Learn how to stack cashback, referral bonuses, loyalty points, and discount codes on a single purchase. Practical examples for UK shoppers in 2026.
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Most people use one savings trick at a time. They'll use a discount code, or earn cashback, or collect loyalty points — but rarely all three together. That's leaving money on the table.
Stacking rewards means combining multiple savings methods on the same purchase so every transaction works harder for you. Done properly, it's not unusual to save 15-30% on a single purchase without any extra hassle once you know the system.
This guide shows you exactly how to do it, with real examples.
Reward stacking is layering multiple, non-conflicting savings on one purchase. Each layer comes from a different source, so they don't cancel each other out.
Here's what a fully stacked purchase might look like:
Each of these comes from a different party — the cashback platform, the retailer, the loyalty scheme, your bank, and the person who referred you. They stack because they don't compete with each other.
This is your foundation layer. Before any online purchase, check if cashback is available through TopCashback or a similar platform.
Cashback rates vary by retailer and category:
Always compare rates across platforms — they frequently differ. A two-second check can mean the difference between 3% and 8% on the same purchase.
For a full explanation of how this works behind the scenes, see our guide to how cashback apps work.
After clicking through your cashback site, apply a discount code at checkout. The key rule: use discount codes provided by the cashback site itself when available, as third-party codes can sometimes override cashback tracking.
Where to find legitimate codes:
Pro tip: Some retailers offer a first-order discount of 10-15% when you sign up for their newsletter. Create a dedicated email for shopping sign-ups and collect these before making purchases.
Most major retailers run loyalty programmes. These don't conflict with cashback or discount codes — they're tracked separately by the retailer.
The best UK loyalty programmes by value:
Always scan or enter your loyalty card, even on discounted purchases. Points still accrue.
Your choice of payment card is another stacking opportunity.
Cashback credit cards give you 0.25-1% back on all spending. Paid over a full year, that's £50-£200 for an average household — on spending you'd do regardless.
Curve is worth particular attention. It's a card that sits on top of your existing cards, letting you switch which underlying card is charged even after a purchase. It also offers its own cashback at selected retailers, which stacks on top of your underlying card's rewards.
Airtime Rewards links to your existing debit or credit card and gives you money off your phone bill when you shop at partner retailers. It works alongside everything else because it tracks your card transactions separately.
When you're signing up for a new service anyway, always check if a referral bonus is available. These are one-time bonuses, but they can be substantial:
These bonuses come from the platform's marketing budget and don't affect the price you pay.
| Layer | Saving | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| TopCashback (3%) | Cashback | £24.00 |
| Newsletter sign-up code (10%) | Discount | £80.00 |
| Retailer loyalty points | Store credit | £8.00 |
| Cashback credit card (1%) | Card reward | £8.00 |
| Total saved | £120.00 (15%) |
You paid £720 at checkout, plus £32 coming back as cashback and store credit. Same laptop, same retailer, same warranty.
| Layer | Saving | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Supermarket loyalty app discounts | Reduced prices | £15-£25 |
| Receipt scanning via Shopmium | Cashback on brands | £5-£10 |
| Nectar/Clubcard bonus offers | Points | £3-£5 |
| Cashback credit card (0.5%) | Card reward | £1.60 |
| Total monthly saving | £25-£42 |
Over a year, that's £300-£500 saved on groceries without changing what you buy or where you shop.
| Layer | Saving | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Comparison site via cashback (£40) | Cashback | £40.00 |
| Switching to cheapest equivalent quote | Price reduction | £50-£100 |
| Paying annually instead of monthly | Avoids interest | £30-£50 |
| Total saved | £120-£190 |
You don't need to remember all of this manually. These tools automate most of the work:
The setup takes about 30 minutes total. After that, stacking happens with minimal effort — a quick check before purchase and a tap of your loyalty card.
Even experienced savers trip up on these:
You don't need to set up all five layers at once. Build up gradually:
Week 1: Sign up for TopCashback and install the browser extension. Use it for your next online purchase.
Week 2: Download your supermarket's loyalty app and start scanning.
Week 3: Set up Airtime Rewards and link your payment card.
Week 4: Review your payment cards. Consider whether a cashback credit card makes sense for your spending.
Within a month, you'll have a system that saves money on almost every purchase — automatically.
For more overlooked savings opportunities, check out our article on free rewards most people miss out on.
