At TrustDeals, we track thousands of discount codes to help you save money. After analysing years of promo code trends, we’ve found that certain phrases frequently work across multiple retailers. Here are 11 discount codes you should always try when shopping online!
1. Holiday Discount Codes
Retailers often create special discount codes for major holidays. For example, NEWYEAR is a common promo code around January 1st, while VALENTINE might work for Valentine’s Day. And don’t forget HOLIDAY – it could unlock a hidden discount! Common holiday codes:
HOLIDAY (+number)
NEWYEAR (+number)
VALENTINE (+number)
EASTER (+number)
MOTHERSDAY (+number)
FATHERSDAY (+number)
HALLOWEEN (+number)
SPOOKY (+number)
XMAS (+number)
2. SAVE Discount Codes
One of the simplest and most widely used promo code formats is SAVE followed by a discount amount. For example, SAVE10 or SAVE20 frequently work across multiple retailers. Many brands use these codes for limited-time promotions, so even if you don’t see an advertised deal, it’s always worth trying SAVE plus a number.
3. Seasonal Discount Codes
To mark the start of a new season, retailers often launch special discounts. Popular codes include SUMMER, SPRING, AUTUMN, and WINTER. These tend to work best at the start of each season, but some shops add a discount value to the code, such as SPRING10 or WINTER20 – so try different variations at checkout.
4. TEST (Yes, Really!) Discount Codes
This might sound surprising, but TEST is a secret promo code used by many retailers. We’ve tested it on various websites, and while it doesn’t always work, when it does, the savings can be substantial. It only takes a second to try – and sometimes, it’s worth the gamble!
5. Sales Event Discount Codes
Many online stores create promo codes for big shopping events. On major sales days like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Singles’ Day, retailers often offer discounts using codes like BLACKFRIDAY, CYBERMONDAY, or SINGLESDAY. Some also use abbreviations such as BF25 or CM10. Definitely worth a try!
6. Welcome Discount Codes
Retailers frequently offer discounts to first-time shoppers. Many brands encourage customers to sign up for their mailing lists by providing a welcome promo code. Even if you don’t subscribe, you can try codes like WELCOME, WELCOME10, or WELCOME15 at checkout. Similarly, retailers use “NEW” in discount codes to attract first-time buyers – popular examples include NEW10 or NEWCUSTOMER. These codes typically apply to your first purchase, making them an excellent way to save when shopping at a new store.
7. Store Name Discount Codes
Many retailers create promo codes that feature their store name, making them easy to remember. These codes are often shared in marketing emails, influencer partnerships, and exclusive promotions. A common format is the store name plus the discount amount, such as ZARA10 at Zara or NIKE20 at Nike.
8. Month-Based Discount Codes
Some brands run monthly promotions using discount codes that include the current month. These codes usually follow a pattern like OCT10, NOV20, or DEC15. Since retailers use this format to drive sales each month, it’s always worth trying the abbreviation of the current month followed by a number. These codes are especially common in November and December, as brands push for higher sales before the holidays.
9. Free Shipping Discount Codes
If a retailer charges for shipping, you might be able to remove the fee by entering a free shipping promo code. Many online stores use codes like FREESHIP or FREESHIPPING to encourage shoppers to complete their orders. Some brands require a minimum spend for free shipping, in which case, codes like FREESHIP25 or FREESHIPPING75 might work. These promo codes are especially popular during seasonal promotions and holiday sales.
10. Back-To-School Discount Codes
Back-to-school sales are a category of their own. Retailers offer significant discounts on school supplies, clothing, and electronics during this period. Popular promo codes include BACK2SCHOOL, BACKTOSCHOOL, or simply SCHOOL. And don’t worry – these deals aren’t just for students! The best time to try these codes is between August and September, before most school promotions end.
11. Influencer Ambassador Discount Codes
Many brands collaborate with influencers and content creators to promote their products. As part of these partnerships, influencers often share exclusive discount codes with their followers. If you know an influencer who works with a brand, searching their name along with the store’s name might help you find an active promo code. For example, MyProtein partners with many fitness influencers, so entering their name followed by a number could unlock a discount at checkout!
Bonus Tip: Check Verified Discount Codes
If none of these promo codes work, don’t worry! You can always find real, working discount codes on TrustDeals. We track the latest exclusive offers and test promo codes regularly, so you never miss out on savings.
I hope you manage to find a working discount code – because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love saving money when shopping online?!
This article, originally authored by Florence, was first published in TrustDeals.co.uk on 19 February, DOI: https://www.trustdeals.com/research/11-discount-codes-you-should-always-try. It is reprinted here with permission from the publisher and the author(s). Any modifications made to the article since its original publication are noted in the text.
