Free discount code generator

Create professional promo codes in seconds, no signup. Whether you are running a promotion, setting up a referral program, or creating client incentives, you need unique codes that are easy to share and impossible to guess.

Generate single codes or bulk sets. Customize the length, add your brand prefix, and choose from letters, numbers, or both. Copy codes instantly and use them anywhere.

Generate Discount Codes

Customize and generate unique codes

Prefix

Suffix

Code length

Quantity

Character set

Pattern

Separator

Exclude similar characters (0/O, 1/I/l)

Use Codes in Plutio

Best practices for discount codes

A good discount code is memorable, easy to type, and hard to guess. Here is what works.

Naming conventions

Branded prefixes: PLUTIO-XXXX, ACME-XXXX. Reinforces your brand when customers share codes.
Campaign-specific: SUMMER2026, BLACKFRI25. Makes tracking easier and adds urgency.
Partner codes: PODCAST10, JSMITH15. Tracks referral sources and makes affiliates feel valued.
Action-based: WELCOME10, COMEBACK20, REFER25. Communicates the offer in the code itself.

Technical considerations

Length: 6-10 characters balances memorability with security. Shorter codes are easier to share but easier to guess.
Character set: Avoid ambiguous characters (0/O, 1/I/l). Uppercase only is easiest to read and type.
Uniqueness: For one-time codes, ensure each is truly unique. For campaign codes, one code can be reused.

Common patterns

Type	Example	Use case
Campaign code	SUMMER25	Seasonal promotion, shared publicly
Referral code	REFER-8XK4P2	Unique per referrer, tracks source
One-time code	7H2M9X4W1K	Single use, high security
Partner code	PODCAST15	Affiliate tracking

Setting up a referral program

Referral programs turn happy customers into your sales team. Here is how to structure one that works.

The incentive structure

Standard approaches:

One-sided: Referrer gets a reward when their referral converts. Simple but limited reach.
Two-sided: Both referrer and referee get rewards. More viral, higher conversion. Example: "Give $50, get $50."
Tiered: Rewards increase with more referrals. Encourages power users to keep referring.

Reward types

Discounts: 10-25% off next purchase. Low cost to you, high perceived value.
Credits: $X toward future work. Ensures repeat business.
Cash: Direct payment to referrer. Most attractive but highest cost.
Free upgrades: Extra features, priority support. Zero marginal cost.

Making it work

Make sharing effortless: One-click copy of unique link/code. Pre-written share text.
Communicate clearly: "Refer a friend who books a project. You both get $100 credit."
Track everything: Use unique codes per referrer to attribute conversions accurately.
Pay promptly: Delayed rewards kill enthusiasm. Pay within days of qualifying action.

Promotion strategies that work

Discount codes are a tool, not a strategy. Here is how to use them effectively.

Limited-time offers

Scarcity drives action. "Valid until Friday" outperforms "Use anytime." Set expiration dates and communicate urgency.

First-time customer discounts

Lower the barrier for new customers. 10-20% off the first project is common. Make it conditional: "For new clients booking before [date]."

Loyalty rewards

Surprise long-term customers with exclusive codes. "Thanks for being a client for 2 years. Here is 15% off your next project." Strengthens relationships and prevents churn.

Seasonal campaigns

Align with natural buying cycles. Year-end budget spend (December), new year planning (January), summer slowdowns (July-August). Create urgency around these windows.

Recovery offers

When a proposal is declined or a client goes quiet, a targeted discount can restart the conversation. "I know budget was a concern. I can offer 15% off if we start by [date]."

What to avoid

Always-on discounts: Train customers to never pay full price
Heavy discounts: 30%+ signals desperation or inflated prices
Unclear terms: Friction causes abandonment. Be explicit about what the code does

Frequently asked questions

How many characters should a discount code be?

6-10 characters is ideal. Shorter codes (4-6) are easier to remember and share but can be guessed. Longer codes (10+) are more secure for one-time use or high-value offers. For campaign codes shared publicly, prioritize memorability. For unique referral codes, prioritize security.

Should I use letters, numbers, or both?

For memorable campaign codes, use words or readable combinations (SUMMER25, SAVE20). For unique codes that need to be secure, mix uppercase letters and numbers, excluding ambiguous characters (0/O, 1/I/l). Numbers-only codes are easy to type on mobile but have less entropy per character.

How do I track which codes are used?

Use unique codes per campaign, partner, or referrer. When a code is redeemed, record it in your system with the customer and transaction. For Plutio users, codes can be applied to proposals and invoices, with usage tracked automatically in your dashboard.

Should discount codes expire?

Usually yes. Expiration creates urgency and prevents codes from circulating forever. Campaign codes typically expire at campaign end. Referral codes may be ongoing but should be revocable if the referrer relationship ends. One-time codes should expire after use or after a reasonable period (30-90 days).

What is a good discount percentage?

5-15% is common for standard promotions without significantly eroding margins. 20-25% for major campaigns or first-time customers. Above 25%, you are likely hurting your margins unless volume is very high. Calculate the margin impact before setting the discount level.

How do I prevent code abuse?

Limit usage: one per customer, one per transaction, or limited total redemptions. Set expiration dates. Track redemptions and flag unusual patterns (same customer, same IP). For high-value codes, require account creation or manual approval before applying.

Can I generate unique codes for each customer?

Yes. Generate bulk unique codes (100 at a time in this tool) and assign one per customer or referrer. This enables precise tracking of who referred whom and prevents code sharing beyond intended recipients.

What is the difference between a promo code and a referral code?

A promo code is typically a campaign code shared publicly (BLACKFRI25) - one code, many users. A referral code is unique per referrer (JOHN-8XK4) - many codes, tracked individually. Promo codes drive volume; referral codes track and reward specific sources.

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