9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (2025)

Are you really getting the best deals? If you've ever felt that nagging suspicion you might be overpaying, you're not alone. There's a whole world of savings hiding in plain sight: promo codes.

According to Statista, almost 60% of U.S. shoppers are using digital coupons, and they can be a game-changer for your wallet — if you know how to use them like a pro.

Whether you're a casual shopper or an experienced bargain hunter, keep reading to learn game-changing promo code strategies that'll save you big.

Ready to transform your online shopping game?

What are promo codes and why should you use them?

Promo codes are secret keys to unlocking major savings. Promo codes help you snag discounts at checkout so you don't have to pay full price. E-commerce sites use them to attract new customers and keep loyal ones coming back.

But not all promo codes are created equal. Here's a quick rundown of the common types you might encounter:

  • Percentage off: "SAVE20" for 20% off your total

  • Fixed amount discounts: "10BUCKS" for $10 off

  • Free shipping: "SHIPFREE" to dodge those pesky delivery fees

  • Buy One Get One (BOGO): "BOGOFREE" to snag two items for the price of one

Want to dive deeper? Read the expert guide on how to find working promo codes.

Common promo code strategies

Before diving into lesser-known tactics, let's review some common strategies:

  • Search engine queries: Typing "[Store Name] promo code" into a search engine

  • Mobile app codes: Exclusive discounts for a brand's mobile app users

  • Coupon websites: Sites like SimplyCodes and Groupon that aggregate promo codes or deals

Now, let's explore nine lesser-known promo code strategies to take your savings to the next level:

1. Sign up for email newsletters

Your inbox can be a goldmine for savings. Retailers often send email newsletters packed with exclusive promo codes for email subscribers that aren't available to the general public.

Being on these mailing lists means you'll also receive early access to sales, making you the first to know about upcoming promotions. You'll receive regular, timely emails so you can shop when the discounts are deepest.

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (1)

As you engage more with these newsletters, retailers can offer increasingly personalized deals tailored to your shopping habits and preferences. Some retailers even offer special perks just for being on their email list, such as loyalty rewards that can add up to substantial savings over time.

Best of all, new customers can score a big welcome discount, providing immediate savings on your first purchase, when you sign up for a brand's email list for the first time.

Best email signup discounts right now

For new customers, you can sign up with your email address to get a big discount with most online retailers. Here are some great email discounts we found today:

Brand

Email discount

Chico's

20% off

Betsey Johnson

15% off

Nasty Gal

15% off

Ann Taylor

10% off

Anthropologie

10% off

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (2)

Here's an example of what to look for on your favorite retailers' websites. Remember, these offers may change over time, so check the retailer's website for current promotions.

2. Leverage browser extensions

Browser extensions are like having a coupon-clipping pro right in your computer.

How coupon browser extensions work

  1. Install the extension (e.g., SimplyCodes, Rakuten, Honey)

  2. Shop online as usual

  3. At checkout, the extension searches for applicable promo codes

  4. It shows you the best promo codes for that store

  5. Copy best code with a single click and apply it at checkout

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (3)

Brands share major sales and exclusive promo codes on social media. By following your favorite brands, you can unlock deals not found elsewhere.

Where to find the best deals

  • Facebook: Large user base and robust advertising tools

  • Instagram: Visual promotions and influencer collaborations

  • X (formally Twitter): Time-sensitive offers and flash sales

  • TikTok: Engaging video content from brands and influencers that feature exclusive deals

Pro tip: Use Reddit by going into Google search and typing, “site:reddit.com [brand name of your choice] coupon code”. Look for the most updated discount codes for that brand.

Best practices for finding social media promo codes

To find social media promo codes effectively, use relevant hashtags like #promo or #discount when searching.

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (4)

Set up notifications for your favorite brands to stay informed about their latest offers. Engage regularly with brands' posts to increase your chances of seeing promotions.

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (5)

Don't forget to check Stories and Highlights on platforms like Instagram, as they often feature exclusive offers.

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (6)

Lastly, consider joining brand-specific groups on Facebook, which can be a goldmine for member-only discounts and codes.

How SimplyCodes enhances your social media strategy

While following brands on social media is a great strategy, tools like SimplyCodes can complement your efforts:

  • Cross-platform verification: SimplyCodes aggregates and verifies promo codes shared across different social media platforms.

  • Real-time updates: As brands share new promo codes on social media, SimplyCodes quickly adds these to their database.

  • Community-powered sharing: Users can share and verify working codes found on social media through SimplyCodes, doing the legwork for you.

  • Comprehensive coverage: With access to codes from over 400,000 online stores, SimplyCodes can get you codes your brands you don't follow on social media.

  • AI integration: SimplyCodes' AI plugin for ChatGPT can fetch promo codes from its extenstive database to help you find discounts.

4. Time your purchases strategically

Timing, as they say, is everything. Knowing when to shop can be the difference between paying full price and scoring a sweet deal.

