Mark S. If you’re living in Canada and not stacking coupons with flyers, you’re leaving free money on the table. Coupon stacking—the savvy shopper’s secret weapon—lets you combine multiple savings sources to slash your grocery bill. It sounds too good to be true, but yes, it’s legal in Canada (with some store-specific rules).
Let’s break it down like a cart full of deals.
🧾 What Is Coupon Stacking?
Coupon stacking is when you use more than one discount on a single product. This could mean:
- Using a manufacturer coupon and a store coupon
- Combining a coupon with a flyer sale
- Adding cashback apps on top of that (like Checkout 51, Caddle, Eclipsa)
In some provinces, that might mean you’re paying cents for items. Or getting them for free. No joke.
🛍️ Types of Coupons You Can Stack
To stack coupons successfully in Canada, you need to know what types you’re working with:
- Manufacturer Coupons
- Issued by the product’s company (e.g., General Mills, P&G)
- Can be paper or digital
- Usually found on brand websites, in newspapers, or coupon sites
- Store Coupons
- Issued by a specific retailer (e.g., Real Canadian Superstore, London Drugs)
- Only valid in that store
- Flyer Sales
- Weekly sales advertised in flyers from stores like No Frills, Sobeys, Walmart, and Metro
- You can usually price match these at other stores that allow it
- Cashback Apps
- Apps like Checkout 51, Caddle, Eclipsa, and PC Optimum let you claim additional rebates after purchase
- These stack after the fact for even more savings
✅ Is Coupon Stacking Legal in Canada?
Yes. But there’s a caveat: not all stores allow coupon stacking. There’s no law against it, but it depends on store policy.
Stores That Often Allow Stacking:
- London Drugs (Western Canada only): Known for allowing stacking manufacturer + store coupons
- Real Canadian Superstore: Some locations allow stacking with PC Optimum points
- Rexall: Sometimes allows coupon + flyer stacking with Optimum points promos
- Giant Tiger, FreshCo, and Walmart: Often allow flyer price matching
Always check the store’s coupon policy or ask customer service. Keep a copy of their policy on your phone if needed.
🧠 Pro Tips for Coupon Stacking
🔍 1. Match Flyers First
Start with this week’s deals. Use sites like:
Find the lowest flyer price first, then apply coupons on top.
🧾 2. Know the Fine Print
Some coupons say “Cannot be combined with any other offer.” That means no stacking. Others say “One coupon per purchase,” which usually still lets you use it on each item (not the whole transaction).
💡 3. Stack with Cashback Apps
For example:
- Buy cereal on sale for $2.99
- Use a $1 manufacturer coupon
- Submit to Checkout 51 for $1 cashback
- Final price: $0.99
📱 4. Use Digital Coupons Wisely
Apps like PC Optimum and WebSaver often give store-specific coupons that stack with flyer sales.
📸 5. Always Screenshot or Save Offers
Sometimes digital coupons or app offers disappear before you claim them—take a screenshot when you see them.
💥 Example Deal Stack in Action
Product: Dove Body Wash
- Flyer Sale: $5.99 at Walmart
- Manufacturer Coupon: $2 off
- Checkout 51 Cashback: $1.50
- PC Optimum Offer: 2000 points (=$2 value)
Final Price: $0.49
(And you smell amazing.)
🛒 Start Stacking Like a Pro
Ready to turn flyer flipping into real savings? Here’s your checklist:
✔ Download flyer apps like Flipp
✔ Collect coupons (manufacturer + store)
✔ Use cashback apps after checkout
✔ Learn your store’s stacking policy
✔ Never be afraid to ask or price match
