Stacking discounts, coupons and card offers: why order matters
In short
Discounts can only be stacked when each offer's conditions allow it. Percentage discounts multiply in sequence, fixed coupons depend on where they are applied, and many campaigns exclude each other. The correct total comes from applying eligible offers in their real order.
What can usually be combined
Store promotions and bank or card campaigns are often combinable because they are funded by different parties. Loyalty points can frequently be earned on top. Coupon codes are the most restrictive: many cannot be combined with other promotions.
Sequential percentages
20% off and then 10% off equals 28% off in total, because the second discount applies to the reduced price. Three discounts of 10% each give 27.1%, not 30%.
Fixed coupons and thresholds
A coupon of 100 on a 1,000 purchase is worth 10% before a percentage discount and slightly less after it. Minimum spend thresholds are usually checked on a specific amount – before or after other discounts – so the same basket can qualify under one order and fail under another.
Caps and limits
Bank campaigns often cap the reward per customer, per card or per period. Once a cap is reached, extra spending earns nothing. Several purchases planned in the same month share the same cap.
How AIPromo handles stacking
AIPromo combines offers only when their conditions allow it, applies them in order, respects caps and thresholds, and marks a combination as unknown when the rules are unclear instead of assuming it works.
Questions and answers
Can I use a coupon and a credit card campaign together?
Often yes, because the card campaign is funded by the bank, but check both sets of conditions. Some campaigns exclude discounted items.
Why is my total discount lower than the sum of percentages?
Because each percentage applies to the price after the previous discount.