> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.referly.so/docs/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Promotional codes > Learn how promotional codes work in Referly: the actual codes customers type at checkout. Add one or more codes to a coupon and tie each one to a specific affiliate or customer. A coupon holds the discount. A **promotional code** is the actual text a customer types at checkout to claim it, like `PROMO30`. One coupon can have several promotional codes, and each code can be pointed at a specific affiliate or customer — which is how Referly knows who to credit for the sale. ## Coupon vs promotional code Think of it as two layers: * The **coupon** is the deal — for example "20% off, forever". * The **promotional code** is a way in to that deal — the words someone enters to get the 20% off. Because one coupon can carry many codes, you can give the same 20% deal a different code for each affiliate (`SARAH20`, `JAMES20`) while managing one discount behind the scenes. ## Add a promotional code When you [create a coupon](/docs/help-center/engage/coupons/create), scroll to the **Promotion Codes** section. You can also open an existing coupon from your library and add codes to it there. Type the code customers will use — for example `PROMO30`. Keep it short and easy to remember or say out loud. Referly checks that the code isn't already taken. Add another code to the same coupon whenever you want a second way in — a different code for a different affiliate or campaign, all sharing the one discount. Save the coupon. Each code is created on your connected platform and starts working right away. ## Tie a code to an affiliate To make sure a code credits the right person, turn on **Limit to specific affiliate** and search for the affiliate. From then on, every order placed with that code is tracked to them and earns them commission — exactly like a referral link would. Leave this off for a general code that anyone can use without crediting a particular affiliate. ## Tie a code to a customer You can also turn on **Limit to specific customer** and choose a customer, so the code only works for that one person. This is useful for a one-off deal you've agreed with a single buyer, rather than a code you hand to an affiliate to share. ## Turning a code on or off Each code can be active or inactive. Deactivate a code to stop it working at checkout without deleting it — handy when a promotion ends but you want to keep the history. You can reactivate it later if the deal comes back. ## Give every affiliate their own code automatically Adding codes one at a time works for a handful of affiliates. When you want a unique code for everyone in your program, let Referly build them for you from a pattern — see [Auto-generate codes](/docs/help-center/engage/coupons/auto-generated-codes). ## Related Create a unique code for every affiliate from a pattern. Limit a code by product, order value, or expiry. Set up the discount your codes belong to. See how coupons and codes fit together.