling can sometimes make items free. If your final coupon value exceeds the product’s price, you could walk away with the item without paying a penny.
• Bulk buying: buying in bulk is more affordable with a doubled coupon. This is particularly useful for non-perishable items or products that you use regularly.
• Encourages budgeting: using double coupons requires you to plan shopping trips, which can help foster better budgeting habits.

Cons

• Time-consuming: searching for coupons, keeping them organized, and planning your shopping around them can be time-consuming.
• Limited availability: not all stores offer double coupons, and those that do may only offer them on certain days or up to a specific value.
• Expiration dates: coupons generally come with an expiration date, which adds another layer of challenge to the couponing process.
• Temptation to overspend: sometimes, the allure of a deal can lead to unnecessary purchases. Just because you’re getting a good offer doesn’t necessarily mean you should take it.

For Businesses

Pros

• Customer attraction and retention: by offering significant savings, businesses can stand out in a crowded market and stimulate customer loyalty.
• Increased sales volume: while the profit margin per item may be lower, double coupons can increase demand and lead to a higher sales volume.
• Promotion of new or overstocked products: by offering coupon doubling for these items, businesses can move inventory more quickly and manage their stock effectively.

Cons

• Decreased profit margins: the larger discount offered to customers can eat into profit margins. If not carefully managed, these promotions can lead to financial losses.
• Potential for abuse: there can be instances where customers misuse or manipulate the double coupon system. Businesses need to establish clear policies to prevent such scenarios.
• Resource intensive: retailers need to manage the distribution and redemption of coupons, track their impact, and adjust their inventory and pricing strategies accordingly.

10 Stores That Double Coupons

• Kroger: some locations offer double coupons regularly, while others do so on specific days of the week.
• Harris Teeter: this grocery chain doubles manufacturer coupons daily, up to $0.99.
• Safeway: may double manufacturer coupons based on store location.
• Fred Meyer: some locations offer coupon doubling days.
• Giant Eagle: this grocery chain has been known to offer up to $0.99 daily.
• ShopRite: some ShopRite locations offer double coupons.
• SuperFresh: this chain is known to offer coupon doubling.
• Lowes Foods: doubles coupons up to $0.99 every day.
• Piggly Wiggly: many locations offer double coupons with a minimum purchase.
• Bi-Lo: this grocery store doubles coupons up to $0.60 every day.

Double Couponing FAQs

What Is a Double Coupon?

Coupon doubling is a promotional tool used by retailers where the value of a coupon is doubled, providing customers with twice the discount.

How Does Double Couponing Work?

The value of the coupon you use will be doubled. For example, a $1 coupon will be worth $2 in practice.

Do All Stores Offer Double Coupons?

No, the practice varies depending on the store and even the specific location of the store.

Which Grocery Stores Offer Double Coupons?

Policies can vary significantly by region and may change over time. However, here are a few US grocery stores that doubled coupons in the past:

• Kroger
• Harris Teeter
• Safeway
• Fred Meyer
• Giant Eagle
• ShopRite
• SuperFresh
• Lowes Foods
• Piggly Wiggly
• Bi-Lo

What Is the Barcode Rule for Double Couponing?

Generally, coupons with barcodes starting with “5” are eligible to be doubled, while those starting with “9” are not. However, this may vary depending on the retailer’s policy.

What’s the Limit on Double Coupons in One Transaction?

The limit varies from store to store. Some might allow unlimited coupons, while others may limit the number you can use in a single transaction. Always check with the store’s policy.

Do Double Coupons Expire?

Yes. Just like regular coupons, these also have expiration dates. Always check the validity dates on the coupons.

Where to Find Double Coupons?

These coupons might not be as readily available as regular coupons. Here are a few places you can look:

• Local newspapers and flyers: local newspapers and their Sunday editions often contain a variety of coupons from local retailers or manufacturers.
• Store bulletins: some stores provide weekly or monthly bulletins containing coupons that they’ll double. These can often be found at the store entrance or at the customer service desk.
• Online: many coupon websites, blogs, and forums provide information about online and in-store double coupon offerings.
• Direct from manufacturers: you can find printable coupons on manufacturer’s websites, coupon sites, and social media. They might also have a mailing list for sending you physical coupons.
• Mobile apps: many grocery stores and chains have apps where they post digital coupons. Some of these may include doubling opportunities. Other popular coupon and cashback apps can also be good sources.

Is Double Couponing Available Online?

Yes, although it might work slightly differently than the traditional in-store method. Online doubling can be in the form of promotional codes, digital coupons, or exclusive online sales. In these cases, the value of a coupon may be doubled during a specific period or for a particular product range.

Proper planning and a strategic approach can help maximize your savings as with in-store double couponing. Note that each website will have its own policy regarding accepting and using coupons.