Online shopping is a staple of modern life, especially in the USA. With convenience at our fingertips, it’s easy to overspend without realizing it. The good news? You can snag great deals and stretch your dollars further by shopping smart. Here are 10 proven ways to save money while shopping online.
1. Use Cashback Apps and Websites
Why pay full price when you can earn money back on your purchases? Platforms like Rakuten, Honey, and TopCashback give you a percentage of your spending back as cash rewards.
How it works:
- Sign up for a cashback site.
- Shop through their portal or activate their browser extension.
- Earn money back on eligible purchases.
Pro Tip: Combine cashback rewards with credit card offers for double savings.
2. Look for Discount Coupons
Coupon codes are your best friend when shopping online. Before making a purchase, check websites like RetailMeNot, CouponCabin, and SlickDeals for available discounts.
Time-saving tip: Use browser extensions like Honey or Capital One Shopping, which automatically apply coupon codes at checkout.
3. Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs
Many American retailers, like Target (Target Circle), Kohl’s (Kohl’s Cash), and Best Buy (My Best Buy Rewards), offer loyalty programs that reward frequent shoppers.
- Sign up for free loyalty programs.
- Earn points on every purchase.
- Redeem points for discounts or freebies.
Extra savings: Some loyalty programs offer members-only discounts or birthday rewards!
4. Compare Prices Before Buying
Never settle for the first price you see. Use tools like Google Shopping, PriceGrabber, or apps like ShopSavvy to compare prices across multiple websites.
Smart shopping tip: Check shipping costs and taxes to ensure the “cheapest” price is truly the best deal.
5. Time Your Purchases
Timing is everything when shopping online. Americans save big during sales events like:
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday
- Amazon Prime Day
- End-of-Season Sales (winter clearance, back-to-school deals)
Insider tip: For electronics and appliances, wait for big holiday sales; for clothing, shop at the end of each season.
6. Sign Up for Store Newsletters
Most retailers in the USA offer a discount (usually 10-20%) when you sign up for their email newsletters. Some even provide exclusive early access to sales and promotions.
Pro Tip: Create a dedicated email for promotions to keep your primary inbox clutter-free.
7. Avoid Impulse Buying with a Wishlist
Impulse buying is one of the biggest reasons we overspend online. Instead of buying immediately, add items to your wishlist or shopping cart and wait 24-48 hours. This gives you time to reconsider whether you truly need the item.
Why it works:
- Many retailers send discount codes to encourage you to complete your purchase.
- You avoid regretting unnecessary purchases later.
Example: “We noticed you left something behind!” emails often come with a 10-20% discount to entice you back.
8. Use Price-Tracking Tools
Keep an eye on price drops for your favorite products with tools like CamelCamelCamel (great for Amazon shoppers), Honey’s Drop List, or PriceBlink. These tools alert you when an item’s price decreases.
Pro Tip: Use price trackers during major sale seasons like Black Friday or Prime Day for maximum savings.
9. Buy in Bulk for Essentials
For everyday items like paper towels, cleaning supplies, and pantry staples, bulk buying is often cheaper. Sites like Costco.com, Sam’s Club, or Boxed offer bulk deals with free or low-cost delivery.
Save even more: Look for subscription services (like Amazon Subscribe & Save) that offer additional discounts for recurring deliveries.
10. Look for Free Shipping Deals
Shipping costs can quickly add up, especially when shopping across multiple stores. Always check for free shipping options.
- Sign up for Amazon Prime or Walmart+ for unlimited free shipping.
- Meet minimum purchase thresholds (e.g., $35+) to unlock free delivery at stores like Target and Best Buy.
- Use services like FreeShipping.com for access to stores offering free shipping deals.
Hack: Shop during special “free shipping day” events in December or use retailer-specific promo codes.
Bonus Tip: Use Alternative Payment Methods for Discounts
Some retailers in the USA partner with payment platforms like PayPal, Afterpay, or Klarna, offering exclusive discounts when you use their service. Watch out for these offers, especially during holidays or promotional periods.
Conclusion
Online shopping doesn’t have to burn a hole in your wallet. By using these simple strategies—like cashback apps, loyalty programs, and price trackers—you can save big while enjoying the convenience of shopping from home.
What are your favorite ways to save money online? Share your tips in the comments below, and don’t forget to pass this article along to friends and family to help them save, too!
