Have you used Groupon yet? It is an online site that offers an amazing array of discounts on everything from restaurants to yoga classes. Although it is an international business, Groupon really is local. When you log in, you enter your zip code to see the wide variety of deals available in your area. Even though Groupon offers terrific deals, there are ways to maximized your Groupon experience to get the most bang for your buck.

Use the App

Groupon has an app that makes it easy for users to activate their special deals. You won’t have to print a voucher for some of those deals when you use the app. You can also sign up to receive alerts for those deals you are most interested in. Those alerts can also let you know about a price drop on an item that you’ve already checked out.

Activate Groupon+

Groupon+ is for deeper discounts at restaurants that can lead to cash back rewards. When you sign up with an eligible credit and/or debit card you will be linked to Groupon+ establishments that are part of the program. When you see a deal, you like you can just hit the “claim deal” button. That will trigger a cash back reward when you use that card to pay for your meal.

Deals of the Day

The Groupon Deals of the Day pulls together the most popular deals being offered and then applies an even bigger discount. The caveat is that those deals only last for 24 hours so you have to take advantage of them ASAP.

Make it a Group Trip

Groupon Getaways is the section of Groupon dedicated to offering discounts on travel deals and vacation packages. Those deals can be on hotel stays and excursions. There are even deals for airport parking and show tickets. Of course, once you get to your destination, you’ll want to change the location preferences on your app so that you can take advantage of all the Groupon deals for where you are staying.

Refer Friends for Groupon Bucks

Groupon has their own internal reward system called Groupon Bucks. These can be added to your account and applied towards any deal. You can earn Groupon Bucks by referring a friend. If they purchase a deal within 72-hours of signing up, then you’ll earn $10 in Groupon Bucks. Everybody wins with that deal!