Getting a valid coupon code can help you save money on your online purchases. Coupon codes are alphanumeric codes that online retailers provide to give discounts to customers. When entered at checkout, a valid coupon code applies a discount to your total purchase. However, finding a working coupon code that hasn’t expired can be tricky. Here are some tips on how to find valid coupon codes.
Check the retailer’s website
The first place to look for valid coupon codes is on the retailer’s own website. Many online stores have a section called “Promotions” or “Deals” where they list current coupon codes and sales. This is the best place to find coupons because these codes come directly from the retailer, so they are guaranteed to work. Retailers want customers to use their coupon codes, so they make them easy to find on their sites.
Check the website’s homepage, product pages, checkout page, and any dedicated coupon code page for links to current coupon offers. Some retailers also have opt-in newsletters that email subscribers exclusive coupon codes. Sign up for newsletters from your favorite stores to receive alerts about the latest discounts.
Use coupon websites
In addition to retailer sites, there are many third-party websites that aggregate and list coupon codes for all sorts of online stores. These sites find and compile coupon codes from around the web into one place so you don’t have to hunt them down yourself. Some popular coupon sites include RetailMeNot, CouponCabin, Coupons.com, and Slickdeals.
To use these sites, search for the store you want to shop at using the search bar. Results will display a list of available coupon codes for that retailer. Click “Get Code” or “Show Code” to reveal the code, then copy and paste it at checkout to redeem it.
The benefit of using aggregate coupon sites is you can find codes for dozens of stores in one place. However, you do need to pay attention to coupon details like expiration dates and whether there are usage limits, as aggregated codes may not always be up to date.
Use browser extensions
Another way to easily find valid coupon codes is to install a browser extension. These extensions automatically search for and apply available coupon codes when you visit retailer websites. Some popular browser extensions include Honey, CouponCabin, and Rakuten.
When you visit a retailer site, the extension will drop down and display any available coupon codes for that store. All you have to do is click to apply the code—no copying and pasting required. Extensions also apply any generic sitewide promo codes automatically at checkout. This takes the effort out of coupon code hunting.
The downside to extensions is they typically show the most generic codes with no usage limits. More exclusive or valuable coupon codes will need to be searched out manually on coupon sites or retailer websites.
Look for coupons on social media
These days many brands promote coupon codes on their social media channels, especially Facebook and Instagram. Follow your favorite retailers on social media and look out for coupon posts, sale announcements, and giveaways.
Often retailers will post a coupon code that’s valid for just 24-48 hours on social media to spur quick sales. So if you see a good code, be sure to use it fast before it expires. Social media coupons tend to be in limited supply compared to sitewide codes.
Combine codes and stacking
A savvy way to maximize savings is to combine and “stack” multiple coupon codes. Retailers will often allow you to use a generic site-wide promo code along with a specific product or category code at the same time.
For example, a retailer might have a sitewide 15% off code, and also offer $10 off jeans. Enter both codes at checkout and your jeans purchase will get 15% off plus the $10 discount. Combining codes like this compounds the savings.
Just make sure to read the fine print so you know the codes are allowed together. Some retailers prohibit stacking multiple coupon codes. When in doubt, try it out—the checkout process will let you know if the codes cannot be combined.
Join loyalty and rewards programs
Signing up for store loyalty programs is another reliable way to score coupon codes and discounts. Retailers will email loyalty program members special offers like % off or $ off coupons to incentivize repeat purchases. Loyalty programs are free to join and provide perks like free shipping and earning points on purchases in addition to coupons.
Make sure to set up an account on your favorite store sites and opt-in to receive promotional emails. Being a loyal customer often pays off with exclusive savings opportunities. You can also link your loyalty memberships to browser extensions to have discounts applied at checkout automatically.
Look for first-time subscriber offers
When you visit a new retailer for the first time, be on the lookout for pop-ups offering discounts for first-time subscribers. Stores will often entice new customers by offering a generic welcome offer like 10% off or free shipping.
To take advantage, you’ll need to subscribe by providing your email address. You’ll then receive the coupon code to your inbox right away. Since these offers are for new subscribers only, create a new account and use a fresh email address if it’s a site you’ve bought from before.
Buy through cashback portals
Cashback and rebate portals like Rakuten, Ibotta, and TopCashback are another easy way to save money shopping online. These sites provide cash back bonuses on purchases made through their links. For example, you might get 4% cash back on clothing or 10% cash back on electronics.
After signing up for an account, search for the store you want to shop at and click through their link. The cashback percentage will display. Then start shopping and check out as normal—your cash back will be tracked in your portal account. It’s like getting a discount without having to hunt for coupon codes!
Look for student and military discounts
If you’re a student or active military member, be sure to look for discounts exclusive to these groups. Many online stores provide student discounts like 10-20% off with a valid .edu email address. And military discounts are commonly 10% or more off as a thank you to service members.
These discounts may not be advertised, but look for the fine print under coupons and promotions for mention of student and military savings. Have your student ID or military ID number ready to complete the verification process if required.
Conclusion
Finding and using a valid coupon code is one of the easiest ways to keep more money in your pocket when shopping online. Retailer websites, coupon code aggregators, browser extensions, social media, and cashback portals offer plenty of avenues to uncover the best promo codes across the web. Stacking codes, loyalty programs, and subscriber offers provide additional savings opportunities. With a little strategically applied coupon code hunting, you can save big on all your online purchases.