EVERYONE loves a discount, voucher or promo code, but finding working codes for shopping websites can take a lot of work.
Dedicated voucher websites such as MyVoucherCodes.co.uk and HotUKDeals can help you find – and share – the latest offers.
But searching these sites takes time and effort, with codes typically only working a limited number of times or for a certain time period.
This is where web browser extensions (also called web widgets, add-ons or plug-ins) come in handy. Installing a free extension to your internet browser can mean finding the best working discount codes in a matter of seconds.
Instead of copying and pasting promo codes from random websites and hoping they work, the web extension does all the legwork for you by scanning and testing all available codes at the checkout and applying the best code to your shopping cart.
For the non-techy people, browsers are software programs we use to search the internet. The top three popular browsers are Chrome, Safari and Edge.
Browser extensions are small programs or ‘add-ons’ you can download to add new features to your browser.
Deepak Tailor, founder of LatestFreeStuff.co.uk, explained: “Free discount code browser extensions should be on everyone’s browser. After ad blockers, I think it’s the most important thing you could have. It’s like free money.
“When you’re on a shop’s website, with the Chrome extension installed for free, you’ll see a little pop-up suggesting there may be some discount codes available. At checkout, you can try the codes and see if it saves you any money.
“These extensions save you from manually searching on Google and going to lots of different coupon websites. It’s there right where you want it.”
ITV is the latest organisation to launch a discount code browser extension via its new consumer-facing affiliate marketing brand ‘ITV Kerching’. The add-on uses tech company Kindred’s technology to search for discount codes from retailers.
Other discount-hunting browser add-ons have been around much longer.
Honey launched in 2012 and was acquired by PayPal in 2020 for about $4billion (£3.73billion).
Now called PayPal Honey, the extension searches for promo codes from more than 30,000 online stores across the world. It also offers a price tracking tool called Droplist and a rewards system called Honey Gold.
Pouch is a UK-based browser extension, offering exclusive deals from thousands of UK retailers. Alternatively, VoucherCodes.co.uk has a linked browser extension called DealFinder which automates the search for codes. Coupert, which tests codes at more than 20,000 retailers, is worth experimenting with too.
Liz Hunter, director at Money Expert, said: “If you’re a frequent online shopper, consider installing more than one voucher code extension. Each extension may have unique deals and discounts in its database, so cross-referencing them can help you to maximise your savings.
“Some extensions allow you to set up notifications for your favourite retailers. This feature is well worth activating – it ensures you’re alerted as soon as new discount codes are available, so you never miss a great deal.”
While voucher code extensions are a no-brainer when it comes to saving money shopping online, there are other types of money-saving extensions too.
Price comparison extensions
For example, price comparison extensions can be useful when it comes to navigating sales such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which often leads to retailers overstating deals and savings.
“They can help you quickly identify genuine deals and avoid falling for inflated prices. Shoptimate and PriceBlink are great options here, which both automatically compare prices to other retailers selling the same item,” said Hunter.
PriceScout works in a similar way, automatically scanning more than 21,000 stores in order to let you know which retailer has the lowest price on the item you’re viewing. Its automatic coupon notifications will then alert you to money-saving codes to use at the checkout.
Earn cash back while shopping
There are also cashback browser extensions which allow you to earn money back on your online purchases by tracking your shopping activity and rewarding you with a percentage of your spending back in cash.
TopCashback’s browser extension both searches for discount codes and also automatically activates cashback offers, meaning users can earn money back on their purchases across a wide range of UK retailers, including Boots, eBay, and Expedia.
Adam Bullock, UK director at TopCashback, said: “On average, our members can save £300 a year by shopping through the site, and as long as the browser extension is installed, members don’t even have to click out to TopCashback to shop.
Shoppers can make purchases at their favourite brands directly through their sites just by clicking the ‘Activate Now’ button that pops up.”
Compare price histories
If you’re a regular Amazon user, a browser extension called CamelCamelCamel allows you to compare products and view price history on the site, meaning you can see how prices have fluctuated over time and when might be the best time to buy.
How do browser extensions make money? It’s basically a type of affiliate marketing strategy where the companies behind the plug-ins earn a commission from a brand if shoppers use a certain code.
Installing browser extensions is fairly straightforward. You can either click the buttons on the browser extension’s website, or go to the ‘extensions library’ in your web browser. They’re all free.
The only catch is that not every browser extension works on every web browser. ITV Kerching only works on Chrome, for example. They might not work on your phone’s browser either. If that’s the case, it will be best to use a laptop, PC or Mac for online shopping.
Tailor said: “You do need to watch out which you install. Check reviews and the permissions requested. Go with trusted UK brands that adhere to UK data protection laws (Honey and Latest Deals is such a company).
“There are many unofficial extensions that do not disclose what they’re doing with your data.”
How to save money on Christmas shopping
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.
Limit the amount of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.
Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you’re not having to buy multiple presents.
Plan ahead – if you’ve got the stamina and budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.
Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you’re not forking out more than you should though.
Buy in Boxing Day sales – some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.
Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.
Shop via outlet stores – you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.
They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.
