Valid promo codes: how to check one before paying

Checks to make before using a code

France's consumer protection authority, the DGCCRF, states that when a trader announces a price reduction, the reference must be the lowest price that trader charged during the preceding 30 days. The rule covers reductions shown as a percentage, a monetary amount or a struck-through price.

A comparison with a competitor's price must be labelled as a comparison. It must not be presented as a reduction in the seller's own price.

Source: DGCCRF guidance on price-reduction announcements, updated 25 August 2026.

Start with the merchant's official page

An aggregator or social post may help you discover a code, but validation belongs on the merchant's website. Open the offer terms and check:

• the start and end dates;
• any minimum spend;
• excluded categories, brands or marketplace sellers;
• whether it is limited to new customers;
• whether it can be combined with another reduction;
• the permitted number of uses.

A rejected code is not proof of fraud. It may have expired, not apply to the basket or already have been used. However, artificial urgency, an unverifiable reduction or an opaque seller identity are good reasons to stop and investigate.

Source: DGCCRF guidance on misleading commercial practices.

Compare the same purchase

A sound comparison uses the same product, quantity and variant under comparable delivery terms. On a marketplace, visually similar offers may come from different sellers. A lower item price can be less attractive once delivery time, fees and return terms are included.

Check the legal information and seller identity before entering payment details. The product page, basket and terms of sale should make clear who is selling, what will be delivered and how a return works.

Source: DGCCRF findings on online retail.

Test the code in the basket

Add the intended product, enter the code in the merchant's own field and inspect the total before payment. Record the price of the goods, the discount, delivery and optional extras separately. If an error appears, reread the conditions before trying a long list of unknown codes.

Keep a screenshot of the terms and basket if the discount affects your decision. It records what was displayed, but does not guarantee that an order will be accepted or that a refund will be granted.

Quick check

In brief

A valid promo code is one whose official terms match your basket and whose application genuinely reduces the final total. The reference price, seller identity and fees matter as much as the displayed percentage. Do not confuse an expired code with fraud, but do not pay if the offer or seller cannot be verified.

PlanParrainPromo does not guarantee a merchant's codes. The merchant's official terms and final basket govern the transaction.