> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.uplifter.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How are promo codes different from automatic discounts?

> How code-entry promo discounts differ from automatic sibling and multi-session program discounts.

<Note>
  **Must know**

  * **Promo codes** require a code typed in at checkout; automatic discounts apply with no code.
  * Automatic discounts come in two forms — per-program **family** and **multi-session** discounts set on the program itself, and org-wide **automatic discount rules** built on the Discounts page.
  * All of them show as a reduction line on the invoice, so families see the savings either way.
</Note>

Uplifter has two separate ways to give families a break on price, and they're configured in different places.

## Promo codes

These are the discount codes you build under **Settings > Financial Setup > Discounts**. They only apply when a customer types the code at checkout, and they can carry a scope, validity window, usage limits, and a minimum spend. Use them for time-boxed campaigns, referral offers, or "first 50 families" promotions where you want to hand out a code.

## Automatic family and multi-session discounts

These are set on the program itself — on its **Billing** step — not on the Discounts page. There are two kinds:

* **Family / sibling discount** — a lower price when more than one athlete from the same family enrolls.
* **Multi-session discount** — a lower price when one athlete signs up for several sessions.

There's no code to enter — the discount is applied automatically at checkout whenever the cart meets the rule you set. They're ideal for standing offers you always want in effect.

## Automatic discount rules on the Discounts page

You can also build **automatic discount rules** on the Discounts page that apply org-wide with no code — a staff or member price, an automatic sale, a new-customer welcome, or a family/sibling rule that spans every program. These sit next to your promo codes on the same page and carry an **Automatic** badge. If you run both a per-program family discount and an org-wide family rule, both can apply to the same line — retire one when you turn on the other.

## Which to use

Reach for a promo code when you want families to enter something for a limited-time offer. Reach for an automatic program discount when the break should always apply based on how much a family is enrolling. Both land as a reduction line on the invoice.

**Related:** [How do I set up a discount that applies automatically?](/club/discounts/set-up-an-automatic-discount) · [How do I set member, pass, and multi-session rates?](/club/programs-classes/member-pass-bulk-discounts) · [How do I create a discount code?](/club/discounts/create-a-discount-code) · [How do I control which products a discount applies to?](/club/discounts/control-what-a-discount-applies-to)