How to Save the Most on AliExpress: Coupons, Promo Codes, Coins & Select Deals
Why is it worth spending a few minutes before every order?
Every AliExpress order hides discounts that most of us simply miss. If you know how to properly combine coupons, promo codes, coins, and Select deals, you can easily cut 20%-40% off the price for the exact same product. In this guide we'll go over all types of discounts, when to use each one, and how to combine them to squeeze the maximum out of every purchase.
Types of Coupons on AliExpress
The first step to saving is understanding that there are several different types of coupons, and very importantly - some of them can be combined with each other.
1. AliExpress Coupons (Select / Platform)
These are site-wide coupons issued by AliExpress itself. They are valid with most sellers and work on purchases over a certain amount (for example: $2 off on a purchase over $15). Look for them on the main deals page or on your "My Coupons" page.
2. Store Coupons
Coupons that the seller issues for their own store. You'll find them on the store page, usually below the seller's name. They can be combined with an AliExpress coupon - and that's where the real savings begin.
3. Promo Codes
Codes that you enter manually at checkout. They're distributed in special campaigns, in the newsletter, and sometimes on affiliate sites and blogs. It's worth searching for an active code before every big order.
AliExpress Coins - The Free Money Waiting for You
Coins are a virtual currency that you accumulate in the app and can convert into real discounts. Here's how to collect them:
- Daily check-in: Logging into the app daily earns you coins. A 30-second routine each day.
- Games and tasks: AliExpress offers daily mini-games that hand out coins.
- Product reviews: Writing a review with a photo after a purchase usually earns you additional coins.
At checkout you can convert the coins you've accumulated into a direct discount. It's not a huge amount each time, but with frequent purchases it adds up nicely - and above all, it's completely free.
Select Deals - How to Spot a Genuinely Good Price
Select deals are dedicated AliExpress promotions on selected products, usually at especially aggressive prices and with fast shipping. When you see a Select label, it's a sign that the price is already discounted before you've added any coupon. My tip: search for products in the Select category and then try adding an AliExpress coupon on top of them - sometimes it works and combines two discounts.
The Order of Operations for Maximum Savings
So you don't miss anything, follow this order with every purchase:
- Step 1: Check whether the product is in a Select deal or a daily deal (like 11.11 or the Anniversary Sale).
- Step 2: Collect a store coupon from the seller's page.
- Step 3: Make sure you have an active site-wide AliExpress coupon.
- Step 4: Search for an active promo code and have it ready for checkout.
- Step 5: At checkout - activate the coins you've accumulated.
At checkout you'll see all the discounts stacking one on top of the other. If nothing gets overridden - excellent, you're combining correctly.
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Additional Tips to Boost Your Savings
- Buy through the app: Certain prices are cheaper in the app compared to the browser.
- Add to cart and wait: Sometimes AliExpress sends a personal coupon for a product that's stayed in your cart for a few days.
- Buy in quantities: Some coupons only unlock above a minimum amount, so combining several products from the same store pays off.
- Track the big sale dates: 11.11, Black Friday, and the site's anniversary days are the times with the best coupons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you combine multiple coupons together?
Yes - a store coupon and an AliExpress coupon usually combine, and coins are added on top of them too. Two store coupons for the same store usually don't.
Why isn't my coupon working?
Usually because of a minimum amount you haven't reached, an expired validity period, or the coupon not being valid on the specific product. Always read the fine print.
Bottom line: a few minutes of searching before every purchase can save you tens of dollars. Combine all the tools correctly, and every order will be more worthwhile. Happy shopping!
Taxes, VAT and customs: the savings you can't ignore in Spain
No matter how well you combine coupons, the final price you'll see also depends on taxes. Since July 2021, all orders entering Spain from outside the EU pay VAT (21% standard rate) from the very first cent. The good news is that AliExpress usually includes VAT in the displayed price at checkout for low-value orders, so what you see is what you pay. The critical threshold is €150: below it you only pay VAT; above it, customs duties are added, along with occasional courier handling fees.
| Order value | VAT (21%) | Customs duties | Handling fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to €150 | Yes (included at checkout) | No | Rare |
| Over €150 | Yes | Yes (depending on product) | Possible (€10-30) |
That's why it sometimes pays to split a large order into two separate shipments below €150 each to dodge customs duties, even if you lose a minimum-spend coupon. Always do the math: what you save on customs may outweigh the coupon discount.
Practical tip: before confirming, check that the checkout price already includes VAT (it appears as "taxes" in the breakdown). If a seller asks you to pay taxes separately upon delivery, that's a red flag: cancel and complain to AliExpress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, all orders pay 21% VAT. For most low-value purchases, AliExpress already includes it in the checkout price.
Above €150 in order value, customs duties apply in addition to VAT, and the courier may charge handling fees of €10-30.
Coupon and coin discounts apply to the product price, and VAT is calculated on the already reduced amount, so you also save on taxes.
Yes, if your cart exceeds €150. Splitting it into two shipments below that threshold is usually cheaper than paying duties and handling fees.
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