I still remember the first time I felt like I’d absolutely hacked the system. It was early 2023, and I was just starting to take my reselling business seriously. I had my eye on a bulk lot of vintage band tees that a seller had listed for $150. I knew the profit margins were there, but I was hesitant to pull the trigger because my cash flow was tight. Then, out of nowhere,a notification popped up on my phone: a $30 credit for a "Welcome Back" promotion. I applied that code, combined it with a few dollars I had in existing Mercari credits from a previous referral, and suddenly, my cost of goods dropped by nearly 25%. That specific flip eventually netted me over $400 in profit across two weeks. It was the moment I realized that coupon codes aren't just for casual shoppers—they are a vital part of a professional reseller's toolkit in 2026.
Why Mercari Coupon Codes Are So Popular in 2026
Whether you’re a buyer looking to score a deal or a reseller sourcing inventory, Mercari coupon codes can help you save real money. As we move deeper into 2026, the resale market has become increasingly saturated. With millions of new sellers entering the fray every year, every dollar saved on the front end of a transaction feels like five dollars earned on the back end.
As resale marketplaces grow more competitive, platforms like Mercari use promotional codes and referral bonuses to attract and retain users. But coupon codes aren’t always obvious—they’re often hidden in emails, app banners, or shared within the tight-knit Mercari community. I've spent countless hours scrolling through Reddit threads and specialized Discord servers just to find that one elusive 10% off code that actually works for existing users.
Here's where it gets interesting: the psychology of the "Mercari high." There is a specific rush that comes from seeing that total price drop at checkout. Now the tricky part is ensuring that the code you found isn't just a dead referral link or an expired seasonal promo from three years ago. In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down exactly how to navigate this ecosystem and how to use tools like Closo to stay ahead of the game.
What Are Mercari Coupon Codes?
A Mercari coupon code is a promotional code that gives users a discount or credit when buying or listing on the platform. These aren't just random strings of text generated by a computer; they are carefully timed marketing tools designed by Mercari's growth team to drive volume during slow periods or reward high-value users who have been inactive for a while.
These codes are commonly:
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Sent via Mercari emails or app notifications (this is the most reliable source for existing users).
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Shared through referral links (the most common source for new users).
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Released during seasonal promotions (like the massive 2025 "End of Summer" clearance events).
Typical Coupon Values in 2026
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$10–$30 off for new users as a welcome bonus (usually requires a minimum spend of $20).
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$20–$50 credits for referral rewards when your friends make their first $100 in sales.
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10–15% off limited-time promo codes during events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or the increasingly popular "Mercari Day" in July.
I use Closo to automate my daily sharing and listing tasks – it saves me about 3 hours weekly – which allows me to stay active enough on the platform that Mercari's algorithm often flags me as a "Power User." This status frequently triggers re-engagement coupons sent directly to my inbox that my less active friends never see.
Types of Mercari Coupon Codes and Credits
Mercari offers several different kinds of "discount currency," and it’s important to know the difference between a couponand a credit. Credits usually act like cash and can be stacked, whereas coupons are often a one-time discount applied to a single transaction.
1. New User Welcome Codes
If you're just starting out, you can easily grab $10 off your first $20 purchase. I remember when I first signed up, I thought this was a one-time thing, but Mercari actually gives you a second coupon ($20 off) once you complete your first $100 in sales. It’s a tiered approach to get you hooked on both sides of the marketplace.
2. Referral Bonuses (The Gold Mine)
Mercari’s referral program is the most reliable way to build up a balance. In 2026, you can earn $10 for every friend who signs up and makes a purchase, plus a whopping $40 when they sell their first $100. I once referred an entire group of college students who were clearing out their dorms; I ended up with $400 in credits that I used to source an entire pallet of electronics.
3. Seasonal and Event-Based Promo Codes
These are the codes you see floating around on social media. They are often tied to specific dates, such as mercari coupon code july 2026 or mercari coupon code august 2026.
