How to Buy Online With Coupon Codes

Last Updated: October 24, 2022

Coupon codes are a new spin on an old concept. For much of the 20th century, consumers could clip paper coupons out of newspapers, magazines and advertisements. They would present those coupons at stores for a discount or deal. In the 21st century, you can get the same deals by entering coupon codes at online vendors. Although the process is different, the savings haven't changed.

Steps

1
Find a coupon code for the vendor and item you want to buy. Like physical coupons, there is a wide variety of deals available. Some common examples include a set amount or percentage off the regular price, buy 1 and get 1 free, or a discount if you buy a set value of merchandise.^{[1]
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- Some physical coupons now include a coupon code, also called a promotion code, printed on the coupon. This allows you to get the same deal at the company's online shopping site.
- You can sometimes find coupon codes via an Internet search. Type "coupon code", "promotion code", "promo code", "discount code" or "voucher code" in the search string, along with a description of the company you want to buy from and/or the item you want to buy.
2
You can also find coupons codes on coupon-providing websites like Retailmenot, Savings.com, Coupons.com, etc.^{[2]
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- Did you know that wikiHow has its own coupon page? Click here to scope out the deals.
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3
Access the shopping website where you want to buy something. Go through the process of selecting your items to buy just as you normally would. As with picking out items off a shelf, this part of the process is identical to shopping without a coupon code.^{[3]
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4
Start the checkout process as normal for the site where you are shopping. Confirm that you are buying what you want, and that it fulfills any requirements to qualify for the promotion code you want to use.
5
Go through the checkout process. At each page, scan the page for a coupon code or promotion code option. The exact location of this option will vary from vendor to vendor.^{[4]
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6
Enter the coupon code from the deal you want to use in the appropriate box. Click the "OK" or similar button on the checkout page. Some vendor sites will make this part of the regular checkout page, while others will direct you to a separate page to confirm your promotion or coupon code.
7
Scan your shopping cart to confirm that the coupon code was properly entered and is reflected in your total price. If not, navigate back through the checkout process and try again.
8
Finish the order as normal.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I know what numbers to enter for a coupon code?

Community Answer

Usually on a coupon, there will be a code that will say something like: Enter at _____ at www.website.com.
Question

Do I have to put in credit card details?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Yes.
Question

What coupon code do I have to enter?

Community Answer

Go to the site first, then scroll around to see the different coupon codes they offer. Simply choose the best deal and enter that one.

Warnings

Check for expiration dates whenever you find a coupon code. Some bargain-hunter websites might not be updated frequently enough to keep up with the expiration cycles of online offers.

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