Getting real discount codes can save you a lot of money, but finding legitimate codes isn’t always easy. Here are some tips to help you find and use real discount codes to maximize your savings.
Check deal websites
There are many deal websites out there that compile and verify discount codes you can use. Sites like RetailMeNot, DealCatcher, CouponCabin, and more allow you to search for codes by store or category. These sites do the hard work of finding valid codes and testing them to make sure they work before posting them.
Checking a deal site can give you access to a wide range of promo codes in one spot. You can search for a specific store you’re shopping at or browse categories to discover new savings opportunities. The codes on these sites have been verified, so you can use them with confidence.
Go directly to brand websites
Before you make a purchase, check the brand’s website directly. Many stores feature a promo code section or banner near the top of their site where you can find special offers. Or there may be a spot to enter discount codes during checkout.
Brands want you to use their codes so you save money and are encouraged to buy. That’s why they make them easy to find on their own websites. Codes on a brand’s site are guaranteed to be real and up-to-date.
Search engine queries
You can find real discount codes with simple Google searches like “XYZ brand promo code” or “XYZ brand coupon code.” Search engines will show results from deal sites, brand sites, blogs, forums, and more that feature working codes.
Adding words like “valid,” “verified,” or “active” to your search can help filter results to promo codes that are confirmed to work at the time. You can also search by month or year, like “XYZ brand November 2022 coupon code” to further narrow it down.
Get emails and newsletters
If you opt-in to brand emails and newsletters, they will regularly send promotions and special offers straight to your inbox. You don’t have to hunt for codes because they provide them upfront.
Many retailers also offer early access to sales, exclusive promo codes, and members-only discounts when you sign up for their mailing list. Check your inbox for savings before shopping.
Social media giveaways
Follow your favorite brands on social media and look out for giveaways and contests, especially around holidays. Brands will often use bonus codes as prizes to encourage engagement.
Even if you don’t win the contest, brands usually share the promo codes publicly after the winner is chosen. That means you can take note and try using those codes yourself later on for a discount.
Loyalty programs
Joining loyalty programs like rewards clubs or credit card bonus programs can provide you with real, reusable promo codes and perks.
Signing up for credit cards associated with brands you like shopping at can get you discounts. Store rewards programs give you points you can accumulate and apply to future purchases. As a loyalty member, you’ll get special codes and offers regular customers don’t.
Browser extensions
Some browser extensions automatically find and apply promo codes for you at checkout. Honey, CouponCabin, and Rakuten are popular extensions that search for available codes on brand sites and deal sites then input them to save you money.
These extensions do the manual searching for codes for you behind the scenes. All you have to do is install them, and if there is an eligible code, it’ll be entered when you get to the payment page. This guarantees you don’t miss any savings opportunities.
Cash back apps
Apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and TopCashback also integrate promo codes into their platforms. You can earn cash back on purchases, and some cash back offers come with discount codes you can additionally use to maximize savings.
Link these apps to your credit or debit card. They work in the background to find and test codes, apply them at checkout, and add bonus cash back when available. The cash back you earn can offset the cost even more.
Subscribing to services
Services like Dollar Flight Club and Scott’s Cheap Flights can help you unlock real promo codes for airfare and travel. For a subscription fee, they regularly send out cheap flight deals and exclusive discount codes not available to the general public.
Travel deals can go fast, so these services do the work to find and verify codes for subscribers first. The codes they provide can lead to big savings on flights, hotels, tours, and other vacation expenses.
Buying group deals
Joint buying groups like Groupon and LivingSocial offer brand name products and experiences at seriously discounted prices. The deals they promote typically come with voucher codes you redeem to get the low group rate.
The codes are one-time use but let you tap into the bulk buying power of an entire group. Group size and limited availability with these voucher codes means the deals aren’t around for long.
Checking expired codes
Once in awhile, an expired promo code will still work and be valid past the expiration date. Retailers set end dates for their codes, but sometimes forget to deactivate them.
You can search for lists of expired codes online, copy them, and try them at checkout. There’s a chance one might slip through and save you money. Expired codes with flexible dates like “Take20” also have a higher chance of success.
Using rebate apps
Rebate apps like Ibotta, Checkout 51, and BerryCart let you earn cash back on your in-store and online purchases. Part of how they work is by providing rebate codes that give you bonus cash back rewards.
The rebate codes can be combined with promo codes from the retailer for extra discounts. Submitting your receipt through the rebate app allows you to double up on savings.
Avoiding fake codes
To make sure you’re using real, working promo codes:
- Avoid shady websites – Only use trusted deal sites and the retailer’s actual domain.
- Read reviews – See if other customers confirm codes worked for them.
- Check fine print – Understand exclusions before using a code.
- Start small – Try a small order first to verify the code before making a big purchase.
- Act fast – Codes often expire quickly, so don’t delay making a purchase if you find a good one.
Maximizing savings
To get the most out of real discount codes:
- Stack codes – Use multiple codes if allowed, like promo codes on top of loyalty member codes.
- Use refer-a-friend codes – Referring friends can get you bonus promo codes.
- Look for free shipping codes – Getting free shipping leads to big savings.
- Join rewards programs – Earn points and codes for future purchases.
- Sign up for newsletters – Get early access to the best codes.
Types of codes
Discount codes can vary, so know the different types:
Code Type | Details |
---|---|
Percentage off | Takes a percent like 15% off your purchase. |
Dollar amount off | Deducts a set dollar amount like $10 off a $50 order. |
Free shipping | Makes shipping free with a minimum purchase. |
BOGO (Buy one get one) | Buy one product and get a second free. |
First-time customer | Special discount for signing up for the first time. |
Conclusion
Finding and using real discount codes allows you to save big on your online and in-store purchases. Take advantage of the many ways to access valid promo codes, from deal websites to brand emails. Be sure to read the fine print, act fast before codes expire, and use multiple codes when possible.
With some simple searching, you can unlock huge savings with promo codes. Follow these tips and treat yourself while sticking to your budget using the power of discount codes.