Unlock Hidden Savings: 30+ Types of Discount Codes to Use Online

Discount codes can help you save money on online orders, but the best ones are not always sitting in plain sight. Some are shared through newsletters, apps, live chat, abandoned basket emails, loyalty schemes, social media and even parcels after you have ordered.

As discount code experts, we know where to look for the latest money-saving codes, including the hidden discounts many shoppers miss. At NetVoucherCodes, our team regularly checks codes, removes expired offers and adds key terms where we know them, so you are not wasting time trying codes that no longer work at checkout. You can also read our Trustpilot reviews to see how other shoppers have used NetVoucherCodes to find working discounts.

We’ve listed 30+ types of discount codes to look out for, from first-order codes and weekly offers to lesser-known promotions like live chat codes, app-only discounts, cashback stacking and “we’ve missed you” deals. You’ll find many of these here at NetVoucherCodes.

For more ways to cut the cost of your online orders, read our guide on how to save money shopping online, which covers price checks, delivery tricks, cashback and voucher code tips.

We’ve also included some common coupon code formats you can try when shopping online to help you find savings even when there is no code clearly advertised.

By understanding the different types of discount codes, you’ll be better prepared to spot a genuine deal, test the right codes at checkout and avoid missing savings that were available all along.

Most brands treat new customers to a discount on their first order. These are usually offered through a newsletter sign-up, welcome pop-up or account registration form when you first land on the retailer’s website.

Some common first-order code formats include:

• WELCOME10
• HELLO5
• NEW15
• STARTSHOPPING20
• FIRSTBUY20

If the website you’re shopping on does not advertise a welcome discount, try using one of these formats or the word “WELCOME” followed by a number, such as 5, 10, 15 or 20. It will not work every time, but it can be worth a quick test before you pay.

We regularly test and update the first-order discount codes listed on NetVoucherCodes, so it is always worth checking the retailer page before you buy.

Flash sale codes are short-term discounts that only run for a limited time. Retailers often use them midweek, during quieter shopping periods, or to push selected products and ranges.

You will usually spot these codes on homepage banners, email newsletters, app notifications or pop-ups. They may only last for a few hours or a couple of days, so they are worth checking quickly if you were already planning to buy.

Common flash sale code formats include:

• FLASH
• FLASH20
• FLASH25
• FLASH30
• FLASHSALE

Flash codes can be useful, but always check the terms before you rush to buy. Some only work on selected categories, full-price items or orders over a certain amount.

Deals of the hour work in a similar way to flash sales, but they are even shorter. These can include one-off codes, free gifts, extra discounts, limited-time bundles or VIP offers.

You are most likely to see these during major sale periods such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Boxing Day and big seasonal events. Some retailers refresh offers throughout the day, so it can be worth checking back if you are shopping during a major sale.

If you see a deal of the hour on something you genuinely want, check the final price quickly. Just do not let the short timer pressure you into buying something you would not have purchased otherwise.

Weekly voucher codes are discounts that run for a few days or a full week. These are often linked to selected categories, brands, products or seasonal edits.

Sometimes these discounts get stronger as the week goes on, especially if the retailer is trying to clear stock. The risk is that your size, colour or product could sell out while you wait.

Weekly deals often appear around:

• Black Friday
• bank holidays
• payday weekends
• half-term
• back to school
• Christmas gifting
• end-of-season clearance

If you are not in a rush, it can be worth checking whether the retailer has a weekly offer pattern before you buy.

A “we’ve missed you” code is usually sent to shoppers who have not ordered from a retailer in a while. These often arrive by email, text or app notification and may appear under subject lines such as “Welcome back” or “We saved this for you”.

Fashion brands, delivery apps and online marketplaces often use this tactic to encourage old customers to return. Brands like Pretty Little Thing have been known to send re-engagement offers, especially to shoppers who have not purchased recently.

If you have an old account with a retailer, check your inbox and junk folder before buying. You may already have a return-customer code waiting for you.

Some websites offer a discount when they think you are about to leave. These are often called exit-intent offers.

You may see a pop-up appear after browsing for a while, moving your cursor towards the close button, or leaving items in your basket. These offers can include a percentage off, free delivery, or money off when you spend over a certain amount.

They are not guaranteed, but they are worth watching for if you are browsing and not ready to check out. If you do see one, check whether it works on the items in your basket before signing up or entering your email address.

Seasonal discount codes are common during big shopping moments and holidays. Retailers often plan promotional codes around Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Smaller events can also trigger useful discounts, including half-term, end of term, payday weekends, summer holidays and bank holidays.

