Cash Back Stacking: How to Save Three Times on the Same Purchase

Stacking sounds like a hobby for deal fanatics, but the basics are easy. You can save on the same purchase in three ways at once. Here's how I do it without making shopping a part-time job.

The three layers

1. **Store sale or coupon.** The base discount. 2. **Cash back portal or app.** A percentage back for shopping through their link. 3. **Credit card rewards.** Points or cash back on the purchase.

Together, these can add up to meaningful savings on bigger purchases.

Gift cards as a fourth layer

Some stores and warehouse clubs sell discounted gift cards for restaurants and retailers. Buying a discounted gift card and using it during a sale adds another layer.

How to start

• Pick one cash back portal and stick with it.
• Use one good everyday cash back credit card.
• Check for store coupons before buying.

Rules to avoid trouble

• **Pay off your credit card every month.** Interest wipes out all rewards instantly.
• **Don't buy things just for rewards.** Savings on something you didn't need are not savings.
• **Track your cash back.** Some portals take weeks to pay.

Store loyalty programs

Target Circle, Costco's executive rewards and other programs give extra savings or cash back. Use them for stores you already shop at.

Watch out for

• Cash back portals that don't track purchases if you use ad blockers
• Restrictions on gift card purchases
• Store coupons that exclude sale items

Where to stack

Costco and Sam's Club sell discounted gift cards for many brands. Target and Amazon have loyalty and rewards programs that can stack with card rewards.

Verdict

Start with a store sale, a cash back portal and a good card. Pay your card off in full. That simple stack can save more than any coupon habit.