Best times to buy

  • Electronics: Black Friday/Cyber Monday, Amazon Prime Day, Back-to-School season

  • Clothing: End-of-season clearances like Labor Day, Black Friday/Cyber Monday

  • Travel: "Shoulder seasons" (travel period between peak and off-peak seasons), January, last-minute or very early bookings

Lesser-known shopping events

  • National holidays (e.g., Presidents' Day, Memorial Day)

  • Retailer-specific events (e.g., anniversary sales)

  • Industry-specific periods (e.g., Travel Tuesday)

Some companies are specific to their country of origin. For example, Lululemon (from Canada) typically has great deals on Boxing Day.

Remember, the goal is to save on items you actually need or have been planning to buy. Don't let the allure of a good deal tempt you into unnecessary purchases. Use these timing strategies wisely, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a savvy, strategic shopper.

5. Stack multiple discounts

The real magic happens when you master the art of discount stacking — combining multiple discounts to maximize savings on a single purchase.

Types of discounts you can stack

  • Promo codes/coupon codes

  • Cash back offers

  • Credit card rewards

  • Store loyalty program points

  • Employee, student, senior, first-responder or military discounts

  • Newsletter sign-up discounts

  • Referral bonuses

  • Seasonal sales

  • Abandoned cart discounts

  • Price matching

Sounds too good to be true? It's not, but it does take some strategy as some stores may not accept multiple discounts. Here are some pro tips for effective discount stacking:

Best practices for effective discount stacking

  1. Start with the highest value discount

  2. Check store policies on combining offers

  3. Use cash back portals before applying other discounts

  4. Stack manufacturer coupons with store coupons when possible

  5. Combine credit card rewards with other offers

  6. Look for complementary discounts (e.g., free shipping + % off)

  7. Time purchases around major sales events

  8. Use a coupon browser extension to find working codes

Remember, the goal is to get the best possible price. Use these strategies wisely, and you'll be amazed at how much you can save.

Here’s where the community is saving today

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (7)

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (8)

Amazon

1,080 coupons

Up to $50 off

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (9)

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (10)

+60 used a code here

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (11)

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (12)

FIGS

82 coupons

Up to 20% off

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (13)

+170 used a code here

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (14)

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (15)

Temu

37 coupons

Up to 30% off

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (16)

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (17)

+1,394 used a code here

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (18)

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (19)

Etsy

35 coupons

Up to 10% off

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (20)

+303 used a code here

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (21)

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (22)

SHEIN

29 coupons

Up to 15% off

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (23)

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (24)

+35 used a code here

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (25)

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (26)

JCPenney

20 coupons

Free shipping

118used a code here

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (27)

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (28)

Instacart

19 coupons

Up to $10 off

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (29)

+83 used a code here

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (30)

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (31)

Walgreens

19 coupons

Up to 10% off

102used a code here

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (32)

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (33)

Edible Arrangements

19 coupons

Up to 25% off

58used a code here

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (34)

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (35)

DSW

16 coupons

Up to $60 off

26used a code here

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (36)

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (37)

Vistaprint

16 coupons

Up to $22 off

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (38)

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (39)

+185 used a code here

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (40)

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (41)

Jiffy Lube

15 coupons

Up to $50 off

4used a code here

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (42)

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (43)

Old Navy

14 coupons

Up to 20% off

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (44)

+126 used a code here

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (45)

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (46)

eBay

11 coupons

Up to 5% off

243used a code here

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (47)

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (48)

Chewy

9 coupons

Up to 20% off

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (49)

+277 used a code here

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (50)

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (51)

Little Caesars

9 coupons

Up to 10% off

25used a code here

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (52)

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (53)

Subway

8 coupons

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (54)

+22 used a code here

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (55)

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (56)

Carter's

7 coupons

Up to 25% off

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (57)

+11 used a code here

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (58)

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (59)

Michaels

7 coupons

Up to 15% off

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (60)

+137 used a code here

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (61)

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (62)

Kohl's

6 coupons

Up to 20% off

20used a code here

Cash back portals offer you a percentage of your purchase back in digital cash. Here's how they work:

Combining cash back portals with promo codes can lead to significant savings. "Shoppers who use both coupons and cash back save an average of 12% on their purchases," according to Voucherify.

How cash back portals work

Cash back portals partner with retailers to offer a percentage of your purchase back as a rebate. When you click through a cash back portal before shopping, they track your purchase and credit you with the cash back amount once the transaction is confirmed.

Here's a rundown of some popular options:

Popular cash back sites

  • SimplyCodes: Earn tokens for shopping, submitting codes, and testing codes

  • Rakuten: Wide range of partnered stores, quarterly payouts

  • Mr. Rebates: Lower payout threshold, referral bonuses

  • Ibotta: Focuses on grocery and in-store purchases

  • Swagbucks: Earn points for shopping, surveys, and other activities

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (63)

How to combine cash back with promo codes

  1. Find cash back rates using a comparison tool like CashbackMonitor.com

  2. Clear your browser cookies

  3. Click through the cash back portal to the retailer's site

  4. Add items to your cart

  5. Use a coupon extension to find working promo codes for the retailer

  6. Apply the promo code at checkout

  7. Complete your purchase

  8. Verify that your cash back is tracked in your portal account

7. Check for student, military, first-responder, and senior discounts

Many retailers offer special discounts to those in certain groups like seniors or military. These discounts can often be combined with other promotions for significant savings.

