Coupon codes act as virtual keys to unlock savings and are an integral part of the modern e-commerce ecosystem. A popular part of promotional strategies for online stores, these codes help customers buy their preferred products at a cheaper rate. Although coupon codes are generally intended to be unique, research indicates that many brands use common names. Here are some of the most common ones that (almost) always work for most brands:

What is a coupon code?
A coupon code is a set of numbers, letters, or symbols that brands often use to provide customers discounts, special offers, promotions, deals, or other incentives during the online shopping experience. It is also known as a discount code or voucher code and is often availed during checkout. A customer first adds their intended purchases to the cart and then enters the code at the checkout page before making a payment, which ensures a reduction in the overall purchase price. There are percentage-based discounts, fixed amount reductions, buy-one-get-one-free offers, free shipping, or exclusive sales and promotions access. These can be made available to the customer through coupon codes, making this a flexible and versatile promotional tool.

Where does one usually receive coupon codes?
Customers may receive coupon codes through various means, from email advertisements, direct eCommerce websites, social media pages, newsletters, mobile apps, and third-party coupon websites that aggregate and share them at promotional events or through influencers affiliated with the brand. The key to knowing common codes is understanding how they operate and testing the code within one’s shopping basket.

Most common coupon codes
Irrespective of the product offerings, whether it is fashion, toys, electronics, or gym equipment, most online retailers leverage promotional codes listed below:

WELCOME
“WELCOME” is often one of the most common coupon codes used for new customers who visit or sign up for a brand website or an app for the first time. Common variations of this code include the following:

“WELCOME + Year” (“WELCOME2024”)

Some other codes, like “WELCOMEBACK,” extend a friendly greeting to new and returning customers. Additionally, percentage-based discounts under the “WELCOME + Percentage Off” category offer different savings levels to enhance the shopping experience. These include:

• WELCOME30
• WELCOME10
• WELCOME5
• WELCOME25
• WELCOME30

Number + OFF
Certain discounts present a straightforward approach by offering a percentage off your total purchase. This is achieved by combining the word “OFF” with numerical values. The simplicity of these codes resonates with shoppers seeking clear and immediate savings. Examples include:

• 5OFF
• 10OFF
• 20OFF
• 25OFF
• TENOFF
• 40OFF
• OFF20
• OFF10
• FIVEOFF

Holiday-themed codes
Retailers often leverage the festive spirit by employing common holiday-themed coupon codes to entice shoppers and enhance the celebratory atmosphere. These codes not only provide customers with special discounts but also create a sense of occasion. Some examples of widely used holiday coupon codes include:

• EASTER
• CHRISTMAS
• BLACK FRIDAY
• CYBER MONDAY
• VALENTINE
• LABOR DAY
• NEW YEAR

Another variation of holiday-themed coupon codes includes adding numbers after the name of the season. For example, “CB15” (Cyber Monday with a 15% discount), “BF15” (Black Friday with a 15% discount).

Individuals can also get creative by exploring holiday-related coupon codes. For instance, during St. Patrick’s Day, one may consider using the code “LUCKY,” and during Halloween, one can try “SPOOKY.” To usher in the New Year with a festive spirit, a fitting option could be the code “FIREWORKS.”

SAVE + number
Numerous discount codes provide a fixed dollar amount off the total purchase, rather than a percentage-based discount. To explore this, shoppers can experiment with codes that combine the word “SAVE” with specific numerical values, such as “SAVE10” or “SAVE25”. These codes provide a clear and direct way to enjoy a set monetary deduction from the overall purchase. For example:

• 5SAVE or SAVE5
• SAVE10 or 10SAVE
• SAVE15 15SAVE
• SAVE20
• SAVE30

SAVENOW or SAVEBIG are also two must-try coupon codes to use at checkout since they are commonly seen.

Season names
One can also capitalize on themed coupon codes tailored to specific times of the year. Explore codes such as “SUMMER,” “SPRING,” “FALL,” and “WINTER” to align discounts with corresponding seasons. Additionally, for less conventional “seasons” like back-to-school, a widely recognized code is “BACKTOSCHOOL.” These seasonal codes offer a tailored approach to savings.

Current month + number
Many retailers frequently update codes on a monthly basis, allowing one to experiment with variations based on the current month. Consider trying codes like “NOVEMBER” or “DECEMBER” directly reflecting the month, or explore combinations like “DECEMBER2023” or “JANUARY2024” for a month coupled with the year. Additionally, abbreviations such as “DEC23” or “JAN24” are also worth trying out to potentially unlock exclusive discounts.

Event names
Special events during the year also see an upsurge of discounts and coupon codes that retailers provide. Since these events are as popular as holiday seasons, they are often abundantly used and are worth trying out. Some of these include:

• “SUPERBOWL”
• “PROM”
• “HOMECOMING”

During the Superbowl, one can also try out variations like “FOOTBALL” or team names if one wants to buy jerseys or sports-related merchandise specific to the team.

EXTRA + number
This is another must-try coupon code, which one can apply throughout the year, from end-of-season sales to holiday seasons or general discounts. The word “EXTRA” with an add-on number that indicates percentage or amount off, like:

• EXTRA10
• EXTRA15
• EXTRA15

Free
Lastly, the code “FREE” is another extremely widespread code in the realm of discounts. Among the most common variations, “FREESHIP”, “FREESHIPPING”, and “SHIPFREE” are quite common. Similarly, one can also try out unique variations like “FREE,” “SHIPSFREE,” and “FREEGIFT.”