Stop Overpaying Online: 12 Free Habits That Cut What You Pay

1Use a coupon-finding browser extension

Coupon extensions test available promo codes at checkout for you, so you don't have to hunt for them. Capital One Shopping is one free option. It automatically applies coupon codes it finds and compares prices from other retailers while you shop. On iPhone you install the app and then turn on its Safari extension (Settings → Safari → Extensions). You don't need a Capital One credit card. Other tools like Honey and RetailMeNot work in a similar way, so pick one you like.

2Track prices before you buy

Prices on big retailers change a lot. Price trackers such as CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) or the price alerts in Google Shopping show price history and email you when an item drops. If something is near its usual low, buy. If not, set an alert and wait.

3Go through a cashback portal

Sites like Rakuten, TopCashback, and many airline and credit card shopping portals pay you back a percentage of your purchase when you click through them to a store. Rates vary by store and change often, so check before big purchases.

ShopBack (US) is another free cashback option. It works on the web, in its iOS and Android apps, and as a browser extension for Chrome, Edge and mobile Safari. The extension reminds you on partner stores so you can activate cashback before you check out. Cashback shows as pending until the store confirms the order (returns or cancellations reverse it). Once you have at least $5 confirmed, you can withdraw by PayPal or bank transfer. Rates vary by store, and using another coupon or cashback extension in the same checkout can stop it tracking.

Explore ShopBack cashback (US)

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4Leave items in your cart

Some retailers send a discount code to signed-in shoppers who leave items in their cart. This doesn't always happen, but if a purchase isn't urgent, waiting a day or two costs you nothing.

5Ask about price matching

Some retailers will match a lower price from certain competitors, and some will refund the difference if their own price drops soon after you buy. Policies differ and change, so read the store's current price-match page and save proof (a screenshot with the date).

6Claim student, military, teacher, and senior discounts

Lots of brands offer verified discounts through services like UNiDAYS, Student Beans, SheerID, or ID.me. Look for a "discounts" or "programs" link in a store's footer.

7Sign up for the newsletter (with a spare email)

A first-order discount for signing up for emails is common. Use a separate email address for shopping so promos don't flood your main inbox. Our sister site explains how to make an email alias.

8Time your purchases

Big sale events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Day, back-to-school, and end-of-season clearance tend to bring the lowest prices on electronics, clothing, and home goods. Check price history to make sure a "sale" is actually a deal.

9Consider refurbished and open-box

Manufacturer-certified refurbished electronics often come with a warranty and cost a lot less than new. Check the warranty length and return policy before you buy.

10Watch shipping costs and minimums

Shipping can cancel out a discount. Check free-shipping thresholds, use free in-store pickup when it's offered, and add up the full total before you compare stores.

11Buy discounted gift cards

Gift cards for stores you already shop at sometimes sell below face value through reputable resellers or warehouse clubs. Only buy from trusted sellers, and only for stores you'll actually use.

12Wait 24 hours on impulse buys

The cheapest purchase is the one you don't need. Wait a day before buying anything you didn't plan to buy. Many people find they no longer want it.