How to spot a fake or expired promo code

Most failed codes are simply out of date. A smaller number are bait to get you onto a shady page. These checks take under a minute.

1. Look for a date you can trust

A code with no "last checked" date could be years old. Prefer sites that show when a code was last verified, and treat older than a few days as a guess, not a promise.

2. Read the conditions before you copy

Many codes only work on full-price items, above a minimum spend, for new customers, or in one country. If the conditions don't fit your cart, the code will fail even though it is real.

3. Check the destination

Before you enter any code, confirm the address bar shows the retailer's real domain. Be careful with lookalike spellings, and never enter card details on a page you reached from an unfamiliar link.

4. Be skeptical of extreme offers

"90% off everything" or a free item with no catch is a classic lure. Real retailer promotions are usually modest and come with clear terms.

5. Test before you pay

Add items to your cart and apply the code first. A working code changes the total immediately. If it doesn't, remove it and try another. You never need to pay to test a code.

6. Don't ignore the free option

Sign-up discounts, loyalty programs and the retailer's own sale page often beat a random code. Check those before you hunt for one.

On VerifiedPromo, every code shows the date we last checked it and what that check was. See how we verify.