Discount Codes and Coupons: When to Use and When to Skip

Coupons and discount codes can offer significant savings, but they’re not always worth using. In some cases, they encourage unnecessary spending, making shoppers believe they’re saving money when they’re actually buying things they don’t need. Knowing when to use discounts strategically ensures that they work in favor of the shopper rather than the retailer.

When Coupons Provide Real Savings

Coupons are most valuable when used for planned purchases, especially for groceries, household essentials, and clothing. If a discount applies to something that was already on the shopping list, it results in true savings.

For larger purchases, waiting for seasonal discount codes or promotional sales can significantly lower costs. Many online retailers offer first-time customer discounts, which can be useful for major one-time purchases.

When Coupons Lead to Overspending

Retailers often use coupons to encourage additional purchases. Discounts that require a minimum spend—such as "Save $20 when you spend $100"—can lead to buying unnecessary items just to qualify for the deal.

Some coupons apply only to marked-up prices, making the final cost no different from regular sales. Checking price history before using a coupon ensures that the discount is genuine.

The Best Way to Use Discount Codes

Being selective with coupons prevents unnecessary spending. Using them only for planned purchases and comparing prices across retailers ensures that the best deal is actually achieved. By focusing on true savings rather than artificial discounts, shoppers can make the most of promotions without falling into marketing traps.