Yeah, I’ve run into this too and it’s definitely confusing. The way most stores set up their systems, points are processed like cash or a gift card, so once you use them, the register won’t let you apply another discount to the same transaction. It’s not always about “hoping people give up,” but more about how their payment logic is coded.
If you really want to use both, sometimes you can buy one item with points, then do a separate purchase with the coupon—but yeah, some cashiers aren’t thrilled about it.
That’s been my workaround too, though it can be awkward if there’s a line. I’ve noticed some stores are stricter than others—like, Target’s system is super rigid, but smaller chains sometimes let the cashier override things if you ask nicely. Always worth double-checking the terms in the app or on the coupon itself. Sometimes there’s a line buried in there that spells out what you can combine. Not ideal, but at least you know before you get to the counter and hold everyone up.
- Been there, felt that pain. My wallet’s got more loyalty cards than my glovebox has manuals, but half the time I can’t stack a single thing.
- Honestly, I’ve tried the “split transaction” move and it’s like doing a pit stop—fast hands, awkward glances, and the cashier’s patience running on fumes.
- Target’s system is basically Fort Knox, but I’ve had luck at local spots where the cashier just shrugs and overrides it. Perks of shopping somewhere your car stands out in the lot, maybe?
- The fine print is wild. Sometimes it’s buried in legalese, sometimes it’s just “cannot be combined with other offers.” Like, define “other offers,” please.
- Ever had a cashier actually suggest a workaround? Once at a grocery store, the guy told me to use my points first, then come back through with the coupon. Felt like we were plotting a heist.
Curious—has anyone ever managed to stack both by using self-checkout or is that just wishful thinking? I’ve tried, but usually end up with a “see attendant” message and a line of people judging my life choices...
Self-checkout’s a gamble, honestly. I’ve tried every trick short of standing on my head—scan the coupon first, then the points, or vice versa. Nine times out of ten, the machine just blinks at me like I’m trying to rob the place. Last time, I got the dreaded “see attendant” and suddenly felt like I was holding up the entire store while my kids started eyeing the candy rack.
I swear, these systems are programmed to sniff out any attempt at double-dipping. The only time I ever got both to work was at a small-town grocery where the self-checkout was basically a glorified calculator and the attendant just waved me through. Everywhere else? No dice. I get why they do it, but man, it feels like you need a law degree and a secret handshake just to save a couple bucks.
If anyone’s cracked the code without getting side-eyed by half the store, they deserve a medal—or at least a free coffee.
