Unlock Hidden Savings: 28 Types of Discount Codes to Use Online

Discover 28 powerful ways to unlock hidden discount codes to maximise your savings that aren’t always advertised.

Discount codes can secure you extra savings on online orders every time you shop online. As discount code experts, we know all the insider tips on how to find the latest money-saving codes including those that are often hidden or not advertised.

We’ve listed 26 types of codes you should look out for as well as hacks that can be used to find them. These range from first-order codes and weekly offers to lesser-known promotions like live chat codes and “we’ve missed you” discounts. You’ll find the majority of these here at NetVoucherCodes.

We’ve also included some of the most common coupon codes you should always try when shopping online to help you save money even when there’s no code advertised.

By understanding these different types of discount codes, you’ll be better equipped to find the best deals. Let’s start with one of the most common and easiest to spot: first order discount codes.

1. First order discount codes

Most brands treat new customers to discounts on their first orders. These discounts are usually available alongside a newsletter sign-up or often pop-up on the homepage when you first enter the website. Some of the most common first-order codes include:

• WELCOME10
• HELLO5
• NEW15
• STARTSHOPPING20
• FIRSTBUY20

If the website you’re shopping at doesn’t advertise a welcome discount or first order code, try using one of these codes or the term ‘WELCOME’ and a number (e.g. 5,10,15, 20) to see if you could grab some first-time savings. We’ve collated and tested all the current working first order codes in this section.

2. Flash sale codes

Another common offer available at most retailers is the ‘flash sale’ or code. Brands usually offer these mid-week or on selected ranges or popular products during quiet periods throughout the year. These flash codes are often displayed in big pop-ups or on the homepage banner and usually only last for a couple of days or even hours. Some of the most common flash codes include:

• FLASH
• FLASH20
• FLASH25
• FLASH30
• FLASHSALE

3. Deals of the hour

Similarly to flash codes and sales, retailers often offer huge deals for one hour only. These can include free gifts, VIP discounts and one-off codes. These usually pop up the most during Black Friday events so make sure you keep an eye out.

4. Weekly codes

Weekly deals and voucher codes are also popular. You’ll often find discounts on selected categories, products or brands for one week only. Sometimes, these discounts get even bigger as the week goes on so we recommend waiting a few days to really take advantage of it. Of course, you should always bear in mind that your product may go out of stock, so if it’s highly popular, grab it as soon as you can.

These weekly deals also often start during seasonal events like Black Friday, bank holidays and half-term so make sure you look out for these during these times.

5. “We’ve missed you” discount codes

A common code offered by websites you’ve shopped at previously is the “we’ve missed you” code. This will often be delivered to you via email or text and can range in amount depending on the retailer. Brands like Pretty Little Thing, eBay, Just Eat and Uber Eats have been known to send out these codes, often under the email title ‘Welcome back’. Sometimes these codes will also come up as notifications on apps that you haven’t shopped on in a while.

6. “Before you leave” promo codes

Many websites also try to keep you shopping by offering you a code or discount. These will usually pop up on a website after you’ve been on it for a while and often treat you to 10% off selected order amounts. Sometimes after browsing a website, brands also send codes and deals to your inbox, if you’ve signed up for their newsletter, which can be used against products you’ve been browsing.

7. Seasonal codes & discounts

Seasonal discount codes are offered at the majority of online retailers during big holidays like Christmas, Easter and Mother’s Day. But smaller events like half-term, end of term and national daily events often provide big discounts on selected ranges and products. Popular seasonal codes include:

• SUMMER15
• SUMMER10
• BF30
• SPRING20
• BLACKFRIDAY

8. Free delivery discount codes

Make sure you look out for free delivery codes and offers. Free delivery codes are often displayed on a banner on the homepage and are available for a limited time only, while other retailers provide free delivery on certain order amounts. It may also be worth trying the codes FREEDEL or FREESHIP at the checkout to see if free shipping is applicable on your basket, despite not being advertised.

9. Pre-launch offers & codes

In the run-up to a big product or collection launch codes are often delivered to existing customers. These customers often get early access to these releases too. To take advantage of these exclusives, sign up for the newsletter or become a VIP member. It’s usually free to join the VIP loyalty scheme which will give you access to loads of inside offers. Commonly used pre-launch codes used include:

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

10. Newsletter sign-up rewards

One of the easiest ways to save on an online order is to sign up for the newsletter of the retailer you’re shopping at. Most retailers provide a discount in exchange for joining their mailing list or subscribing to their newsletter. These discounts usually range from 5% to 25% and are usually sent to your inbox. Once you become a member of a newsletter, you’ll also receive regular codes and discounts in your inbox.

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

11. Product-specific discount

Product-specific discount codes are usually advertised on the homepage if they’re available for a limited time only. They are also often displayed in a tab on each product page. Oftentimes, retailers you frequently buy a specific product from will send you individual codes for a discount on these items. In the past, brands like ZooPlus have sent us these codes via email.

12. Abandoned shopping cart codes

An easy way to receive a code is to add what you want to your shopping basket and then leave the website. In this scenario, brands will often send you a code via email to convince you to complete your purchase. These codes often only last 24 hours maximum so make sure you use them while you can.