Common seasonal code formats include:

• SUMMER15
• SUMMER10
• BF30
• SPRING20
• BLACKFRIDAY

If you are shopping during a major retail event, compare the sale price with the normal selling price before you buy. For bigger sale events, read our guide to Mastering Online Sales so you know when to shop, what to check and how to spot a genuine discount.

Free delivery codes are worth checking before every order, especially if delivery fees would otherwise wipe out your savings.

Some retailers advertise free delivery codes on their homepage, while others offer them through newsletters, app notifications or basket pop-ups. You can also try common code formats such as:

• FREEDEL
• FREESHIP
• DELIVERY
• SHIPFREE

Some retailers also offer free delivery when you spend over a certain amount. Before adding more to your basket, check the maths. If you need to spend another £20 to avoid a £3.99 delivery fee, it may be cheaper to pay for delivery than buy something you do not need.

Pre-launch codes are usually sent before a new product, collection, or event goes live. These are often aimed at loyal customers, newsletter subscribers, app users or VIP members.

They can give you:

• Early access to a new collection
• A discount before the general release
• A free gift with purchase
• Access to limited stock
• An exclusive bundle offer

Common pre-launch code formats include:

• NEW10
• NEW15
• 10OFF
• 15OFF
• GET10

Pre-launch codes are especially common around limited-edition beauty, fashion, tech and homeware drops, where brands want to reward customers before the product goes on general sale.

Newsletter sign-up rewards are one of the easiest types of discount codes to find. Many retailers offer a discount in exchange for joining their mailing list, creating an account or subscribing to email updates.

These codes are usually sent straight to your inbox and can range from a small percentage off to a larger first-order discount. Once you are signed up, you may also receive regular codes, sale alerts, birthday rewards and early access offers.

It is also worth signing up for the NetVoucherCodes newsletter, where we feature the latest and best codes from some of our most popular retailers.

To keep your main inbox tidy, you could use a separate shopping email address for retailer codes, order confirmations and sale alerts.

Product-specific discount codes apply to certain items rather than your full basket. These are often promoted on product pages, homepage banners or email campaigns.

They can be useful if you regularly buy the same product, such as pet food, skincare, vitamins, coffee, baby essentials or household products. In the past, brands like Zooplus have sent product-specific codes by email, helping repeat shoppers save on items they buy often.

Before using one, check whether the code only works on a certain size, flavour, colour, range or subscription option.

Abandoned basket codes are sent when you add items to your shopping basket but leave the website before paying. Retailers use these codes to encourage you to come back and complete your order.

This usually works best when you are logged into your account or have entered your email address before leaving the checkout. If the retailer sends a code, it may only be valid for a short time, often 24 to 48 hours.

This is a good tactic if you are not in a rush to buy. Add the item to your basket, leave the site and wait to see whether a reminder or discount lands in your inbox. It will not happen every time, but it can be worth trying on non-urgent purchases.

Bundle discount codes are used when a retailer groups products together or offers money off when you buy multiples of the same type of item.

These are popular across fashion, outdoor clothing, home essentials, school uniform, underwear, tech accessories and university starter kits.

For example, Craghoppers has previously run bundle offers on selected outdoor clothing, while Geepas has offered discounts on selected university essentials.

Bundle codes can be a good deal when you genuinely need everything included. If you only want one item, check whether buying the bundle really saves you money or just encourages you to spend more.

Minimum order discount codes give you money off once your basket reaches a certain amount. For example, a retailer may offer 10% off when you spend £50, or £20 off when you spend over £200.

These are common with higher-value purchases, including appliances, furniture, heating products, home improvement items and tech. For instance, Best Heating and Direct Stoves have previously run spend-based discount codes, helping shoppers save more on larger home purchases.

If your basket is just under the minimum spend, it may be worth adding a low-cost item you actually need. Just make sure the extra item costs less than the savings you are unlocking.

Birthday codes are sent by retailers when you have an account, newsletter subscription or loyalty membership with them. You will usually need to add your date of birth to your profile before the code can be triggered.

These codes often arrive in the run-up to your birthday and may include money off, a free gift, free delivery or extra loyalty points. Fashion and beauty retailers are especially likely to offer birthday treats, and brands like JD Sports may send birthday rewards to account holders or loyalty members.

Birthday codes are usually unique, but it can still be worth trying simple formats such as:

• HAPPYBDAY
• BIRTHDAYGIFT
• BDAY10
• BIRTHDAY10

For more birthday treats, read our The Ultimate Guide to Birthday Freebies.

Many brands promote their apps by offering app-only discount codes. These may apply to your first app order, selected ranges, app-exclusive launches or limited-time promotions.

