How to Use Promo Codes (and Why They Sometimes Don't Work)

A promo code (also called a coupon code or discount code) is a short word or string of letters you type at checkout to get money off. Used well, codes can take 10 to 30 percent off an order. Used badly, they waste ten minutes at checkout. Here's how to get them right.

Almost every online store has a box labeled Promo code, Coupon code, Discount code or Gift card or promo code. It's usually:

• On the cart page, below the list of items
• On the payment page, near the order total
• Sometimes hidden behind a small link like "Have a code?"

Type or paste the code exactly as shown (codes are usually not case sensitive, but spaces matter), then press Apply. The discount should appear in the order total before you pay. If it doesn't, the code didn't work.

On ilove.deals you'll see two kinds of offers:

• Codes need to be entered at checkout. Tap Show code to reveal and copy it.
• Deals need no code: the discount is already applied when you follow the link, often because the item is on sale.

Most failed codes come down to the fine print. The common reasons:

1. It's expired. Many codes run for a few days or a single weekend.
2. It's for certain items only. "20% off" may exclude sale items, gift cards, electronics or specific brands.
3. There's a minimum order. "$15 off $75" won't apply to a $70 cart.
4. It's for new customers only, or for the first order in the store's app.
5. It's single use or tied to an email address, like a welcome code sent to someone else.
6. You already have a discount applied. Many stores allow only one code per order.

When a code doesn't work for you, press Didn't work on our site. It takes a second, and it moves working codes up for the next shopper.

Usually not. Most stores accept one promo code per order. But you can often combine a code with:

• A sale price that's already on the item
• Free shipping thresholds
• Store gift cards bought at a discount
• Cash back from a card or rewards program

A few stores do allow stacking, such as a percentage-off code plus a free-shipping code. If the checkout lets you add a second code, try it.

• Check the date and votes. Recently confirmed codes with lots of "worked" votes are your best bet.
• Look at the store page. Every store on ilove.deals has its own page with all its current codes and deals in one place, plus how many shoppers say they worked this month.
• Sign up for the store's emails if you shop there often; welcome codes are usually 10 to 20 percent off.
• Abandoned carts: some stores email a code if you leave items in your cart. It doesn't always happen, but it costs nothing to wait a day on a non-urgent order.

Reputable code sites just show you codes and links; you still buy directly from the store. Be wary of anything that asks you to install software, enter payment details on the code site, or pay for a code. On ilove.deals codes are always free, and you check out on the store's own website.

Find a code now: promo codes by store.