13. Bundle discount codes

These codes are available on bundles created by brands or can sometimes be added to baskets that contain multiples of the same item. These codes and deals are most popular with fashion brands and certain pieces like school uniforms, underwear sets and basics. For example, in the past Craghoppers has offered 30% off the Trouser Bundle with 2 for £90 with code 2F90 and Geepas has offered 15% off 3 university essentials with the code UNISAVE.

14. Minimum order discount codes

Codes are often available on certain order amounts such as 20% off when you spend £40 or more with the code. Brands that sell expensive items like appliances and tech usually provide these codes. For instance, Best Heating has offered an extra 10% off orders over £500 with the code SAVE500 while Direct Stoves has provided £20 off orders of £500-£799 with the code AW20OFF20.

If your basket is under the minimum amount required, it may be worth adding a low-cost item to redeem the discount. Just make sure you do the maths before checking out to work out how to get the most for your money.

15. Birthday codes

Another benefit of signing up for a newsletter or making an account with an online store is that they’ll send you birthday codes on or in the run-up to your big day. Clothing stores like JD Sports, Asos, and Mango love to do this so that you can buy your birthday outfit with them.

They’re usually unique and complicated codes, but it is always worth trying combinations like “HAPPYBDAY” or “BIRTHDAYGIFT” on your basket to see if you can take advantage of standard birthday savings all year round.

Check out our The Ultimate Guide to Birthday Freebies to read more about birthday treats and freebies.

16. App-only codes

Loads of brands promote their apps by offering app-only codes. These are sometimes advertised on their website and will provide you with money off your first app order. Once you download the app, you’re also likely to receive more exclusive codes and offers that you won’t find online. Stores like Temu, New Look and Dominos have been known to provide app-only codes, saving customers up to 50% off. App codes that have previously been used include:

• APP15
• APP10
• 15FORYOU

17. Refer a Friend promo codes

Recommending a friend or family member to a website is an easy way to earn some savings. Most companies reward friend referrals with a promo code or money off your next purchase.

18. Buy one, get one free codes (BOGOF)

Some retailers are notorious for buy one, get one free deals such as supermarkets, beauty stores and toy stores. Look out for buy one get one free codes. These may be applied to your basket automatically when you add applicable items, although sometimes you have to paste them in to retrieve your savings.

19. Loyalty discount codes

Regular customers who sign up for loyalty programmes or VIP accounts for free are usually rewarded with exclusive offers and discount codes. Usually, the more you shop at a store, the higher the discounts you’ll earn. So, it is well worth joining your favourite retailer’s loyalty scheme to reap your rewards.

20. Feedback survey discount

Online stores sometimes offer discount codes as a reward for customers who complete feedback surveys. These can be advertised on homepages or often pop up once you’ve completed a purchase. Use their feedback form to review your experience and you’ll more than likely receive a code for money off your next order.

21. Ask live chat for a code

Another lesser-known hack for securing a discount code is to ask for one through the live chat feature. Live chat links or pop-up windows are usually located at the bottom of the homepage and can be used to chat with customer service agents.

Sometimes, by using this feature to ask an agent if they have any discount codes available, they’ll give you one so it’s well worth giving it a try. Just remember to ask to speak to a human if you are speaking to an AI chatbot initially.

22. Discount codes for purchasing in-store

If you shop in-store, sometimes you’ll receive a voucher in your shopping bag with a unique discount that can be used on your next online purchase at said store. For example, Menkind gives you a scratch card with every purchase you can redeem online. These codes can also be presented on your receipt so make sure you have a look before throwing it away.

23. Social media codes

Brands often advertise one-time-only codes or flash promotions on their social media channels so it’s well worth following your favourite brands on social platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Sometimes, they’ll advertise exclusive codes for followers on these channels too. You can also check threads on websites like Slickdeals and Reddit for the best current social media codes.

24. Influencer discount codes

Similarly, influencers often promote their own exclusive codes with selected partnered brands on their social channels. You’ll often find these codes on Instagram and YouTube as part of sponsored posts. For example, in the past, Molly Mae has advertised a code for 20% off selected makeup at LOOKFANTASTIC with the code MOLLYMAEELF.

Before shopping at a store, it is well worth doing a quick Google search to see if any influencers work with them and if they currently have a code available.

25. Codes in your parcels

Clothing retailers often provide vouchers and discount codes for their own brand or other stores in parcels containing your online order, so make sure you check your order packaging before throwing it away. Brands like Pretty Little Thing and ASOS regularly feature these codes as well as stores like World of Books.

26. Recently expired codes

It’s worth trying codes that have recently expired as sometimes, stores re-enable codes after the expiry date. You’ll likely find these in your inbox or junk folder or sometimes websites still display expired codes online. NetVoucherCodes also features an ‘Expired codes that may still work’ section underneath our live offers on every retailer page so make sure you try these codes before payment.

27. Student discount codes

Many retailers offer exclusive student discount codes through verified platforms like UNiDAYS, Student Beans and Youth Discount. If you’re a student or apprentice aged 16-25 make sure you have a look at these apps to see if you’re eligible for a free membership. With discounts of around 10% to 20% available on popular retailers all year round, it’s well worth joining.

28. Military & NHS discount codes

Similarly, a lot of retailers offer discounts for NHS staff, military personnel, armed forces and other key workers. These discounts are available through platforms like Blue Light Card and are free to staff in these services. These codes are offered all year round and can save you an extra 10-20% on some of your favourite stores and brands.