Discounts & deals
Finding a genuine saving matters, but so does knowing the offer is real, the terms are clear and the code works when you reach the checkout.
Discounts & deals companies
6 companies
About Discounts & deals
Discounts and deals cover the ways shoppers reduce what they pay, including voucher codes, cashback schemes, loyalty rewards, flash sales, bundle offers and seasonal promotions. The category takes in dedicated voucher sites, cashback platforms, price comparison services, retailers that run their own promotions and the browser extensions and email newsletters that deliver offers to consumers.
Companies in this area reach customers mainly online, through search engines, social media, affiliate partnerships and direct subscriptions. Many earn commission from retailers when a sale results from one of their links, while others charge a membership fee or make money from advertising. Retailers themselves are a large part of the market, using discount codes and clearance events to attract buyers.
The market operates under UK consumer protection law, which requires traders to avoid misleading price claims and to describe reductions against a genuine former price. The Competition and Markets Authority oversees pricing practice and enforces these rules, while the Advertising Standards Authority regulates how deals are promoted in advertising. The Financial Conduct Authority also applies where cashback or credit products are involved.
Questions about Discounts & deals
How do I know if a discount code site is legitimate?
Check that the site names a registered business with a UK company number and a physical address on its contact page. Look for clear terms of use that explain how the site earns money from affiliate links, as the Competition and Markets Authority expects commercial relationships to be disclosed. A site that makes vague or unverifiable savings claims deserves caution.
Are discount codes that I find online actually valid?
A code is only valid if the retailer accepts it at checkout on its own website at the moment you apply it. Test the code before you rely on it, and check the expiry date and any stated minimum spend or product exclusions. If a code fails, the retailer is not obliged to honour it, though customer service may help if you were misled by an official source.
Do I have to pay the full price after a sale ends if I already added the item to my basket?
No. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, the price shown at the point of the binding contract is the price you pay. If the retailer advertises a sale, it must make clear the period and the reduced price, and the price you see at order confirmation is the price you are charged.
How do I compare deals from different retailers properly?
Compare the total price including delivery, any mandatory fees and the cost of any membership needed to unlock the deal. Check the same product model, size and warranty terms, as a discount on a lower-specification item can cost more in practice. Record the prices on the same date, because retailers can change them within a few hours.
Is a 'was' price on a product a fair reference for a discount?
The CMA's Pricing Practices guidance says a 'was' price must be a genuine price the trader offered for a reasonable period recently before the reduction. A reference price inflated to make a reduction look larger is a misleading action under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. If you suspect this, you can report the trader to Trading Standards or the CMA.
How do I cancel a subscription I signed up to for a discount?
Read the terms you agreed to at sign-up, which must set out the cancellation route and notice period. Under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, businesses must let you cancel an online subscription as easily as you signed up, and you can use the cancellation method you were given. Keep a record of the date you cancelled and any reference number.
Can I get a refund if a discounted item arrives faulty?
Yes. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described, and this applies to discounted items as much as full-price ones. You can reject faulty goods within 30 days for a full refund, and the trader must repair or replace them within a reasonable time after that.
Do I have a cooling-off period if I buy something online with a discount?
Yes. Under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, you have 14 days from the day goods arrive, or from the day the contract for services is made, to cancel an online purchase. The trader must refund you within 14 days of receiving the goods back, and you bear the direct cost of returning them unless the trader agreed to pay.
What should I do if a retailer refuses to honour a discount I was promised?
Put your complaint in writing to the retailer, quoting the offer and any order number, and give them a reasonable deadline to respond. If they refuse, escalate to the retailer's internal complaints process and then to an alternative dispute resolution body approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute or the Ombudsman Services. You can also contact your local Trading Standards service or the Citizens Advice consumer helpline.
Which regulators handle complaints about misleading discounts in the UK?
The Competition and Markets Authority enforces the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and can fine traders for misleading price claims. Local Trading Standards services enforce consumer law at a local level, and the Advertising Standards Authority regulates misleading promotions in adverts and marketing. Ofcom handles some consumer complaints for communications services.
What should I look for in reviews of a company offering discounts?
Look for reviews that describe specific orders, dates and what happened when a code or price failed, as these are more informative than general praise or complaints. Read the lowest-rated reviews to see whether the same issue recurs, such as refunds being delayed or codes being refused. Be wary of a cluster of reviews posted within a short period, and check whether the company responds to complaints.
Can a company use my data when I sign up for a discount?
A company may only use your personal data for the purposes you agreed to and must comply with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. You have the right to opt out of marketing emails at any time, and the company must stop marketing once you withdraw consent. You can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office if a company ignores your request.