Shopping online can feel like magic. You click a button, and within days, your package arrives. No long lines, no crowded stores, just effortless shopping from your couch.
But let’s be honest—it’s easy to overspend. With endless sales, tempting ads, and flash deals, saving money while shopping online takes strategy.
I’ve been caught in the online shopping trap before—adding things to my cart that I don’t need, falling for discounts that weren’t really deals, and realizing too late that I could have saved more.
But over time, I’ve learned a few smart tricks that help me get the best online shopping savings without sacrificing quality.
If you love shopping but also love keeping your wallet happy, these money-saving tips for online shopping will change how you shop.
Key Takeaways
- Use price comparison tools before buying.
- Sign up for cashback and rewards programs.
- Wait for sales and special discount days.
- Use coupon codes and browser extensions.
- Abandon your cart to get exclusive discounts.
1. Compare Prices Before Buying
Online stores often list different prices for the same product. Before checking out, I always compare prices across multiple websites. It’s shocking how much they can vary.
Here’s how I find the lowest price:
| Method | How It Helps |
| Google Shopping | Shows prices from different stores |
| Price Comparison Websites | Finds the best deals |
| Store Apps | Sometimes offer lower app-only prices |
| Incognito Mode | Helps avoid price tracking |
One time, I wanted a pair of sneakers. On one website, they were $120. A quick Google search led me to another store offering the same pair for $85! That’s a $35 savings with just a few clicks.
Always double-check prices before hitting “Buy Now.”
2. Use Cashback and Rewards Programs
Cashback apps are free money if you shop online. Instead of paying full price, you get a percentage back on every purchase. It’s like a small discount on everything you buy.
My go-to online shopping savings app is Rakuten. I’ve earned over $200 in cashback just by clicking through their site before shopping.
Here are some top cashback programs to try:
| Program | Cashback Rate | Best For |
| Rakuten | 1% – 10% | General online shopping |
| Honey Gold | 0.5% – 10% | Amazon, fashion stores |
| Capital One Shopping | Varies | Price tracking + cashback |
| Chase Shop Online Savings | 2% – 15% | Chase credit card users |
If you’re not using cashback programs, you’re leaving money on the table.
3. Time Your Purchases Right
Buying at the right time can help you save a lot of money. Prices change based on demand, season, and special sales.
A little patience can lead to bigger savings on online shopping instead of paying full price.
I used to buy things anytime, but I noticed that waiting for the right moment saved me more.
Once, I bought a TV for $400 less just because I waited for a holiday sale instead of buying it in the middle of the month.
Best Days to Shop for Maximum Savings
| Day | Best Deals On | Why? |
| Monday | Electronics, tech gadgets | Stores lower prices after the weekend |
| Wednesday | Clothing, fashion | Midweek sales help stores boost sales |
| Friday | Travel, hotels, flights | Airlines and hotels offer weekend discounts |
| End of Month | Furniture, appliances | Stores clear stock for new items |
| Holiday Sales | Everything! | Stores compete to offer the biggest discounts |
Best Shopping Events for Big Discounts
| Event | When? | Best Savings On |
| Black Friday | Late November | Electronics, big-ticket items |
| Cyber Monday | The Monday after Black Friday | Tech, gadgets, and online-only deals |
| Amazon Prime Day | July | Huge Amazon discounts for Prime members |
| Labor Day Sales | Early September | Home goods, appliances |
| End-of-Season Sales | March, September | Clothing and fashion |
Pro Tip: Check the Calendar Before Buying
If you plan your shopping, you can grab amazing savings online instead of spending more.
Now, before I buy anything expensive, I check the calendar first. This simple habit has helped me save hundreds of dollars over the years!
4. Use Coupon Codes and Browser Extensions
Who doesn’t love a good coupon? The problem is, finding the right one can be a pain.
Instead of searching manually, I use browser extensions that automatically apply coupons at checkout. My favorites are:
- Honey – Finds and applies the best promo codes.
- RetailMeNot – Offers coupons and cashback.
- Capital One Shopping – Tracks prices and finds discounts.
Once, I was about to pay $75 for a dress, but Honey found a 30% off code, bringing it down to $52.50. That’s a big discount for zero effort!
4. Use Coupon Codes and Browser Extensions
Who doesn’t love a good coupon? The problem is, finding the right one can be a pain.
Instead of searching manually, I use browser extensions that automatically apply coupons at checkout. My favorites are:
- Honey – Finds and applies the best promo codes.
- RetailMeNot – Offers coupons and cashback.
- Capital One Shopping – Tracks prices and finds discounts.
Once, I was about to pay $75 for a dress, but Honey found a 30% off code, bringing it down to $52.50. That’s a big discount for zero effort!
5. Abandon Your Cart for Exclusive Discounts
One of my favorite money-saving tips for online shopping is cart abandonment. It sounds strange, but it works like magic.
Many stores don’t want to lose a sale, so if you add items to your cart but don’t check out, they often send a discount code to encourage you to complete your purchase.
