How to Use Shopping Apps to Save Money Instantly: Expert Tips and Tricks

Published Sunday March 2 2025 by Brandon Ellis

Navigating Online and In-Store Deals

When it comes to saving money, using shopping apps effectively for both online and in-store deals is essential. Making the most out of these apps involves recognizing specific offers available through different platforms and retailers.

Leveraging In-Store Offers

Many stores, like Target and Walmart, have their apps designed to provide exclusive in-store deals. By enabling notifications on these apps, we can get real-time alerts on discounts and flash sales happening nearby. Additionally, scanning items while shopping can often reveal hidden deals that aren’t advertised openly.

We can also benefit from loyalty programs offered by individual retailers. Apps like Shopkick and Ibotta allow us to earn points just for walking into the store or scanning products. These points can then be exchanged for gift cards or discounts on future purchases. Combining these app-based deals with traditional in-store promotions, such as coupon clipping or store-specific discount days, maximizes our savings potential.

Finding the Best Online Discounts

Shopping online opens up an array of opportunities to save money through apps and browser extensions. Digital coupon apps like Honey and RetailMeNot scan available discount codes and automatically apply the best one during checkout. This ensures we never miss out on potential savings.

Moreover, many apps offer cashback on online purchases. For example, using Rakuten, we can earn a percentage of our spending back from participating retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. Additionally, keeping an eye on deal aggregator sites helps in discovering limited-time offers and price drops across multiple online stores.

We should also consider using specialized apps that track price history and predict the best time to buy certain items. This strategy allows us to purchase products at their lowest historical price.

Utilizing Browser Extensions and Mobile Apps

We can make the most of shopping browser extensions and mobile apps to unlock immediate savings. Each tool brings unique advantages that can streamline the shopping experience and maximize discounts.

The Convenience of Shopping Browser Extensions

Shopping browser extensions like Capital One Shopping and Honey make it easy for us to save money online. These extensions automatically search for and apply the best coupon codes during checkout, eliminating the need for manual searches.

This automation can save us both time and money. For instance, Honey integrates seamlessly into our browser and aggregates coupon codes from its vast user base. We can also track price changes and set alerts for desired drop prices. Additionally, extensions like Rakuten offer cash-back rewards from various retailers, further enhancing our savings.

Benefits of Using Mobile Shopping Apps

Mobile shopping apps such as Rakuten and Ibotta provide similar advantages with added portability. These apps allow us to scan receipts, earn cashback, and access exclusive in-app discounts on-the-go. This flexibility means we are not limited to desktop shopping.

With apps like Rakuten, we can earn cashback from both online and in-store purchases. Ibotta, on the other hand, specializes in grocery shopping, allowing us to upload receipts and earn cashback on everyday essentials. Mobile apps often send notifications about exclusive offers, ensuring we never miss a deal, even when we’re out and about.