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Holiday Sales: Usually 10% sitewide or $20 off $100.
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Category Specials: 15% off specifically for "Home" or "Beauty" categories.
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Flash Promos: $5 off for use within the next 24 hours.
4. Re-engagement Coupons
If you stop using the app for about 30 to 60 days, Mercari starts to miss you. They will send you a "Come back and save" coupon. Now the tricky part is waiting long enough to get the coupon without losing out on the fast-moving inventory you need for your shop. (I admissions—I have a secondary account just for testing these re-engagement timelines).
Where to Find Valid Mercari Coupon Codes
Unlike some platforms that have a public "Deals" page, Mercari keeps their best offers a bit closer to the chest. To find the real "mercari coupon code 2026 reddit" style gems, you have to look in the right corners of the internet.
1. Mercari Emails & Push Notifications
This is where I get about 90% of my usable codes. Mercari’s marketing team is very aggressive. If I haven't bought anything in a few weeks, I almost always get an email with a "We miss you" code. Make sure your notifications are turned on in your phone settings and you aren't filtering their emails into your spam folder. (Parenthetically, I've noticed these usually arrive on Tuesday mornings around 10:00 AM EST).
2. Referral Links and Community Sharing
Mercari’s referral program is legendary in the reselling community. You can give $10 and get $10. I remember a frustrating afternoon in January 2025 when I tried twelve different "leaked" codes I found on a subreddit, only to realize they were all just referral links for people trying to farm credits. To find actual promo codes, look for threads specifically titled "Official Mercari Promo Codes" rather than "Join my team."
3. Stalking the "All Star" Listing Challenges
Mercari frequently runs "listing challenges" where you don't even need a code—you earn the coupon by working. For example, "List 30 items this week and get a $20 coupon." I use Closo Free sharer to automate the sharing of my existing inventory, which keeps my shop active while I focus on listing new items to hit these challenge goals.
4. Discord and Reddit Communities
There are specific Discord servers dedicated to "deal hunting" where users post screenshot proof of working codes. This is where I found a 20% off electronics code in late 2025 that saved me $60 on a new camera. Always verify the expiration date before you spend too much time building a cart around a code.
How to Redeem a Mercari Coupon Code: Step-by-Step
Redeeming a code on Mercari is straightforward, but the UI changes slightly depending on whether you're using a phone or a computer.
📱 On the Mercari App (iOS/Android):
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Find the item you want and add it to your cart (or tap "Buy Now").
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On the checkout screen, look for the "Apply a Promo Code" or "Coupon" section right above the total.
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If you have active coupons in your account, they will appear in a list. Tap the one you want.
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If you have a manual code, enter it in the text field and tap Apply.
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The discount should deduct from the subtotal immediately.
💻 On the Desktop Website:
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Go to your Checkout page.
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Look for the "Promo Code" field under the order summary on the right side of the screen.
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Enter your code and click apply.
Important Note: You must select the coupon before you finalize the purchase. I missions—I’ve made the mistake of hitting "Place Order" too fast and then spending twenty minutes with customer service trying to get the discount applied retroactively. (They almost never do it).
Tips to Maximize Your Coupon Savings
Using a code is great, but stacking your strategy is how you truly win. I've turned a simple $10 coupon into a $50 profit margin increase just by being smart about how I buy.
1. Combine Credits and Coupons
You usually can't use two promo codes at once, but you can use your Mercari credits (from referrals or sales) along with a single promo code. This is how you get items for effectively $0.
2. Target High-Margin Categories
If you have a 10% off coupon, don't use it on a $15 shirt where you only save $1.50. Use it on high-value electronics or luxury sneakers. I recently used a 15% off "Home" coupon to buy a Dyson vacuum that I then flipped on eBay for a $120 profit.
3. Negotiate with the Seller FIRST
Here's a pro tip: Use the "Offer" button to get the seller to drop their price. Once they accept your lower price, you can then apply your coupon at checkout. (Note: Some coupons are only valid for "Buy It Now" prices, so always read the terms).