Once you download the app, you may also receive push notifications with codes that are not advertised on the website. Stores like Temu, New Look and Dominos have been known to offer app-only savings.

Common app code formats include:

• APP15
• APP10
• 15FORYOU
• APPONLY
• APP20

Before downloading a retailer app, check whether the app-only code is better than the offer available on the website. Sometimes the saving is stronger, but sometimes it only applies to selected items or first app orders.

Refer a friend codes reward you for recommending a brand to someone else. In many cases, your friend gets a discount on their first order, and you receive money off, credit or points once they buy.

These codes are common with subscription boxes, fashion retailers, food delivery brands, beauty sites, travel companies and services with account-based sign-ups.

Before sharing your referral link, check:

• Whether your friend needs to be a new customer
• Whether there is a minimum spend
• When your reward will be added
• Whether the discount can be used with other codes
• Whether there is a limit on referrals

Referral codes can be useful, but only share them with people who genuinely want to shop with the brand.

Some retailers offer buy one, get one free codes, also known as BOGOF codes. These are common across supermarkets, beauty stores, toy shops, food delivery brands and household essentials.

Sometimes BOGOF offers apply automatically when you add the right items to your basket. Other times, you need to enter a code at checkout.

These deals are only useful if you genuinely need both items. For food, beauty or health products, check the use-by date and make sure you will get through everything before buying extra.

Loyalty discount codes are given to customers who join a retailer’s rewards scheme, VIP club or account programme. These schemes are often free and can unlock extra codes, points, birthday rewards, app-only offers and early sale access.

The more you shop, the more personalised your offers may become. Some retailers send codes based on your order history, favourite categories or items you regularly browse.

Before joining, check whether the scheme offers useful savings or simply encourages you to spend more often. The best loyalty codes are the ones that save you money on products you were already planning to buy.

Some online stores reward customers with discount codes after they complete a feedback survey. These may appear after checkout, in an email, on a receipt, or in your order confirmation.

The survey usually asks about your shopping experience, delivery, customer service or product satisfaction. In return, you may receive money off your next order.

These codes can be easy to miss, so check the bottom of receipts, order emails and post-purchase pop-ups before deleting or closing them.

Live chat can be a surprisingly useful way to find a discount code. Many retailer websites have a chat box at the bottom of the screen, which connects you with customer service.

Ask politely whether there are any current promo codes, first-order discounts, free delivery offers or upcoming sales. If the chat starts with an AI chatbot, ask whether you can speak to a member of the customer service team.

Even if the agent cannot provide a code, they may point you towards:

• A sale page
• A student discount
• An NHS or key worker offer
• A price match option
• A free delivery promotion
• A bundle deal
• A discount for signing up for the newsletter

How we’ve saved

“I’ve found live chat codes are worth trying when you’re close to checking out but not quite ready to buy. A polite message asking whether there are any current promo codes, delivery offers or first-order discounts can sometimes point you towards a saving you would not have found on the homepage.”

Rebecca Bebbington, Savings Expert at NetVoucherCodes

Some retailers hand out online discount codes when you shop in-store. These may be printed on your receipt, added to a paper voucher, included in your shopping bag, or offered through an in-store scratch card promotion.

These codes are often designed to encourage you to shop online next time. Before throwing away your receipt or packaging, check whether there is a code for your next order.

If you regularly shop with the same retailer in-store and online, this can be an easy way to save on your next purchase.

Brands often advertise one-time codes, flash promotions and exclusive discounts on social media. It is worth following your favourite retailers on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Threads and X, formerly Twitter.

You may also see codes shared through:

• Brand stories
• Live shopping events
• Pinned posts
• Comments on launch posts
• Influencer collaborations
• Social-only competitions
• App download campaigns

Some shoppers also share codes in UK deal communities, but these codes are not always verified. Always test the code at checkout and compare it with the latest verified offers on NetVoucherCodes before relying on it.

Influencer discount codes are usually shared through sponsored posts, videos, stories or affiliate links. They are common in beauty, fashion, fitness, homeware, baby products and lifestyle categories.

Beauty retailers such as LOOKFANTASTIC often work with influencers on limited-time codes, which can be useful when shopping for specific brands, edits or launches.

Before shopping at a store, do a quick Google search for the retailer’s name and “influencer code” or check whether influencers have tagged the brand recently on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.

Always check the code terms before using it, as influencer codes may only apply to selected products, brands or full-price items.

Clothing retailers and online stores often include discount codes in parcels. These may be for the same retailer, a partner brand, or your next purchase.

