Online shopping offers unparalleled convenience, but shipping fees can quickly add up and negate any savings you might have found on your purchase. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to consistently get free shipping on your online orders. From using promo codes to signing up for loyalty programs, you can avoid paying for shipping and maximize your savings every time you shop. In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to score free shipping on your purchases, so you can shop smarter and save money.

Step 1: Look for Free Shipping Promo Codes

One of the easiest ways to get free shipping on your online orders is by using promo codes. Many retailers offer free shipping codes as part of their promotional efforts, especially during major shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or end-of-season sales. These codes can often be found on coupon websites or through the retailer’s own marketing channels.

Where to find free shipping codes

Coupon websites like RetailMeNot, Coupons.com, and Honey are excellent resources for finding free shipping codes. Simply visit the website, search for the retailer you’re shopping with, and browse through the available coupon codes. Many of these sites categorize promo codes by type, so you can easily find ones that apply specifically to free shipping. Just make sure to double-check the terms and conditions, as some free shipping codes may require a minimum purchase or exclude certain items.

Another way to find free shipping codes is by visiting the retailer’s website directly. Many stores display free shipping promotions on their homepage or offer exclusive promo codes to new customers. You can also sign up for the store’s email newsletter to receive notifications about upcoming sales and special offers, including free shipping discounts.

Use browser extensions to find promo codes

If you don’t want to spend time manually searching for free shipping codes, browser extensions like Honey and Rakuten can do the work for you. These extensions automatically search for and apply the best available promo codes at checkout, ensuring that you never miss out on free shipping opportunities. They’re particularly useful for frequent online shoppers, as they work across multiple retailers and can save you time and money with minimal effort.

Step 2: Meet the Minimum Purchase Threshold for Free Shipping

Many retailers offer free shipping if you spend a certain amount on your order. This minimum purchase threshold varies from store to store, but it’s often between $25 and $100. If you’re already close to reaching the required amount, consider adding a few inexpensive items to your cart to qualify for free shipping instead of paying the shipping fee.

Shop smarter to reach the free shipping threshold

If you find yourself just a few dollars short of the free shipping threshold, there are a few strategies you can use to make up the difference without overspending. Look for low-cost items like socks, toiletries, or home essentials that you need anyway. This way, you’re spending money on something useful rather than on shipping fees.

Alternatively, consider buying in bulk. If you frequently purchase certain items, like beauty products or pantry staples, adding more of these to your cart can help you reach the minimum for free shipping while stocking up on things you’ll use over time. This strategy is particularly helpful for non-perishable goods that you’ll need in the future.

Use gift cards to hit the minimum

If you’re still a few dollars short of the free shipping threshold, purchasing a gift card is another smart way to meet the minimum. Many online retailers sell gift cards in various denominations, and adding one to your cart can help you qualify for free shipping while giving you a credit to use on future purchases. This method ensures that your money goes toward something useful, rather than toward shipping costs.

Step 3: Take Advantage of Free Shipping Days and Events

Throughout the year, many retailers participate in Free Shipping Day or other special events that offer free shipping with no minimum purchase required. Free Shipping Day typically takes place in December, just before the holiday season, but retailers often run similar promotions during major shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school season.

Sign up for notifications about free shipping events

To make sure you don’t miss out on free shipping events, sign up for retailer newsletters or follow your favorite stores on social media. Many companies promote these events in advance, giving you plenty of time to plan your purchases around the promotion. Some retailers even offer early access to free shipping events for loyalty program members or email subscribers, so it’s worth joining these programs to stay in the loop.

During these events, be sure to check whether the free shipping offer applies to all items or if there are any exclusions, such as oversized products or certain brands. By shopping during free shipping events, you can save on shipping costs for large orders or bulky items that might otherwise incur higher fees.

Step 4: Sign Up for Retailer Loyalty Programs

Many online retailers offer loyalty programs that include free shipping as one of the perks. These programs are often free to join and provide members with additional benefits like exclusive discounts, early access to sales, and rewards points for every dollar spent.

Popular loyalty programs with free shipping benefits

Some of the most popular loyalty programs that offer free shipping include:

  • Target Circle: Members of Target Circle can enjoy free shipping on most online orders, as well as exclusive coupons and personalized discounts.
  • Nordstrom’s Nordy Club: Nordstrom’s loyalty program offers free standard shipping on all orders, as well as access to special promotions and points that can be redeemed for rewards.
  • Amazon Prime: While Amazon Prime requires a membership fee, it offers unlimited free two-day shipping on millions of items, making it a great option for frequent shoppers. Prime members also receive additional benefits like access to Prime Video and Amazon’s music streaming service.
  • Sephora’s Beauty Insider: Members of Sephora’s Beauty Insider program can earn free shipping when they reach certain loyalty tiers, along with other perks like birthday gifts and early access to product launches.

By joining these programs, you can consistently get free shipping on your online orders while enjoying other member-only benefits that make shopping more rewarding.

Step 5: Use a Store Credit Card

Many retailers offer store-branded credit cards that include free shipping as one of the cardholder benefits. In addition to offering free shipping, these credit cards often come with perks like cashback rewards, discounts on future purchases, or points that can be redeemed for store credit.

Examples of store credit cards with free shipping benefits

  • GapCard: Cardholders of Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta’s store credit cards receive free shipping on all online orders. They also earn rewards points that can be used for future purchases.
  • Amazon Prime Rewards Visa: This credit card offers Amazon Prime members free shipping on all eligible Amazon purchases, as well as cashback on a wide range of purchases, including those made outside of Amazon.

Store credit cards can be a good option if you frequently shop at a specific retailer. However, it’s important to be aware of the interest rates and fees associated with these cards, and to use them responsibly by paying off the balance each month to avoid debt.

Step 6: Take Advantage of Subscription Services

Several online retailers offer subscription services that provide free shipping on all orders for a flat annual or monthly fee. These services are ideal for frequent shoppers who want to avoid paying for shipping every time they place an order.

Popular subscription services that offer free shipping

  • Walmart+: Walmart+ is a subscription service that offers free shipping on all Walmart.com orders with no minimum purchase required. Members also enjoy benefits like fuel discounts and access to Scan & Go shopping in Walmart stores.
  • ASOS Premier Delivery: For a flat annual fee, ASOS Premier Delivery members receive unlimited free two-day shipping on all ASOS orders, making it a great option for fashion lovers.
  • Shipt and Instacart: These grocery delivery services offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount for members who pay a monthly or annual subscription fee. This is especially convenient for those who prefer online grocery shopping.

Before signing up for a subscription service, evaluate how often you shop with the retailer to determine whether the membership fee is worth the savings on shipping costs. For frequent shoppers, these services can quickly pay for themselves.

Conclusion

Getting free shipping on your online orders is easier than ever if you know where to look and how to take advantage of the right opportunities. By using promo codes, meeting minimum purchase thresholds, joining loyalty programs, and shopping during free shipping events, you can consistently avoid shipping fees and maximize your savings. Whether you’re a casual shopper or a frequent buyer, these strategies will help you get the most value out of every online purchase, allowing you to shop smarter and save more.