Coupon Basics: How to double and triple coupons

If you are new to using coupons, you may have heard of “doubling” and “tripling” coupons, but this terminology may be confusing. I get lots of questions about what this means, so I thought I’d provide some clarification!

What does it mean to double and triple coupons? Does that mean I can use two or three coupons for one item?

You can only use one manufacturer’s coupon per item ever. If your stores double or triple coupons, it means that the store will double or triple the face value of the coupon.

For example, if you have a coupon with a “face value” (meaning the actual value of the coupon) of $.35 and your stores triple coupons, then $1.05 would be deducted when you purchase a qualifying item and use the coupon. If your stores double coupons, $.70 would be deducted when you purchase a qualifying item and use the coupon.

I have a few grocery stores in my area that triple coupons with a “face value” up to $.39 and double coupons with a “face value” up to $.50. This is great because it means that when items are on sale for $1, I can get them for free if I have a $.35 or $.50 coupon! (this is how I get a lot of my free frozen fruits and veggies!)

How do I know if my stores double and triple coupons?

A lot of times, stores will advertise that they double and triple coupons in their weekly ads. If your store doesn’t do this, it doesn’t hurt to ask! You also want to be sure that you know the store’s policy for doubling and tripling coupons (my Kroger store will double or triple up to three of the same coupons per transaction, so I was very surprised once when I found out that my Randalls store would only double or triple one of the same coupons).

Doubling and tripling coupons is also typically regional, so even though your Kroger or Safeway store may double and triple coupons in your area, if you go to visit friends and family somewhere else, they may not have this policy. Also, the amounts that they will double and triple up to sometimes varies. I know in some areas, they double coupons with a face value up to $1 (I sure am jealous of people that have that policy!)

Many times, you also have to have a customer loyalty card or a special coupon to activate a double or triple coupon promotion. Again, it’s best to check with your store for details.

Also, typically, you do not get “overage” from using a double or triple coupon promotion. For example, if I am buying an item that is $1 and I use a $.35 coupon which will triple, only $1 will be deducted rather than $1.05.

My coupon says “do not double” – will it still work?

It might work. It depends on the coupon. If you look at your coupons, there is a “code” along the bottom of the coupon (I’ll be explaining this works and how to “read” it in a future post).

Here’s a coupon for reference purposes:

On the lower left hand side, you’ll notice a code along the bottom that starts with a “5” From my experience, even if the coupon says “do not double/triple” at the top, if the code at the bottom starts with a “5” your coupon will still double. (The code on this coupon starts with a “5”)

If the code at the bottom starts with a “9” then the coupon will not double/triple. Most of the “blinkie” coupons you find in the machines in grocery stores start with a “9” and will not double or triple.