How to Offer Discounts Based on Cart Subtotal in WooCommerce?

Looking to reward your big spenders or encourage customers to add just a little more to their carts?

Offering discounts based on the cart subtotal is one of the smartest strategies you can use in a WooCommerce store. Whether you’re running seasonal promotions, offering tiered discounts, or nudging users toward a minimum spend threshold, subtotal-based discounts can significantly boost your average order value (AOV) and conversion rates.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to create WooCommerce discounts that automatically apply when a customer’s cart reaches a specific subtotal. No coding required, just a clear step-by-step walkthrough using our Smart Coupons plugin that seamlessly integrates with your store.

Let’s get started.

Offering discounts based on the cart subtotal isn’t just about being generous—it’s a strategic move that can lead to bigger profits and stronger customer loyalty. Here’s why this approach is so effective:

1. Boosts Average Order Value (AOV)

By setting a minimum cart value to qualify for a discount (e.g., 10% off on orders over $100), you motivate shoppers to add more items to their cart. This nudge often results in customers spending more than they initially intended, directly increasing your store’s average order value.

2. Encourages Bulk Buying and Upselling

Subtotal-based discounts subtly push customers to explore additional products or upgrade their selections just to meet the discount threshold. This can work particularly well alongside product bundles or upsell recommendations.

3. Improves Conversion Rates

Knowing they’re close to unlocking a discount can prevent cart abandonment. When customers are presented with an offer like “Spend $10 more to get 15% off,” they’re more likely to complete their purchase rather than walk away.

4. Enhances Customer Satisfaction

Everyone loves a good deal. Giving customers a clear and achievable way to save money creates a positive shopping experience and increases the likelihood of repeat purchases.

5. Gives You Better Control Over Discounting

Unlike blanket discounts, subtotal-based discounts ensure you’re rewarding higher-spending customers—those who already contribute more to your revenue. This makes your promotions more efficient and less likely to eat into your profit margins.

Follow the steps below to offer coupons based on cart subtotal in WooCommerce:

Step 1: Install and Activate WebToffee Smart Coupons Plugin

WooCommerce, by default does not provide the option to create discounts based on cart subtotal. So we will be using our free WooCommerce smart coupons plugin.

• From your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New.
• Search for WebToffee Smart Coupons.

• Once you find the plugin, click on Install Now and then activate the plugin on your website.

Step 2: Create New Coupon

• Go to Smart Coupons > Add coupon.
• Enter a coupon code and add a short description.

Step 3: Choose the Discount Type

• Under the Coupon data settings, choose the discount type as ‘Percentage discount’.

Step 4: Set the Usage Restrictions For the Coupons

• Now, go to the Usage restriction tab.
• Choose the minimum spend amount required for the coupon to be available.

• You can also specify a list of products so that the coupon only applies when the cart subtotal includes those items.

Then, publish and save the coupon.

Now let’s test the coupon.

When we try to apply the coupon code at the cart, it says that “The minimum spend for this coupon is $100.

Now, let’s make the art subtotal $100, and see what happens.

That’s it! The coupon is applied only when it meets the cart subtotal requirements.

If you’re looking to take your discount strategy to the next level, the WebToffee WooCommerce Smart Coupons Pro plugin offers a powerful set of features designed to give you complete control over your store’s promotions.

With the Pro version, you can create advanced conditional discounts based on cart subtotal, product quantity, user roles, purchase history, shipping method, and more. Whether you want to run BOGO offers, auto-apply coupons, or generate bulk coupon codes, this plugin makes it incredibly easy.

It also comes with tools to offer store credit, gift cards, URL coupons, and schedule time-sensitive promotions that can skyrocket your conversions. Best of all, it seamlessly integrates with WooCommerce and offers a user-friendly interface for both store owners and shoppers.

Offering discounts based on cart subtotal is a simple yet powerful way to drive more sales, increase customer satisfaction, and improve your store’s overall profitability. By encouraging shoppers to spend just a little more to unlock a discount, you’re not only boosting your average order value but also delivering a more rewarding shopping experience.

With the WebToffee Smart Coupons plugin, setting up these kinds of smart promotions is quick and hassle-free. Whether you’re just getting started with basic subtotal-based coupons or exploring advanced discount rules with the Pro version, this tool gives you everything you need to run targeted, high-converting campaigns right from your WooCommerce dashboard.