TL;DR: Create in Stripe Dashboard > Products > Coupons > Create coupon. Types: percentage (20% off), fixed amount ($20 off), or free trial (14 days). Duration: once, repeating (e.g., 3 months), or forever. Set redemption limits to prevent abuse. Use for launch discounts, influencer partnerships, retention, beta access. Track in Stripe dashboard. Integrate via Stripe.js or API for seamless redemption at checkout.

How to Create Stripe Promo Codes for SaaS in 2026: Complete Guide

Introduction

If you run a SaaS business and use Stripe for billing, you're sitting on a powerful marketing tool that many developers underutilize: Stripe promo codes. Whether you want to offer free months to new users, run a limited-time discount campaign, or provide lifetime deals to beta testers, Stripe's coupon system gives you flexibility without requiring any additional integration work.

This comprehensive guide walks you through creating, managing, and distributing Stripe promo codes effectively in 2026.

Understanding Stripe's Coupon System

Before diving into the steps, it's important to understand the distinction between two key concepts in Stripe:

Coupons vs. Promotion Codes

Coupons are the underlying discount rules. They define:

• How much to discount (percentage or fixed amount)
• How long the discount lasts
• Which products the discount applies to

Promotion Codes are the user-facing codes that customers enter at checkout. One coupon can have multiple promotion codes, and you can create different codes with different redemption limits.

Example:

• Coupon: "50% off for 3 months"
• Promotion Code A: "GETFREE50" (limited to 100 redemptions)
• Promotion Code B: "EARLYBIRD" (limited to 50 redemptions)

Why Use Stripe Promo Codes?

1. No Additional Development Required

Stripe's coupon system is built into the checkout flow. No API calls, no webhook handling, no custom code — it just works.

2. Flexible Discount Structures

You can create:

• Percentage discounts (10% off, 50% off, 100% off)
• Fixed amount discounts ($10 off, $50 off)
• Free trials (100% off for a specific duration)
• Duration-based discounts (first month free, 3 months at discount)

3. Trackable and Controllable

Set redemption limits, expiration dates, and usage restrictions. You always know exactly how many codes have been used.

4. Works with Subscription Tiers

Apply discounts to specific price IDs or allow them across all subscription plans. Perfect for tiered launch strategies.

Step-by-Step: Creating Stripe Coupons

Step 1: Access Stripe Dashboard

Navigate to Stripe Dashboard and log in. Make sure you're in the correct account if you manage multiple businesses.

Step 2: Navigate to Coupons

In the left sidebar, click on "Products" and then select "Coupons." Alternatively, use the search bar at the top and type "Coupons."

Step 3: Create a New Coupon

Click the "+ New" button. You'll see several configuration options:

Coupon Name:

• Internal name for your reference
• Example: "GetFree Launch - 100% Off 3 Months"

Discount Type:

• Percentage off: Enter 100% for free access, or any percentage (e.g., 20%, 50%)
• Amount off: Fixed dollar discount (e.g., $10, $50)

Currency:

• Select the currency (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.)

Duration:

• Once: Discount applies only to the first invoice
• Repeating: Discount applies for a specific number of billing cycles (e.g., 3 months, 12 months)
• Forever: Discount applies for the entire subscription lifetime

Duration in Months:

• If you chose "Repeating," specify how many months the discount lasts

Max Redemptions:

• Set a limit on how many times this coupon can be redeemed total

Redeem By:

• Optional: Set an expiration date for the coupon

Step 4: Configure Restrictions (Optional)

Click on "Add restrictions" for advanced options:

• Minimum amount: Require a certain cart value to use the coupon
• Specific products: Limit to certain subscription plans
• First transaction only: Prevent existing customers from using the code

Step-by-Step: Creating Promotion Codes

Now that you have a coupon, you need to create the actual codes users will enter:

Step 1: Add Promotion Code

In the coupon you just created, scroll to the "Promotion codes" section and click "+ Add promotion code."

Step 2: Configure the Code

Code:

• Enter the code users will type (e.g., GETFREE, LAUNCH50)
• Can be uppercase or lowercase (Stripe is case-insensitive)
• Avoid spaces and special characters

Options:

• Unlimited redemptions: Use if you want the coupon to work for everyone
• Limited redemptions: Set a specific number (e.g., 100, 500)

Active:

• Toggle on to make the code immediately usable
• Toggle off to schedule for later or disable

Step 3: Generate Multiple Codes (Optional)

Need unique codes for each user? You have options:

Manual Creation:

• Create individual codes one at a time
• Good for small batches (10-20 codes)

Bulk Creation via API:

• Use Stripe's API to generate unique codes programmatically
• Good for large campaigns (100+ codes)

Single Shared Code:

• One code distributed to multiple users
• Set a redemption limit to control usage

Distributing Promo Codes on GetFree

GetFree is specifically designed to connect SaaS developers with users looking for deals. Here's how to list your Stripe promo codes:

Method 1: Single Code Mode

For most SaaS deals, you'll use a single shared code:

• In your GetFree Developer Dashboard, select "Single Code Mode"
• Enter your promotion code (e.g., GETFREE2026)
• Set the quantity limit (e.g., 100 users)
• GetFree will display this code to the first 100 users who claim it

Method 2: Unique Codes

For more controlled distribution:

• Generate unique codes in Stripe (via API or manually)
• Upload a CSV with individual codes
• Each user gets a unique, single-use code

What to Include in Your Listing

• App name and description: Clear value proposition
• Discount details: What users get (e.g., "3 months free")
• Expiration: When the code must be used by
• URL: Link to your signup page

Best Practices for SaaS Promo Codes

1. Create Urgency with Limited Redemptions

A code with 1000 redemptions feels less valuable than one with 50. Set conservative limits to create perceived scarcity.

