---
title: "Why a discount code removes free shipping, and how to stop it"
description: "Keep free shipping when customers use a discount code, or remove it on purpose. Thresholds before and after discounts explained."
url: https://rmewfqxya.us.gleap.help/en/articles/27-why-a-discount-code-removes-free-shipping-and-how-to-stop-it
collection: "Guides"
updated: 2026-10-30
language: en
---

# Why a discount code removes free shipping, and how to stop it

Keep free shipping when customers use a discount code, or remove it on purpose. Thresholds before and after discounts explained.

_Updated October 2026_

**Short answer:** There are two causes. Either the discount code isn't set to combine with shipping discounts, or it takes the cart below your free shipping threshold. Shopify's free shipping discount always counts its minimum after combined discounts. In RM: Advanced Free Shipping, you can choose: **Cart subtotal** counts the cart before discounts, so a code can't push customers under the threshold.

## Cause 1: the discounts aren't set to combine

Shopify only applies two discounts to the same order when both allow it:

-   **The code**: in Shopify admin, go to **Discounts**, open the code, and under **Combinations** tick **Shipping discounts**.
    
-   **The shipping discount**: under **Combinations**, **Product discounts** and **Order discounts** must be ticked. In the app, both are ticked by default.
    

![The Combinations card in RM: Advanced Free Shipping with Product discounts and Order discounts ticked](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/p6ad4251a43e13d5e6030fd91/Yfd3aMNxXGI6Y9ftk7t46kcc3fRKCYwQzLCWD1bAFoUIzXOjjcPWQU1VrvI7wuX8j4rguphaOKY.png)

If either side isn't ticked, the customer gets only one of the two. Codes created by other apps (email, loyalty, wholesale) need the same setting. See [Combining with other discounts](https://rmewfqxya.us.gleap.help/en/articles/9-combining-with-other-discounts.md).

## Cause 2: the code drops the cart below the threshold

Example: free shipping over $100. A customer has $110 in the cart and uses a 20% off code, so the cart is now $88.

-   **Shopify's free shipping discount** counts the minimum purchase at the discounted price, so the customer loses free shipping. There's no setting to count it before discounts.
    
-   **A free rate in Shipping and delivery** with a minimum order amount also uses the discounted value.
    

## Choose before or after discounts

-   **Cart subtotal** **Is at least** 100 counts the cart **before** discounts. The $110 cart with 20% off still gets free shipping.
    
-   **Cart total** **Is at least** 100 counts the cart **after** product and order discounts. The same cart, now $88, doesn't.
    

![A Cart subtotal condition: Is at least $100](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/p6ad4251a43e13d5e6030fd91/ThtPTzUEnFHc4LSfeAC9LQgP6dSnDswii2YAavUAcIDJEBeQtfnSXeShPM5iDIZ8yvOEjE94sZu.png)

If only some products should count, **Cost of items from collection (subtotal)** and **(total)** work the same way. See [Cart total and cart subtotal](https://rmewfqxya.us.gleap.help/en/articles/13-cart-total-and-cart-subtotal.md).

## Stop free shipping when a code is used

Some stores want the opposite: no free shipping on top of another discount.

-   **Never together**: in your shipping discount, untick **Product discounts** and **Order discounts** under **Combinations**. Customers using another discount pay normal shipping.
    
-   **Only if they still spend enough**: keep combining on and use **Cart total**, so free shipping applies only when the cart is still over the threshold after the code.
    

This only works when the free shipping is a discount. A free rate set up in **Settings → Shipping and delivery** always shows, whatever codes are used.

## Good to know

-   Shipping never counts toward Cart total or Cart subtotal.
    
-   Compare-at ("was") prices aren't discounts. Both conditions use the price the customer is paying.
    

## Common questions

**Does Shopify count the free shipping threshold before or after discount codes?**  
After. Shopify's free shipping discount and its order-value shipping rates both use the discounted cart. In the app, **Cart subtotal** uses the value before discounts.

**Why does a customer lose free shipping when they enter a code?**  
Either the code doesn't combine with shipping discounts, or it takes the cart below your threshold. Check both.

**Can I stop customers using free shipping and a 10% code together?**  
Yes. Untick **Product discounts** and **Order discounts** under **Combinations** in your shipping discount.

**Do codes from Klaviyo or other apps need changing?**  
They need **Shipping discounts** ticked under **Combinations**, either in Shopify admin or in that app's own settings.