# Example: block and reject discount codes

> Reject discount codes while an automatic discount applies, or block checkout when a discount meets a shipping method or tagged product.

Source: https://backtrackhq.com/docs/rules/example-block-discount-codes/

There are two ways to stop a discount code. **Reject** it when the
shopper enters it, or **block checkout** while it is applied. This
page shows both, and when to use each.

## Which one do you need?

| You want to | Use |
|---|---|
| Stop a code stacking on your automatic order discount | Discount code rejection |
| Stop any discount with a shipping method, like COD | **Block any discount on a shipping method** |
| Stop one chosen discount with a shipping method | **Block a specific discount on a shipping method** |
| Stop discounts on some products, like pallet items | **Block discounts on tagged products** |

> **Note:** You can't reject a code based on the shipping method.
> Shopify only lets an app reject a code at the moment the shopper
> enters it. To stop a code being used with a shipping method, block
> checkout with a validation rule instead (option 2).

## Option 1: Discount code rejection

This is a setting on an automatic **Order discount**. While your
automatic discount applies, the codes on your list are rejected with
your message.

1. **Open your automatic order discount, or create one.**

   See [Order discount](https://backtrackhq.com/docs/rules/order-discount/). The **Method**
   must be **Automatic discount**.

   (Screenshot: An order discount with Automatic discount selected as the Method)

2. **In Discount Configuration, open Advanced settings and set up the
   rejection.**

   Tick **Enable discount code rejection**. Add the codes in
   **Discount codes to reject**: type a code and select it from the
   dropdown. Then write the **Rejection message**, "Message shown
   when a rejected code is entered". For example "This code can't be
   used with our current sale." Use **Translate** for other languages.

   (Screenshot: Advanced settings with Discount code rejection)

3. **Save it as a draft, test it, then activate it.**

   In the **Status** card, choose **Draft** and save. At checkout, enter the [test email](https://backtrackhq.com/docs/get-started/test-before-going-live/) from the rule's **Status** card, reach
   your automatic discount, then enter one of the codes. It should be
   rejected with your message.

   (Screenshot: The Status card set to Draft with the test email hint)

   When it works, choose **Activate** in the **Status** card and save.

> **Caution:** The check happens only when the code is entered. It
> rejects codes that are typed while your automatic discount applies.

## Option 2: Block checkout with a validation rule

A [Checkout validation](https://backtrackhq.com/docs/rules/checkout-validation/) rule can
stop checkout while a discount is applied. The shopper sees your
message and can remove the code, or change what you blocked (for
example the shipping method).

1. **Open Rules and click Create rule.**

   (Screenshot: The Rules page with the Create rule button)

2. **Under Validation, find Checkout validation, click Select, then
   click Start from a use case.**

   Pick one of the discount use cases below.

   (Screenshot: The Choose a use case window with the discount use cases)

3. **Change the sample values.**

   See each use case below for what to change.

   (Screenshot: A validation rule from a discount use case, with its sample values)

4. **Save it as a draft, test it, then activate it.**

   In the **Status** card, choose **Draft** and save. Test it at checkout with the [test email](https://backtrackhq.com/docs/get-started/test-before-going-live/) from the rule's **Status** card.

   (Screenshot: The Status card set to Draft with the test email hint)

   When it works, choose **Activate** in the **Status** card and save.

### Block any discount on a shipping method

"Stop checkout when any discount is applied with a restricted shipping
method like COD."

- Rule set four.
- Conditions: **Selected shipping method** contains `COD`, and **Any
  discount applied**.
- Change `COD` to the name of your shipping method.

### Block a specific discount on a shipping method

"Stop checkout when a discount you select is applied with a
restricted shipping method like COD." Works on all plans.

- Rule set four.
- Conditions: **Selected shipping method** contains a sample method,
  and **Discount code or automatic discount** **is one of** the
  discounts you pick.
- Change the method name, then pick your discounts. The rule can't
  be saved until you pick at least one.

### Block discounts on tagged products

Checkout is blocked only when a discount lands on a cart item with
the tag you choose, for example `pallet`. Other items keep their
discounts. Works on all plans.

- Rule set six.
- Conditions: **Cart item has a discount applied**, and a group with
  **All conditions must match the same cart item** turned on, holding
  **Product tags** has any of these values `pallet`.
- Change `pallet` to your tag. You can swap the tag condition for
  **Collection** or **SKU**.

### With Shopify Plus: wildcard codes

**Block wildcard discount codes on a shipping method (Plus required)**
matches codes by pattern, for example `PREPAID*` matches every code
that starts with PREPAID. It uses the **Discount code or automatic
discount (wildcard, Plus required)** condition. It needs checkout
extensibility, which means Shopify Plus or a development store. It
doesn't match in accelerated checkouts such as Apple Pay or Google
Pay.

## Limits

- Discount code rejection works only on an automatic order discount,
  and only when the code is entered.
- Rejecting a code by shipping method is not possible. Use option 2.
- Validation rules also run on draft orders. See
  [Limits](https://backtrackhq.com/docs/rules/limits/#draft-orders).

See [Limits](https://backtrackhq.com/docs/rules/limits/).