A deal with Yahoo could put Coupons.com's coupons on mobile phones nationwide, reports MediaPost.

The companies are partnering to distribute coupons to mobile devices. Coupons can be redeemed directly from those devices and do not need to be printed out.

Companies like Amazon and Hearst Magazines have experimented with mobile-based shopping or discount services, but working directly with stores — which must ultimately honor the discounts — is problematic. (Stores would likely have to install new technology, an investment few wish to make because of the uncertainty of success.)

Coupons Inc. received the largest share of visitors in the niche online coupon category. To encourage clients to try the service, it offers a free 12-month trial. At the time of the announcement, pizza chain Papa Johns was the only retailer said to be on-board.

In April, a survey found that recession-affected consumers plan to use coupons. Many favor paperless ones.