Promo codes, sale prices, cashback, free shipping, gift cards, loyalty points: there are more ways to save than ever, and most stores let you combine at least some of them. Here’s how each one works, what usually stacks and what usually doesn’t.
The main ways to save online
| Type | How it works | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Promo code | A code entered at checkout for a percentage or amount off, or free shipping. | Usually one per order; may exclude sale items. |
| Sale price | The store lowers the price for everyone, no code needed. | Often can’t be combined with sitewide codes. |
| Free-shipping threshold | Shipping is free once your order passes a set amount. | Usually works alongside a code; check if the minimum is before or after the discount. |
| Cashback | A cashback site or card pays you back a share of what you spend. | Paid later, and only if the order tracks correctly. |
| Loyalty points | Points from the store’s own program, redeemed on future orders. | Usually stack with codes; check expiry dates. |
| Gift cards | Store gift cards, sometimes bought at a discount. | Count as payment, so they normally combine with codes. |
What usually stacks
- A promo code + free shipping: most stores apply both if your total still meets the shipping threshold after the discount.
- A promo code + loyalty points: points are usually treated like a payment method, so the code applies first.
- A promo code + gift card: the gift card pays for the discounted total.
- A promo code + card rewards: your credit card’s normal rewards apply to whatever you actually pay.
What usually doesn’t stack
- Two promo codes: nearly all stores accept just one code per order.
- Sitewide codes on sale items: many codes say “full-price items only”.
- Welcome codes for returning customers: first-order codes check your account or email.
A simple order of operations
- Add items and check whether any are already on sale.
- Find the best single code for your cart. Compare a percentage code against a fixed-amount code at your cart value.
- Make sure you still meet the free-shipping threshold after the discount.
- Apply loyalty points or gift cards last, as payment.
- Pay with a card that gives you rewards, if you have one.
Percentage or fixed amount: which is better?
It depends on your cart. A 15% code beats “$20 off $100” once your cart is above about $134 (15% of $134 is $20.10). Below that, the fixed-amount code saves more. When a store offers both, do the quick math at your actual cart total.
Stay within the rules
Stores can cancel orders or remove discounts that break their terms. Avoid codes that were clearly private (for staff, students or a single customer), don’t create extra accounts to reuse first-order codes, and read the terms line under each offer. The codes on PercentPocket come from stores’ official affiliate programs, so they are meant to be shared.
This guide is for general information. PercentPocket may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you.