From Rakuten to Get Top Discounts: A Guide to Cash Back & Coupon Stacking
These days, finding one discount isn’t enough. Smart online shoppers are turning to coupon stacking, a savvy strategy where you combine cash back portals with promo codes to maximize savings. It’s no longer a “pro-only” trick – with the right tools, anyone can do it.
Platforms like Rakuten offer dependable cashback on everyday purchases, while sites like Get Top Discounts help you layer on top a promo code that actually works.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
- How cashback platforms work
- How to combine cashback with verified promo codes
- Tools and tips to help you automate the process
- Our top recommended websites for stacking deals
By the end, you’ll have a practical system to save double (or even triple) the amount you’re used to.
What Actually is Cashback?
Cashback is one of the easiest ways to save money without changing your shopping behavior. When you use a cashback site or app, you’re essentially getting paid a small percentage of your purchase total.
How It Works:
- You visit a cashback site like Rakuten.
- You click a store link (e.g., Nike, Macy’s, Sephora).
- You shop as usual.
- The cashback site earns a commission – shares it with you.
Average cashback rates range from 1% to 10%, depending on the retailer. But during special events, they can go as high as 15-20%.
Coupon Codes: The Second Half of the Equation
Once you activate your cashback, the next step is to apply a working promo code during checkout. This is where many shoppers stumble – because many coupon codes online are expired or invalid.
That’s where platforms like GetTopDiscounts come in. Their editorial team prioritizes code accuracy and validation, reducing the chance of applying 4 codes that all fail.
Unlike user-submitted databases, Get Top Discounts uses internal verification to ensure that only functioning and up-to-date coupons are posted. It’s one of the most effective tools we’ve found for the second half of your discount stacking.
How to Stack Coupons with Cashback (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Choose a Cashback Site
We recommend starting with:
- Rakuten (most popular)
- TopCashback (often offers slightly higher rates)
- Capital One Shopping (great for automatic price comparisons)
Sign up, log in, and search for the retailer you’re buying from.
Step 2: Click Through to Activate Cashback
Click the store link on the cashback site and wait for confirmation (usually a banner or popup).
Don’t open a new tab or go back later – this can break the tracking, and you may not get paid.
Step 3: Find a Working Promo Code
Go to a verified site like Get Top Discounts. Look for:
- Featured coupons
- Limited-time offers
- Sitewide or category-specific deals
Copy the code.
Step 4: Apply the Promo Code at Checkout
Finish your purchase and enter the code at checkout. If the code is accepted, congrats – you just stacked your savings.
In many cases, shoppers report savings of 25-40% when cashback and promo codes are combined.
Top Cashback Platforms to Start With
1. Rakuten
Best for: Broad store selection and seasonal events.
Rakuten partners with 3,500+ retailers, including Amazon (select categories), Walmart, and Ulta. Their browser extension makes it easy to see when cashback is available.
They also run double cashback events during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Back-to-School sales.
2. TopCashback
Best for: Slightly higher rates and niche retailers.
TopCashback often offers 1–2% more than Rakuten, and includes lesser-known retailers that aren’t on other platforms. They also offer 100% payout (they take a lower cut than others).
3. Capital One Shopping
Best for: Price comparison and auto-code testing.
Capital One Shopping compares prices across multiple retailers and auto-tests promo codes at checkout. While its cashback network isn’t as vast, its built-in savings alerts are great for price tracking.
Best Promo Code Sites for Stacking
Not all coupon sites are created equal. Here’s how the best compare:
Website | Strength | Why Use It |
Get Top Discounts | Verified codes, minimal ads | Less clutter, better code success rate |
RetailMeNot | Massive code volume | Great for mainstream retailers |
Honey | Auto-applies codes with browser extension | Set-it-and-forget-it convenience |
Slickdeals | Community-voted deals | Good for trending or limited-time deals |
Brad’s Deals | Editorial curation | Best for gift shopping and hand-picked deals |
❖ Key Takeaway: If you’re coupon stacking, start with Get Top Discounts for code accuracy, then expand as needed.
Realistic Example: How to Stack Savings on a $100 Purchase
Let’s say you’re buying sneakers from Adidas:
- You go to Rakuten and see 8% cashback → click through.
- You visit Get Top Discounts and find a 20% off promo code.
- At checkout:
○ $100 – 20% = $80 total
○ 8% cashback on $80 = $6.40 back
○ Total savings: $26.40
That’s over 25% off with no complicated hoops to jump through.
Pro Tips for Advanced Stackers
1. Use Multiple Extensions (But carefully)
Install multiple extensions like Rakuten, Honey, and Capital One Shopping. But disable all except one when checking out to avoid tracking conflicts.
2. Combine With Loyalty Programs
Using a store’s loyalty program? You can often stack cashback + promo code + loyalty rewards.
3. Sign Up for Email Exclusives
Sites like Get Top Discounts and Brad’s Deals send exclusive codes to email subscribers. Some of these are not published publicly.
4. Use Mobile Apps for Mobile-Only Deals
RetailMeNot and Rakuten both offer mobile-only codes that can stack with other discounts. Download the apps and enable notifications for flash deals.
What to Watch Out For (Avoid These Mistakes)
- Opening too many tabs: This can break cashback tracking.
- Forgetting to apply the code: Don’t rely on memory—copy it before checkout.
- Not reading the terms: Some cashback doesn’t apply to discounted items, gift cards, or using certain payment types.
Be sure to read the fine print if you’re planning a large purchase.
Final Thoughts: Build a Savings System, not a Habit
Coupon stacking isn’t about spending hours hunting for a deal. It’s about setting up a quick system that lets you save every time you shop online.
Platforms like Rakuten make cashback effortless. And when you combine that with accurate promo code resources – with sites like Get Top Discounts – you turn ordinary shopping into an opportunity to save 20-40% on things you already planned to buy.
Small steps. Big results.