Why your discount code didn't work, and how to fix it

Codes fail at checkout all the time, and the failures follow a pattern. Before you give up on a code, run through this list.

1. Your basket is under the minimum spend

Codes like '£10 off when you spend £50' check the basket total before delivery, and sometimes after other discounts. If you're close, a small add-on often costs less than the saving you unlock.

2. Something in your basket is excluded

Sale items, gift cards and some brands are commonly excluded. Some stores reject the whole code; others quietly apply it to the eligible items only. Read the terms on the ticket.

3. It's for new customers only

Welcome codes are tied to the email address or account. If you have ordered before, it won't apply.

4. There's a stray space or a lookalike character

Copying from some sites picks up a trailing space. Codes are also easy to mistype: O and 0, I and 1. Our Copy button copies the exact code with nothing extra.

5. It has expired or hit its limit

Some codes stop after a set number of uses, even before their end date. The 'Verified' badge on each ticket tells you when we last checked it.

6. You're on the wrong site

UK codes generally don't work on a store's Irish or international site. Check the web address at checkout.