4. Filter for "Free Shipping"
A $10 coupon is great, but if shipping is $12, you're still in the hole. I always filter my searches for "Free Shipping" when I’m using a smaller coupon. This ensures the discount goes entirely toward the item's cost.
Mercari Fees in 2026: How They Affect Your Total
To be a successful reseller, you have to understand Mercari’s fee structure. In early 2025, Mercari shifted back to a model where sellers pay a 10% fee, and buyers pay a "Buyer Protection Fee."
Example Calculation: You find an item for $100. You apply a $20 coupon. The price is now $80. Mercari adds a $2.88Buyer Protection Fee (3.6% of $80). Your total is **$82.88**.
Even with the fees, the coupon still saves you significantly. I use Closo to track these fees in real-time across multiple platforms – saves me about 3 hours weekly – ensuring I’m never surprised by the final "landed cost" of my inventory.
Using Mercari Coupon Codes for Reselling Profitably
Many smart resellers use coupons as a way to "arbitrage" inventory. This means buying low on Mercari and selling high on eBay or Poshmark.
🧾 The "Coupon Flip" Strategy:
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Find a "stale" item that has been sitting for 30+ days.
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Send a low-ball offer (e.g., $100 for a $140 item).
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If the seller accepts, apply your $20 referral credit.
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Your total out-of-pocket is $80.
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Use Closo 100% Free Crosslister to list that item on eBay for $150.
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After fees, your profit is roughly $50.
This strategy works best with "bread and butter" brands like Patagonia, Nike, or Apple accessories. I admissions—I once tried this with a very niche vintage toy and it sat for six months. Stick to high-velocity items when you’re using coupons for sourcing. For more on this, check out our how to liquidate stale inventory in reselling which covers the other side of this coin.
People always ask me...
How do I get a Mercari coupon code?
The best way is to participate in the referral program by inviting friends or to check your email for "Welcome Back" offers. You can also earn them by participating in "Listing Challenges" where Mercari rewards you for adding new inventory to the site.
How much are Mercari coupons worth?
Most coupons are worth between $5 and $20. Referral bonuses are currently the highest, often reaching up to $50 in total credits if your friend both buys and sells on the platform.
Can I use multiple coupon codes at once?
No, Mercari only allows one promo code per transaction. However, you can use your accumulated "Mercari Credits" alongside a promo code to lower your total even further.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
In my three years on the platform, I’ve made every mistake in the book. Here are the ones that cost me the most money:
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Letting Coupons Expire: Mercari coupons have notoriously short lifespans—often only 7 days. I once lost a $30 "All Star" reward because I forgot to use it before the Sunday midnight deadline.
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Not Verifying Phone Numbers: You cannot use coupons unless your phone number is verified. Do this before you find a deal you love.
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Ignoring the Minimum Spend: Most $20 coupons require a $50 or $100 minimum spend. Don't be surprised when your code doesn't work on a $10 item.
Automating Your Success with Closo
If you're serious about reselling, you shouldn't be spending all your time hunting for $5 coupons. You should be automating your business so that the deals come to you.
I use Closo Free sharer to keep my closet active, which naturally triggers more promotional offers from Mercari. I also use Closo 100% Free Crosslister to move my items between Mercari, eBay, and Poshmark effortlessly. This ensures that even if I don't have a coupon on one platform, I’m still making a profit somewhere else.
Related: eBay vs Mercari Fees in 2026
Conclusion: An Honest Assessment
Mercari coupon codes are an essential tool, but they aren't a magic bullet. They require a bit of hunting and a lot of timing. My honest assessment is that while the days of "unlimited" free money are over, a savvy reseller can still save hundreds of dollars a year by being smart with referrals and seasonal events.
My personal recommendation is to keep a "sourcing list" ready at all times. That way, when a $20 coupon drops into your inbox, you don't waste time looking for something to buy—you already know what you need. It’s a game of speed and strategy.
