Let’s be honest—there’s nothing quite as annoying as watching someone ahead of you save $20 with a coupon you didn’t know existed. Or digging through discount sites only to find expired codes and spammy clickbait. Here’s the truth: the real savings aren’t in your inbox. They’re in your texts.
Many major brands now offer SMS deals that send real-time, working promo codes straight to your phone the second you need them. No digging. No sketchy coupon sites. No browser extensions that don’t deliver.
Here are 12 store texting programs that actually text you exclusive offers, flash codes, and instant savings, often just seconds before you swipe or click “Place Order.”
1. Ulta Beauty
What you get: 15–20% off codes, early access to sales, and free birthday gifts.
Text ULTA to 95637, and you’ll get promo codes straight to your phone, including some they don’t send via email. Many shoppers report getting an exclusive discount just hours after signing up.
Perfect for: Snagging last-minute discounts on skincare or a quick code while you’re in-store.
2. Old Navy
What you get: 20–30% off entire orders, including sale items.
Text OLDNAVY to 653689, and you’ll start receiving SMS-only offers, often valid both online and in-store. Some customers report getting better deals via text than the website banner codes.
Perfect for: Scoring new kids’ clothes or basics during a random weekday.
3. Target
What you get: Circle promo offers, new app deals, and in-store flash discounts.
Target’s SMS program isn’t traditional. It’s tied into their Circle program. Sign up in the app or online, opt into texts, and you’ll get mobile-exclusive coupons, cartwheel deals, and reminders for code-only promotions.
Perfect for: Getting text alerts right before that bulk cleaning supply haul.
4. Bed Bath & Beyond
What you get: 20% off one item or the entire purchase (depending on the promotion).
Text OFFER1 to 239663 to enroll. Even with the brand’s many changes lately, its texting program still pushes out working coupons for both online and in-store.
Perfect for: Swiping 20% off that storage bin or air fryer you didn’t want to pay full price for.
5. Express
What you get: 15% off your purchase instantly, plus seasonal text codes.
Text EXP to 397737 for mobile-only discounts, early sale access, and real-time clearance alerts. These come in handy, especially during their 40–50% off sitewide events.
Perfect for: Refreshing your office wardrobe without blowing your budget.
6. Michael’s
What you get: 20% off regular prices or an additional 15% off sale items.
Text JOIN to 273283, and you’ll immediately get a welcome code. Their SMS list is active—expect at least one coupon text per week (usually valid in-store and online).
Perfect for: Hobbyists and parents trying to stock up on supplies without full retail prices.
7. JCPenney
What you get: Surprise deals, sometimes up to 25% off your cart.
Text FB to 527365 to enroll. Many shoppers say they received promo codes for free shipping or double-discount coupons that aren’t always public.
Perfect for: Last-minute “Oh no, they outgrew their shoes again” shopping.
8. Sephora
What you get: Free product alerts, VIP sales access, and bonus point offers.
While not always promo-code focused, Sephora texts include time-sensitive offers like free deluxe samples or exclusive trial-size bundles. Text JOIN to 63485 to opt in.
Perfect for: High-value freebies and early access to those twice-a-year savings events.
9. Fabletics
What you get: “2 for $24” alerts, exclusive member codes, and flash discounts.
Text JOIN to 22278 for VIP offer alerts. Their text campaigns are known to include massive markdowns that don’t get announced anywhere else.
Perfect for: Catching a new outfit drop without paying VIP prices.
10. DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse)
What you get: $10–$20 off codes, early sale access, and free shipping offers.
Text JOIN to DSW12 (or sign up through their site) and receive welcome codes, birthday perks, and extra discounts if you’re part of their VIP program.
Perfect for: Grabbing shoes for the whole family right before back-to-school season.
11. Bath & Body Works
What you get: Free product offers, $10 off $30, BOGO deals, and early access to limited-edition launches.
Text SAVE to 66362 to join their SMS list. Bath & Body Works is known for sending high-value, real-time coupons, including fan-favorite “Free Full-Size Item with Any Purchase” deals. These are often exclusive to text subscribers and come in just before seasonal launches or major clearance events.
Perfect for: Restocking candles, lotions, and soaps without paying full price (and maybe grabbing a freebie while you’re at it).
12. Kohl’s
What you get: 15–30% off entire purchases, plus bonus Kohl’s Cash alerts.
Text SAVE02 to 56457 to activate. Their text program often sends out double-stackable codes (yes, even on clearance). Many users also report getting text-exclusive flash sales with same-day codes.
Perfect for: Saving on that “quick run for socks” that somehow turned into a $120 receipt.
Are These Text Codes Really Better Than What’s Online?
In most cases, yes. Text subscribers are often treated like VIPs. The codes are time-sensitive, location-specific, or layered with other savings. Plus, you avoid endlessly searching shady coupon sites only to find “expired” or “doesn’t work” 9 times out of 10.
And unlike marketing emails that get buried or bounced to spam, texts hit instantly—and tend to be more relevant when you’re literally standing in line.
How to Maximize These Programs Without Being Overwhelmed
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Use a secondary phone number or free texting app if you don’t want clutter in your main inbox.
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Create a folder in your texts labeled “Coupons” so you can find deals fast.
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Opt out after a big purchase if you’re done. Most let you text STOP to unsubscribe instantly.
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Stack with other offers (like credit card rewards or loyalty points) for even bigger wins.
Have you ever scored a killer deal from a store text program? Got a favorite code that saved your cart?
Read More:
How Coupons Impact Your Spending Habits
Amazon Coupons: How to Find and Use Coupons on Amazon
Riley is an Arizona native with over nine years of writing experience. From personal finance to travel to digital marketing to pop culture, she’s written about everything under the sun. When she’s not writing, she’s spending her time outside, reading, or cuddling with her two corgis.
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