---
title: "Automatic discounts vs discount codes"
description: "Which to choose, what changes between them, and why you can't switch later."
url: https://rmewfqxya.us.gleap.help/en/articles/8-automatic-discounts-vs-discount-codes
collection: "Building rules"
updated: 2026-10-29
language: en
---

# Automatic discounts vs discount codes

Which to choose, what changes between them, and why you can't switch later.

You choose under **Discount method** when you create a discount. **It can't be changed afterwards.** To switch, create a new discount and delete the old one.

## Automatic discount

-   Applies by itself when the conditions are met.
    
-   The **Title** is shown to customers in the cart and at checkout.
    
-   Best for free shipping thresholds and anything you want every eligible customer to get.
    
-   Shopify allows up to **25 active automatic discounts** at a time across all apps, including scheduled and test-mode ones.
    

## Discount code

-   Applies only when the customer enters the code at checkout.
    
-   The code is what customers see.
    
-   Best for exclusive offers: newsletter sign-ups, influencers, customer service gestures.
    
-   Has usage limits under **Maximum discount uses**:
    
    -   **Limit number of times this discount can be used in total**
        
    -   **Limit to one use per customer**
        

Usage limits only exist for discount codes. Shopify doesn't support them on automatic discounts.

## New discounts start as codes

A new discount starts on **Discount code**. If you want it to apply automatically, switch to **Automatic discount** before you create it.