Example:

• "GetFree Launch: First 50 users get 6 months free"
• This creates FOMO and encourages faster signups

2. Set Clear Expiration Dates

Don't let codes live forever. Best practices:

• Launch campaigns: 1-2 weeks
• Special promotions: End of specific month/quarter
• Never: Open-ended "forever" codes (unless intentional)

3. Track Attribution

Add UTM parameters to your GetFree listing URL:

code
https://yourapp.com/signup?utm_source=getfree&utm_medium=promo&utm_campaign=launch2026

This lets you measure exactly how many users came from the promotion.

4. Prepare Your Onboarding

Don't let new users from promos fall through the cracks:

• Welcome email sequence specifically for promo users
• In-app messaging highlighting key features
• Clear path to becoming a paid customer when the promo ends

5. Segment in Your Analytics

Tag promo users separately:

• Source: GetFree
• Code used: GETFREE2026
• Plan: Pro (Promo)

This helps you track LTV and conversion rates for promo users vs. organic.

Common Stripe Coupon Mistakes

Mistake #1: Forgetting Redemption Limits

A code with no limits can be shared widely and used by unintended users. Always set a cap.

Mistake #2: Confusing Coupon Duration with Code Expiration

• Coupon duration: How long the discount lasts once applied (e.g., "3 months")
• Code expiration: When the code must be redeemed by (e.g., "March 31, 2026")

Mistake #3: Not Testing the Checkout Flow

Before launching publicly, go through the entire redemption process:

• Create a test code with 1 redemption
• Complete a purchase using the code
• Verify the discount applies correctly
• Cancel and repeat to ensure it works every time

Mistake #4: Allowing Stackable Discounts

By default, Stripe coupons can sometimes be combined. Unless you want this, add restrictions to prevent stacking.

Mistake #5: No Post-Promo Conversion Plan

Users who sign up via promo codes churn at higher rates if you don't engage them. Have a strategy:

• Remind them before the promo ends
• Show value early in the free period
• Offer a personalized upgrade discount at the end

Advanced Strategies

Strategy 1: Tiered Launch Codes

Create multiple codes for different stages:

• "EARLYBIRD": 6 months free (first 25 users)
• "LAUNCH": 3 months free (next 100 users)
• "PUBLIC": 1 month free (unlimited)

Strategy 2: Referral Hybrid

Offer promo users an additional code to share:

• "Refer a friend and you both get 1 extra month free"

Strategy 3: Win-Back Campaigns

Target churned users with specific promo codes:

• "We miss you! Come back for 50% off your next 3 months"

Strategy 4: Beta Tester Conversion

Give your beta testers exclusive codes:

• "As a beta user, you get lifetime 30% off"

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"The Code Isn't Working"

Check:

• Is the code active in Stripe dashboard?
• Has the redemption limit been reached?
• Is the code expired?
• Does the user have an existing subscription they're trying to apply it to?

"Users Can't Find Where to Enter Code"

On your checkout page, clearly display:

• "Have a promo code?" link/button
• Input field with "Apply" button
• Clear success/error messaging

"I Need to Cancel/Modify Active Codes"

Stripe doesn't allow modifying active codes. Options:

• Create a new code with different terms
• Contact Stripe support for bulk changes
• For one-off issues, manually adjust invoices

Conclusion

Stripe promo codes are one of the simplest and most effective tools for SaaS user acquisition. They require zero development effort, integrate seamlessly with checkout, and give you precise control over discounts and usage.

The key to success is distribution: platforms like GetFree connect you with users actively seeking deals, making it easy to get your codes in front of the right audience.

Start with a focused campaign, track your metrics, and iterate. Your next 100 signups might be one promo code away.

Want more users to discover your SaaS? List it on GetFree.app — the discover platform for free and discounted apps.

Measuring Promo Code Performance

Key Metrics to Track

Track these numbers to understand your promo code effectiveness:

• Redemption Rate: Codes used ÷ codes distributed
• Conversion Rate: Promo users who become paying customers
• Average Revenue Per User (ARPU): Revenue from promo users vs. organic
• Churn Rate: Do promo users churn faster?
• Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC): Marketing cost ÷ new customers

Setting Up Analytics

Create a simple dashboard in Stripe:

• Go to Stripe Dashboard > Analytics
• Filter by promotion code
• Compare cohort metrics

Or connect to your product analytics (Mixpanel, PostHog):

• Tag users by promo source
• Track their journey from signup to conversion

Conclusion

Stripe promo codes are one of the simplest and most effective tools for SaaS user acquisition. They require zero development effort, integrate seamlessly with checkout, and give you precise control over discounts and usage.

The key to success is distribution: platforms like GetFree connect you with users actively seeking deals, making it easy to get your codes in front of the right audience.

Start with a focused campaign, track your metrics, and iterate. Your next 100 signups might be one promo code away.