Say Goodbye to Shipping Fees: Smart Ways to Always Get Free Shipping
We’ve all been there—excited about an amazing deal only to reach checkout and see those dreaded shipping fees. Suddenly, that great bargain doesn’t feel so great anymore. But here’s the secret: you don’t have to pay for shipping if you know where to look!
In this guide, I’m going to share my favorite tricks to get free shipping every time. Whether you shop online occasionally or you’re a pro at hunting for discounts, these simple strategies will help save you money (and frustration). Let’s dive in!
1. Watch for Free Shipping Promotions
You’d be surprised how often retailers offer free shipping, especially during big shopping seasons. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holiday sales are goldmines for free shipping deals. Some stores even have “Free Shipping Day” promotions!
- Sign up for store newsletters—yes, your inbox might get crowded, but you’ll be the first to know about free shipping offers.
- Follow your favorite stores on social media. Brands love dropping surprise discounts there!
- Use coupon websites like RetailMeNot or CouponCabin to find free shipping codes before you check out.
2. Join Free Shipping Memberships
Lots of retailers reward their loyal shoppers with free shipping perks. Some require memberships, but if you shop frequently, they can be totally worth it.
- Amazon Prime: Free two-day (and sometimes even same-day) shipping on millions of products.
- Walmart+: Free next-day and two-day delivery with no minimum order.
- Target RedCard: 5% off purchases plus free two-day shipping on most orders.
Pro tip: Stores like Best Buy and Sephora also have free shipping memberships that don’t require a monthly fee—just sign up!
3. Meet the Free Shipping Minimum
A lot of stores offer free shipping once your cart reaches a certain amount—usually $35 to $50. If you’re just a few dollars short, don’t buy an unnecessary item just to hit the limit. Instead, try this:
- Add something small that you actually need—like socks, a lip balm, or household essentials.
- See if a family member or friend also needs to order something and combine your purchases.
- Some retailers have a “Free Shipping Eligible” section; browse there to find something useful.
4. Select Free In-Store Pickup
Sometimes, free home shipping isn’t an option, but in-store pickup is. Many major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy let you order online and pick up at a nearby store—without paying delivery fees.
- Simply choose “Pick Up In Store” at checkout to bypass shipping costs.
- Often, orders are ready within hours—much faster than waiting for delivery.
5. Try Free Trial Subscriptions
Did you know that many retailers offer free shipping as a perk when you sign up for their subscription services? Even better—most of them offer free trials!
- Amazon Prime, Walmart+, and Instacart Express all provide free trials with free shipping.
- Cancel before the trial ends to avoid getting charged if you don’t want to keep the membership.
- Have multiple people in your household? Take turns using free trials!
6. Use Credit Cards with Free Shipping Perks
Some credit cards come with free shipping benefits, like free ShopRunner membership (which includes two-day shipping at dozens of retailers). Before you checkout, check if your credit card offers perks like:
- Complimentary ShopRunner access (available with some American Express and Mastercard cards).
- Cashback or rewards that you can use to offset shipping fees.
- Exclusive shipping discounts with partnered stores.
7. Just Ask for Free Shipping
This might sound too simple to be true, but sometimes, just asking for free shipping works. Retailers want to keep their customers happy, and if shipping fees are the only reason you’re hesitating, they might be willing to help!
- Start a live chat and politely ask if they have any free shipping codes available.
- If a competitor offers free shipping, mention it—some stores might match the deal.
- Use phrases like, “I love shopping here, but the shipping cost is a little high. Is there anything you can do to help?”
What to Watch Out For: Good vs. Bad Deals
| Good Deals ✅ | Avoid These ❌ |
|---|---|
| Stores with reasonable free shipping thresholds ($35-$50). | Retailers that require huge orders (like $200+) just to get free shipping. |
| Membership programs that offer real value (Amazon Prime, Walmart+). | Subscription services that charge high fees but barely offer shipping perks. |
| Retailers that frequently have free shipping promotions. | Stores that raise their product prices to “include” shipping costs. |
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing worse than finding the perfect deal only to get stuck paying extra at checkout. Fortunately, avoiding shipping fees is totally possible! By taking advantage of promos, joining free memberships, and using store pickup options, you can keep more money in your pocket.
Try out these tricks the next time you shop online—you might be surprised how easy it is to score free shipping every single time.
What’s Your Best Free Shipping Hack?
Do you have a go-to strategy for skipping those annoying delivery fees? Share your tips in the comments or pass this guide along to a friend who loves saving money!
