Creating One-Time Discount Codes in Shopify

Learn how to create and use one-time discount codes in Shopify to boost sales and customer loyalty.

Adeel Qayum writer profile picture
By Adeel Qayum
Mari Jordaan
Edited by Mari Jordaan

Updated November 20, 2025

A business woman creating one-time discount codes in Shopify for her products.

One-time discount codes are special offers that customers can use only once.

Unlike regular discount codes, these are unique to each customer, making them ideal for targeted marketing. Since clients can only use them once, these exclusive codes help encourage quick action.

This post will show you how to craft and use these codes in your Shopify store to increase sales and keep customers coming back.

Adeel Qayum writer profile picture

Meet the Expert

Adeel Qayum is a digital content strategist with over a decade of experience creating effective copy for SaaS and B2B companies. He has a Master's Degree in Digital Marketing and specializes in long-form content creation. Adeel has worked with notable clients like Shopify, Oberlo, and AfterShip.

3 Benefits of Using One-Time Discount Codes

One-time discount codes are powerful marketing tools because they:

  1. Create urgency: When customers know they can only use a code once, they're more likely to make a purchase quickly.
  2. Personalize the shopping experience: Giving a customer a code just for them can make them feel valued, which can lead to more loyalty to your brand.
  3. Help track marketing success: By seeing how these codes are used, you can easily tell which promotions work best and adjust your strategy accordingly.

» Find out how customer loyalty discounts can boost your retention rates

How to Create One-Time Discount Codes in Shopify

To create one-time discount codes in Shopify, follow these steps:

  1. Access your Shopify account and navigate to Discounts in the left menu.
  2. 
  3. Select Create Discount.
  4. 
  5. Choose the type of discount you want to offer.
  6. 
  7. Select Discount code and enter a unique code for your discount.
  8. 
  9. Decide on a percentage off or fixed amount discount.
  10. Determine the discount value.
  11. 
  12. Specify any minimum purchase requirements or eligible customers.
  13. 
  14. Find the Maximum discount uses section and choose Limit to one use per customer.
  15. Review all settings for accuracy. Then, activate the discount by clicking Save discount.
  16. 

Tip: For more targeted campaigns, you can:

  • Set specific start and end dates for the discount
  • Apply the discount to particular products or collections

» Learn how to create a percentage discount in Shopify

Add Discount Codes Quickly With Automation Tools

While Shopify's built-in tools work well, apps like those from Egnition can make managing discount codes even easier. To set it up:

  1. Visit the Shopify App Store and search for Rewards apps.
  2. 
  3. Install the app by following the prompts.
  4. 
  5. Access the toolkit from your Shopify dashboard once installed.
  6. Click the Automated Discount button and then choose Add New Automated Discount.
  7. 
  8. Select an order type for the discount and then click Next.
  9. 
  10. In Discount Settings, toggle the button next to Limit to One Use per Customer to make it a one-time discount.



» Learn how to bulk add discounts to your Shopify products

Tips for Successfully Creating One-Time Discount Codes

To make the most of one-time discount codes, consider these strategies:

Use One-Time Discount Codes Effectively

Maximize the impact of your codes by:

  • Analyzing customer behavior to identify peak browsing times and popular products
  • Timing discount code delivery for these peak periods or shortly after customer interest is shown
  • Segmenting customers based on shopping habits for targeted offers

Track Your Results

Monitor the performance of your discount codes by:

  • Utilizing Shopify's analytics to track code usage and sales impact
  • Exploring additional analytics tools for more detailed insights
  • Continuously refining your discount strategy based on performance data

Create Discount Codes That Convert

Craft memorable and impactful codes by:

  • Combining easy-to-remember letters and numbers
  • Incorporating your store name or campaign theme into the code
  • Using seasonal or event-related terms for relevance

» Understand how to effectively use Shopify discount codes with our expert tips and examples

Capitalize on the Benefits of One-Time Discount Codes

Whether you use Shopify's built-in tools or an app, creating one-time discount codes is straightforward and can greatly benefit your store. With these strategies, you can use them to help your Shopify store grow and succeed.

Just remember to analyze your data, time your offers well, and keep improving based on what works.