Verifying eligibility online

Some retailers might require you to verify your eligibility. Common requirements include:

  • Students: .edu email address verification or student ID upload

  • Military: Government-issued military ID or DD Form 214 upload for veterans

  • Seniors: Date of birth verification or AARP membership number

  • First-responders: Government-issued first responder ID or employment verification from relevant agency (police department, fire department, emergency medical services, etc.)

Check with the specific retailer you're shopping with for information on what they offer.

Best practices for finding and applying discounts

  • Always check for sections on retailer websites devoted to the group you belong to

  • Use a coupon browser extension to automatically find and apply eligible discounts

  • Sign up for email newsletters to get notified of special discount events

  • Check with membership organizations (e.g., Student Beans, ID.me, AARP) for curated discount lists

  • Ask customer service about unadvertised discounts

8. Abandon your cart — strategically

Strategic cart abandonment takes advantage of retailers' efforts to recover potential lost sales, often resulting in exclusive discount offers.

How it works

When you add items to your cart but leave the site without purchasing, many retailers' systems trigger automated follow-up actions, typically email reminders or targeted ads. "18% of abandoned carts are recovered through email campaigns," OptiMonk reported. These campaigns often include discounts to entice you to complete your purchase.

Here's how to get an abandoned cart discount:

  1. Create an account with the retailer and sign

  2. Add items to your cart

  3. Leave items in your cart for at least 24 hours

  4. Provide your email address during the checkout process, but don't complete the purchase

  5. Check your email inbox and spam folder for follow-up offers

  6. Be prepared to complete the purchase quickly if you receive a limited-time offer

Types of discounts to expect

  • Percentage off (e.g., 10% off your order)

  • Fixed amount discount (e.g., $10 off)

  • Free shipping

  • Gift with purchase

  • Limited-time offers to create urgency

9. Participate in loyalty programs

Retailer loyalty programs can significantly reduce your overall spending by providing exclusive discounts, points, or perks for repeat business.

How loyalty programs work

E-commerce loyalty programs typically offer:

  • Points or credits for purchases

  • Exclusive discounts or early access to sales

  • Free shipping or other perks

  • Personalized offers based on shopping history

  • Rewards redeemable for discounts or free products

Sounds pretty sweet, right? Let's take a look at some popular loyalty programs to give you an idea of what's out there:

Popular loyalty programs

  • Amazon Prime: Free 2-day shipping, access to Prime Video and Music, exclusive deals

  • Sephora Beauty Insider: Points for purchases, free birthday gift, tiered system

  • Target Circle: 1% earnings on purchases, personalized offers, community giving program

  • Best Buy Rewards: Points for purchases, exclusive offers, free shipping on many items

Here are some pro tips to maximize your loyalty rewards:

Maximizing your rewards

Once you've joined a loyalty program, use these best practices to get the most out of it:

  • Always log in when shopping to ensure points are credited

  • Take advantage of bonus point events or multipliers

  • Consider getting the retailer's credit card for additional rewards, if available

  • Complete profile information for personalized offers

  • Engage with the brand on social media for extra points or offers

  • Check expiration dates on points and use them before they expire

  • Keep an eye out for birthday rewards

Choosing the right programs

Consider factors like how often you shop with the retailer, the rewards rate compared to industry averages, ease of earning and redeeming rewards, and any associated fees.

Managing multiple memberships

Use password managers, create a dedicated email address for loyalty programs, and use apps like Stocard or Key Ring to store loyalty cards digitally. Regularly review and purge memberships you don't use.

How to find coupons at checkout

Sometimes it's not until you're just about to checkout that you try to find a discount. Here's a few quick tips to try being making your purchas

  • Check for pop-ups: Many retailers display pop-up offers for coupons when you're about to leave their site or when you reach the checkout page. Keep an eye out for these last-minute deals.

  • Look for coupon fields: If you see a "Promo Code" or "Coupon Code" field at checkout, it's a good indicator that the store accepts coupons. This is your cue to quickly search for available coupon codes.

  • Time your purchases: As mentioned earlier, abandoning your cart strategically can often lead to exclusive discount offers sent directly to your email, which you can then use at checkout.

The final word

Becoming a promo code pro isn't about hoarding deals — it's about being smart with your clicks. Use these strategies to level up your online shopping game and watch the savings roll in.

9 hidden promo code tricks: Save more with smart online shopping (2025)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Jeremiah Abshire

Last Updated:

Views: 6394

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (54 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jeremiah Abshire

Birthday: 1993-09-14

Address: Apt. 425 92748 Jannie Centers, Port Nikitaville, VT 82110

Phone: +8096210939894

Job: Lead Healthcare Manager

Hobby: Watching movies, Watching movies, Knapping, LARPing, Coffee roasting, Lacemaking, Gaming

Introduction: My name is Jeremiah Abshire, I am a outstanding, kind, clever, hilarious, curious, hilarious, outstanding person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.