You’ve filled your cart. You’re ready to click “Place Order.” But wait—what if there’s a coupon code you missed? What if there’s a little trick that could save you $5, $10, or even more? Don’t hit that checkout button just yet. There’s still time to pull off a last-minute save.

Here are five easy, fast, and beginner-friendly coupon tricks to try before you checkout. Think of it as your savings pre-flight checklist.

1. Search for Promo Codes

We all know the old trick: open a new tab and Google “[store name] promo code.” But instead of wading through a mess of expired codes and shady sites, here’s how to do it smarter.

Do this instead:

• Go straight to a trusted coupon database or app
• Check Reddit threads or deal-sharing communities for up-to-date codes
• Search TikTok or Instagram for influencer-exclusive codes
• Use the store’s own website—sometimes the best deal is sitting in the banner

If you see a code that says something like “SAVE10,” try it even if it doesn’t mention your exact item. You’d be surprised how often general codes apply to more than they claim.

2. Check the Page—Coupons Are Hiding in Plain Sight

You might not need to go anywhere. Many sites display discount codes right on the product page or in your cart.

Look for:

• Pop-ups offering a percent off for first-time shoppers
• “Apply Coupon” boxes under the product price
• Bundle savings like “Buy 2, Save 10%”
• Hidden checkout perks like free shipping when you spend a little more

Some of these require you to click a button to “clip” the coupon. Others apply automatically. Always double-check before moving to the final payment screen.

3. Abandon Cart

This one takes a little patience, but it often works.

Here’s how:

• Add what you want to your cart
• Log into your account
• Leave the site
• Wait a few hours or a day

If the brand is aggressive (in a good way), they’ll email you a discount code to tempt you back. This works best with fashion, home decor, and beauty brands that use email to recover abandoned carts.

It doesn’t always happen—but when it does, the discount is usually better than what’s publicly available.

4. Sign Up for Emails—Then Wait 10 Minutes

It’s annoying. We get it. But signing up for a brand’s newsletter almost always gets you something—especially if it’s your first time shopping there.

You’ll usually get:

• 10–15% off your first order
• Exclusive access to seasonal codes
• Birthday or loyalty perks if you stay subscribed
• Early alerts about sales that aren’t public yet

Just be sure to check your inbox and spam folder right away. The code often lands within 5–10 minutes. And hey, you can always unsubscribe after you use it.

5. Stack Your Savings with Cashback or Rewards

Coupon codes aren’t the only way to save. Before you click buy, ask yourself: can I earn cashback, too?

Here’s the move:

• Open your preferred cashback portal
• Activate the cashback offer
• Apply your promo code
• Pay with a rewards credit card (if you’ve got one)

It might sound like a lot, but once you set it up, it becomes second nature. Cashback platforms and rewards cards don’t mess with your promo code—they just give you money back later.

The result? Double savings: less at checkout, and a few bucks back in your account later.

Bonus Trick: Try Your Code on a Different Browser or Device

Sometimes a code that doesn’t work in one browser mysteriously works in another. It sounds weird, but browser extensions, cookies, or autofill settings can block codes from applying correctly.

Quick test:

• Open an incognito window
• Paste the code
• Try checking out again

If it works—great. If not—no harm done.

Don’t Forget to Check Exclusions

Before you get frustrated that your 20% code didn’t work, read the fine print. Some coupon codes exclude:

• Sale or clearance items
• Certain brands or categories (especially electronics or luxury)
• Items already marked down
• Items bought with store credit or gift cards

Knowing the exclusions upfront saves you the hassle of testing codes on things that won’t ever qualify.

Keep a Notes File for Repeat Stores

If you shop at the same stores often, keep a running list of:

• Promo codes that worked
• Loyalty login info
• Coupon stacking policies
• Rewards program details

This becomes super handy when you revisit a store and want to save time—and money—right away.

You don’t need to be extreme or spend hours hunting for savings. Just a few smart steps before you pay, and suddenly you’re walking away with the win.