Before recycling the packaging, check for:

• Flyer codes
• Return slip offers
• Catalogue discounts
• Loyalty sign-up codes
• Codes from partner brands
• Free delivery vouchers

Brands like Pretty Little Thing regularly include parcel inserts, while stores like World of Books may also send follow-up offers or partner promotions with online orders.

It is worth trying recently expired codes because some retailers re-enable them after the expiry date. This often happens when a promotion is extended, a sale continues longer than expected, or a code remains active at checkout even after the advertised end date.

You may find recently expired codes in your inbox, junk folder, old newsletters or on retailer pages.

NetVoucherCodes also features an “Expired codes that may still work” section underneath our live offers on every retailer page, so it is worth testing these before payment.

This is especially useful during big retail events, where brands may extend a code by a few days if the promotion performs well.

Many retailers offer exclusive student discount codes through verified student platforms such as UNiDAYS and Student Beans. If you are a student, apprentice or eligible learner, it is worth checking whether you qualify before buying.

You can also check NetVoucherCodes for retailers offering student savings, as some brands list student discounts directly on their own websites or through their voucher pages.

Student codes usually need verification, and they may not stack with other voucher codes. Before you buy, check whether the discount works on sale items, full-price products only, or selected categories.

Many retailers offer discounts for NHS staff, military personnel, armed forces, emergency services and other key workers. These discounts may be available through verified platforms such as Blue Light Card, or directly through the retailer’s own website.

Some key worker discounts are available all year round, while others only run during awareness weeks, national events or seasonal campaigns.

Before using one, check:

• Who is eligible
• How do you need to verify your status
• Whether the code works online or in-store
• Whether it stacks with sale prices
• Whether it excludes certain brands or categories

These discounts can be particularly useful for bigger orders, but the amount varies by retailer and verification method.

Cashback is not technically a discount code, but it can sometimes be used alongside one. This means you may be able to get money off at checkout and earn a percentage back afterwards.

The order matters. In most cases, you need to click through to the retailer from the cashback provider first, then apply your voucher code at checkout.

Before you buy, check whether the cashback provider allows voucher codes on the same order. Some retailers only track cashback when you use approved codes, while others may decline cashback if you enter an unlisted promo code.

The safest approach is to compare the final savings. A strong voucher code at checkout may be better than waiting for a small cashback payment later.

AI shopping tools can help you compare prices, look for possible voucher codes and check whether a deal seems worthwhile. They can be useful when you are comparing several retailers at once or shopping for a product where prices change regularly.

The important thing to remember is that AI tools are not always up to date. A code, price or delivery offer may have changed by the time you click through, so always test the code at checkout and check the retailer’s own website before buying.

Verified voucher code sites are still useful because they focus on checking whether codes actually work, rather than simply finding possible codes online.

Some payment providers and Buy Now, Pay Later apps run their own promo codes, app offers or limited-time retailer discounts. These may appear inside the app, in your account dashboard or through email alerts.

These offers can be useful if you were already planning to buy, but remember that spreading the cost is not the same as saving money. Always check repayment dates, late payment rules and whether a standard voucher code would reduce the upfront cost instead.

Only use these codes for planned purchases you know you can afford.

TikTok Shop has become a popular place to find in-app discounts, creator codes and limited-time free delivery offers. You may see these in the Shopping tab, during live shopping events, or pinned to creator videos.

The prices can look tempting, but it is worth comparing them against the retailer’s own website before you buy. Check delivery costs, seller reviews, return terms and whether the same product is available from a trusted UK retailer with a voucher code.

TikTok Shop codes can be useful for smaller purchases, but be more cautious with higher-value items.

Some discount codes can be combined with other savings, while others cannot. This is known as code stacking, and it depends entirely on the retailer’s terms.

You may be able to combine:

• A sale price with a voucher code
• A free delivery code with a loyalty reward
• Cashback with a promo code
• A student discount on a sale item
• A bundle offer with a minimum spend code

However, many retailers only allow one code per order. If you have more than one code, test them in different orders to see which gives you the lowest final price.

Always compare the total after delivery, not just the discount amount. A smaller code with free delivery may beat a higher percentage discount once the final basket price is calculated.

Before you place your order, take a minute to check the terms attached to your code.

Look at:

• Expiry dates
• Minimum spends
• Excluded brands
• Sale exclusions
• Delivery restrictions
• Whether the code works on bundles
• Whether it can be used with other offers
• Whether you need to be logged into an account

It is also worth comparing the final total, not just the size of the discount. A 20% off code is not always better if another retailer has a lower sale price, cheaper delivery or a better bundle deal.

For more practical tips on spotting genuine savings during major retail events, read our guide to mastering online sales.