What is Groupon Select and is it worth it?

If you love using Groupon for deals on local events, products, tickets and travel, you may have seen the ads for Groupon Select while shopping online.

Groupon Select is a subscription membership service that provides access to additional discounts, exclusive deals and more for $4.99 each month. But what is Groupon Select and is it worth it?

Team Clark signed up just to find out! In this article, we’ll cover all the benefits, drawbacks and fine print.

Benefits of Groupon Select

Groupon Select members enjoy additional discounts that are automatically applied during checkout with no coupons or promo codes required. Here are the specific perks of joining Groupon Select:

• 10% added savings on tickets and events

• 10% added savings on travel

• Free shipping with no minimum price exclusions

• 25% more off local 

We found that sometimes you can get even more than 20% off local deals.

For example, this 1-hour Rocky Mountain Paddleboard deal was available for only $1.40 after Groupon Select savings. That’s a total of 90% off.

There are no restrictions on the number of deals you can buy each day, and you’ll also occasionally receive emails regarding access to exclusive deals.

Groupon Select exclusions and fine print

The Groupon Select discounts can only be applied to one product or service per transaction, but there’s no limit on how many orders you can place each day.

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If you’re purchasing eligible products, you’ll receive free shipping anyway, so you’ll want to note that actually splitting up your orders is the best way to save with this service.

You can see an example of the free shipping discount with Groupon Select on this 7-bulb LED light, which almost pays for the monthly membership: 

Be sure to check the discounts on your checkout page as some sellers have specifically requested not to participate in Groupon Select savings. 

These deals aren’t eligible for discounts: Groupon+, Goods Marketplace and Getaways Market Pick.

How to get the best deal using Groupon Select

You’ll see how much you’ve saved with Groupon Select on each purchase under the subtotal in the order summary section.

If you’re a Groupon Select member and don’t see your discount during checkout, make sure it’s eligible for additional savings by checking out the troubleshooting FAQ page.

To make sure you’re getting the best deal with Groupon Select, be sure to read customer reviews on both products and services. Read all of the details provided, and familiarize yourself with the Groupon return policy:

Local deals can be refunded within 3 days of purchase, Groupon Getaway deals can be refunded until the “book by” date has passed and most Groupon Goods may be returned within 30 days of delivery.

You’ll also want to compare prices of the item you’re considering to ensure it really is the best deal using a tool like Google Shopping.

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How to become a Groupon Select member

To become a Groupon Select member, follow these steps:

• Visit

  this section of Groupon’s website

• Click “sign up” to check your eligibility. Note: you must create or log into your free Groupon account in order to register for Groupon Select.

• If prompted, click “enroll” 

• Link an existing credit card or select “add” to choose a new card

• You’ll receive a notification that your enrollment was successful

According to the fine print, you’ll be signing up for a 6-month membership followed by a monthly plan. The first month is free, but keep in mind that you are committing to pay the $4.99 monthly fee beginning on the first day of the second month through the end of your 6-month membership.

Once the first six months have passed, your membership will automatically update to a monthly plan at the same price that can be cancelled at any time.

In addition to getting the first month free, we’ve also seen offers for a $5 Starbucks gift card upon signup or $30 in Groupon Bucks. 

Once you’re signed up, you can visit the Groupon Select Account page to track your account status, payment method and billing history. This is also the same page you’ll visit if you want to cancel your membership. You can cancel your membership at any time after the initial six months.

In our experience, signing up was a little confusing, as Groupon Select offers and membership options appeared to change regularly.

Final thought

Groupon is a great way to branch out and try something new, and Groupon Select makes it cheaper than ever. The service is probably best for regular Groupon shoppers who are confident that their savings will offset the $4.99 monthly fee. 

Groupon Select membership benefits:

• Additional savings on travel and entertainment 

• Free shipping

• Access to exclusive deals

• $4.99/month 

• Sign-up offer may be available

• Membership can only be canceled within 30 days of auto-renewal

If you try Groupon Select and decide that it’s not worth it, just remember to cancel to avoid being charged in the future. You can still access Groupon’s other deals without being a Groupon Select member!  

American Express adds new 6% cash back category to popular credit card

American Express is adding two cash back categories and dropping one from its popular Blue Cash Preferred credit card.

American Express Blue Cash Preferred changes

Starting May 9, new and existing cardholders will receive 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions like Netflix and Hulu, and 3% cash back on transit purchases like Uber and Lyft.

However, the card will no longer offer 3% cash back at select U.S. department stores after July 31, 2019.

Launched in 2011, Blue Cash Preferred is popular for its 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases per year. That valuable perk will continue.

Here’s what the American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card will offer:

• 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 in purchases then 1%)
• 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions [NEW]
• 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations
• 3% cash back on transit, including parking, tolls, trains and rideshares [NEW]
• 1% cash back on other purchases

“The Blue Cash Preferred has been one the top cash back credit cards for many years, but it’s become a bit outdated recently,” said credit card expert Jason Steele. “The most frugal shoppers that this card appeals to are also likely to be those who subscribe to streaming services rather than cable, and are using shared ride services and public transportation. At the same time, most cash conscious cardholders aren’t too likely to spend much at major department stores in malls, and they probably won’t miss the removal of this bonus category.”

Along with the bonus category changes, Blue Cash Preferred is getting a new design and will feature contactless payment.

This card has a $95 annual fee. American Express says new cardholders who apply and are approved after May 9 will receive a welcome bonus of $250 after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months.

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