# Promo Code Not Working? Common Reasons and Fixes Updated Oct 16, 2026 · https://yapromo.com/guides/why-promo-code-not-working/ Most rejected codes fail for a handful of reasons: a typo or extra space, an expired code, items or sellers the code does not cover, the wrong country site or account, a code already used, or a basket below the minimum spend. Check the code exactly as issued, read its terms, and apply it before you place the order, because most stores cannot add a code afterwards. ## Typos, spaces and where you type it Nike lists a typo as the first reason a code fails ([Nike help](https://www.nike.com/help/a/promo-apply)). Amazon UK tells shoppers to enter the code exactly as given, with no spaces before, inside or after it, then check the final price before ordering ([Amazon UK help](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GPAU9BCECRXQBFQR)). Copying a code from an email or message often picks up a trailing space, so paste it and then delete any space at the end. Where you enter it matters too: - **Amazon UK:** the "Gift Cards and Promotional Codes" section on the payment page or the Place Your Order page. - **Nike:** "Do you have a Promo Code?" in your bag, or the Payment section at checkout. In the Nike App, go to Payment > Add New Payment Method > Add Promo Code. - **Uber Eats:** Profile > Promotions > Enter Promo Code. - **NordVPN:** pick a plan on the pricing page, then click "do you have a promo code?" at checkout and Apply ([NordVPN support](https://support.nordvpn.com/hc/en-us/articles/19686880595217-How-to-apply-a-NordVPN-coupon-code)). Whether codes are case-sensitive is not stated on the Amazon, Nike or ASOS pages we checked. Typing the code in the same case it was issued avoids the question. ## The code has expired Every SHEIN coupon has an expiry date and cannot be used after it. Expired coupons are marked "unavailable" and deleted after three months ([SHEIN US](https://m.shein.com/us/Coupon-Policy-a-1398.html)). Nike and Uber Eats both list expiry as a reason a code fails. If a code worked last week and not today, expiry is the likeliest cause. ## Your basket has excluded items or sellers A code can be valid and still not apply to what you are buying. Nike says some items are excluded under a code's terms ([Nike](https://www.nike.com/help/a/promo-apply)). Common exclusions from official pages: - **Amazon UK:** gift cards, third-party sellers including Amazon Resale, Audible products, delivery costs and gift wrap. Codes only apply to eligible items sold and dispatched by Amazon.co.uk ([terms](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G8LF2MC32ZASDWVU)). - **SHEIN US:** third-party seller products unless marked eligible, while seller-only coupons cannot be used on items sold by SHEIN. - **ASOS:** search summaries of its help page say codes, including student discounts, do not apply to ASOS Brand Partner items, shipping or e-gift cards. We could not load the page to confirm. Remove the excluded item, or move it to a separate order, and try again. ## Wrong country, currency or account SHEIN US coupons only work on us.shein.com and the SHEIN US app. Uber Eats promos only work in their stated location and currency, and some only for certain users, such as first-time customers ([Uber Eats](https://help.uber.com/en/ubereats/restaurants/article/promo-code-didnt-apply?nodeId=9c86131e-8ca3-4b4e-be03-c1c1f06c391b)). UNiDAYS codes only work in their own country, and multi-use UNiDAYS codes only work for the account holder. If you were sent a code by email, sign in with the account that received it. Search summaries of ASOS's help page say emailed codes may be tied to that account; the page did not load for us. ## Already used, or another offer is applied Codes are usually single-use and limited to one per order. Amazon UK allows one code or reward per order unless an offer says otherwise; a code used on an order you returned for a refund cannot be reused ([Amazon UK](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G8LF2MC32ZASDWVU)). SHEIN allows one coupon per order, and a partial return counts the coupon as used. Uber Eats allows one promo per order and automatically applies your highest-value account promo after any merchant promo, so a code you type may be competing with one already applied. ## Wrong moment or wrong checkout path - Amazon UK codes cannot be used on existing orders, and Buy Now cannot be used with a promotional claim code. Use the basket and normal checkout. - Uber Eats promos must be added before you place the order. - Search summaries of ASOS's help say a code cannot be added after the order is placed and that using the browser back button can cause checkout problems (unconfirmed on the page itself). - SHEIN coupons can carry a minimum spend; a basket below it will not qualify. ## Fix checklist - Paste the code again and delete any spaces before, inside or after it. - Check the expiry date in the email, app or offer terms. - Confirm you are on the right country site and paying in the right currency. - Sign in to the account the code was sent to, and check whether it is for new customers only. - Read the exclusions and remove gift cards, marketplace or third-party seller items and anything the terms name. - Check the minimum spend against your basket total after other discounts. - Remove any other code or automatic promo, since most stores allow only one per order. - Use the standard basket and checkout, not one-click or Buy Now buttons, and avoid the browser back button mid-checkout. - Apply the code before placing the order and check the final total. - If it still fails, contact the store's support with the code and a screenshot. NordVPN, for example, offers live chat. ## FAQ **Can I add a promo code after I have placed my order?** Usually not. Amazon UK says codes cannot be used on existing orders, and Uber Eats says a promo must be added before you order. Cancelling and reordering with the code is sometimes possible, but check the store’s policy first. **Why does the code apply but take off less than I expected?** Part of your basket is probably excluded, such as sale items, gift cards or third-party seller items, or the code has a maximum discount. The code only discounts the eligible part of the order. **Are promo codes case-sensitive?** The Amazon, Nike and ASOS help pages we checked do not say. Enter the code exactly as it was issued, in the same case, to be safe. **Why did my code disappear after a partial return?** At SHEIN, a partial return counts the coupon as used. If the remaining items fall below the coupon’s minimum spend, the refund can also be reduced by the coupon’s value.