Where exactly does the customer enter the discount code during checkout? Is it obvious?

Question

I'm trying to optimize my e-commerce checkout process and want to ensure customers can easily find and apply their discount codes. I've noticed some customers get frustrated when they can't immediately see where to enter their coupon, which might lead to abandoned carts. What are the best practices for making the discount code entry point clear, intuitive, and user-friendly during the checkout process?

Muhammed Tüfekyapan · Accepted Answer

Where Customers Enter Discount Codes at Checkout
Shopify's checkout has a dedicated field for discount codes, but its placement and visibility varies by checkout version and theme. Understanding where this field appears helps you write better customer communications and reduces confusion when codes don't apply correctly.

Shopify Checkout Layout (2026)
In Shopify's standard checkout (and the newer One Page Checkout), the discount code field appears in the order summary section on the right side (desktop) or below the order summary (mobile). It's labeled "Discount code or gift card" with an "Apply" button. Customers enter their code here before completing payment.
On mobile, the order summary is collapsed by default behind a "Show order summary" toggle - which means the discount field is hidden until the customer expands it. This is a known friction point: many mobile shoppers miss the discount field entirely. Consider adding a note in your marketing communications: "Enter your code in the order summary section at checkout."

Reducing Code-Entry Friction

ApproachBenefit

Auto-applying links (discount in URL)Customer clicks link - code applies automatically, no typing needed
Cart page reminderShow discount code field in cart before checkout to set expectations
Email instructions with screenshotShow visually where to enter the code in your email campaign

Growth Suite Auto-Apply
Growth Suite's Growth Links create shareable URLs that automatically apply the discount code when clicked - completely eliminating the checkout field friction. Customers who receive these links never need to find or type a code; the discount is already applied when they reach checkout.

Where exactly does the customer enter the discount code during checkout? Is it obvious?

TL;DR - Quick Answer

Complete Expert Analysis

Where Customers Enter Discount Codes at Checkout

Shopify Checkout Layout (2026)

Reducing Code-Entry Friction

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Muhammed Tüfekyapan

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Use Cases

Approach	Benefit
Auto-applying links (discount in URL)	Customer clicks link - code applies automatically, no typing needed
Cart page reminder	Show discount code field in cart before checkout to set expectations
Email instructions with screenshot	Show visually where to enter the code in your email campaign