I tested this trick with a $90 jacket I wanted but wasn’t in a rush to buy. After 48 hours, the store emailed me a 15% off coupon. That simple move saved me $13.50 for doing nothing!
How to Use the Cart Abandonment Trick
| Step | What to Do | Why It Works |
| Step 1 | Add items to your cart | Triggers the system to recognize your interest |
| Step 2 | Log into your account | Allows the store to track your abandoned cart |
| Step 3 | Close the website without buying | Makes the store think you changed your mind |
| Step 4 | Wait 24-48 hours | Many retailers send a discount to get you back |
| Step 5 | Check your email for a coupon | Use it to save on your purchase! |
Stores That Often Send Abandoned Cart Discounts
- Nike – Usually sends 10-15% off
- Adidas – Often offers extra 10% discounts
- Sephora – May send free shipping or bonus samples
- Macy’s – Sends exclusive promo codes
Pro Tip: This trick works best if you’re logged in to your account. If you’re a new customer, some stores even send a first-time buyer discount after you abandon your cart.
Now, whenever I shop, I pause before checking out. More often than not, I get a surprise discount just for being patient!
6. Take Advantage of Free Shipping
Paying for shipping is a waste of money when most stores offer free shipping with a minimum spend.
If I’m a few dollars away from free shipping, I add something small, like socks or stationery, instead of paying extra for delivery.
Another trick is using store memberships:
| Store | Free Shipping Perks |
| Amazon Prime | Free 2-day shipping |
| Walmart+ | Free delivery on orders |
| Target Circle | Free shipping with RedCard |
Free shipping adds up over time, saving $5-$10 per order.
7. Buy in Bulk or Subscription Discounts
If you frequently buy certain items, subscription services can save you money.
For example, Amazon Subscribe & Save gives up to 15% off when you order items regularly. I use it for essentials like toothpaste, shampoo, and coffee.
Here’s a comparison of savings when buying in bulk:
| Item | Single Purchase Price | Subscription Price | Total Savings |
| Coffee Pods | $10 | $8.50 | $1.50 per box |
| Protein Powder | $30 | $26 | $4 per order |
| Dog Food | $50 | $42.50 | $7.50 per bag |
A little planning leads to huge savings over time.
8. Sign Up for Store Emails for Exclusive Deals
Stores often give special discounts to customers who join their email lists. Many offer 10-20% off just for signing up.
They also send secret sales, promo codes, and early access to big discounts.
I used to ignore these emails, thinking they were just junk. But one day, I missed out on a 20% off coupon from my favorite clothing store. That’s when I changed my mind.
Now, I use a separate email just for shopping deals. This way, I never miss discounts, and my main inbox stays clean.
Why Store Emails Help You Save
| Benefit | How It Helps |
| Welcome Discount | Get 10-20% off your first order |
| Early Access to Sales | Shop deals before the public |
| Exclusive Promo Codes | Get discounts not available to others |
| Birthday Rewards | Receive free gifts or coupons |
Stores That Offer Email Discounts
| Store | Sign-Up Discount | Extra Perks |
| Nike | 10% off first order | Early access to new styles |
| Sephora | Free gift on sign-up | Birthday reward & VIP deals |
| H&M | 20% off first order | Extra discounts for members |
| Macy’s | 25% off coupon | Alerts for flash sales |
Pro Tip: Use a Separate Email for Deals
Don’t want a cluttered inbox? Create a dedicated email for online shopping savings. This way, you get all the best deals without the extra emails in your main inbox.
Since signing up for store emails, I’ve saved hundreds of dollars on my purchases. A few clicks can bring huge savings on online shopping!
9. Check Clearance and Outlet Sections
Many brands have outlet websites where they sell last season’s items at a massive discount.
Here are some great online outlet stores:
| Brand | Outlet Site | Savings |
| Nike | Nike Factory Store | Up to 50% off |
| Adidas | Adidas Outlet | Up to 60% off |
| Best Buy | Best Buy Outlet | Open-box deals |
| Coach | Coach Outlet | Designer bags on sale |
I once got a $300 pair of shoes for $120 just by shopping on the outlet site instead of the main store.
FAQs About Online Shopping Money-Saving Tricks
Final Thoughts
Saving money while shopping online isn’t just about finding discounts—it’s about using smart strategies to spend less.
From timing your purchases to signing up for store emails, every little trick adds up.
I used to buy things on impulse and regret it later when I saw the same item cheaper a week later.
Now, I take my time, use money-saving tricks, and always look for the best deals.
Small changes, like abandoning my cart for discounts or using a dedicated email for shopping, have helped me save hundreds of dollars without cutting back on the things I love.
If you want to shop amazing savings online, start by trying one or two tricks. Maybe you wait for a holiday sale, or you use a savings app to find the lowest price.
Over time, these habits will help you spend smarter and save more.
What’s your favorite online shopping saving trick? Share it in the comments!
Let’s help each other find the best deals and keep more money in our pockets. Happy shopping! 🛍️💰
