How to Require a Coupon Before WooCommerce Checkout (2026 Guide)

Why require a coupon before checkout?

There are many legitimate reasons to gate your WooCommerce checkout behind a coupon code. Whether you run an invite-only store, a B2B operation, a pre-launch campaign, or a members-only shop, requiring a coupon is one of the simplest and most effective access control methods available.

Unlike complex membership plugins, a coupon gate keeps the customer experience familiar. Shoppers already understand coupon codes - they just need to have the right one to proceed.

The problem with JavaScript-only solutions

Many guides recommend using JavaScript or CSS to hide the checkout button. This approach is dangerously flawed:

• Easily bypassed: anyone can disable JavaScript or navigate directly to the checkout URL.
• No server-side validation: the order still goes through even if the coupon field is empty.
• Bad for SEO: hidden elements can cause layout shifts and confuse crawlers.

You need server-side validation - checking at the PHP level before WooCommerce processes the order.

How GateCoupon solves this

GateCoupon (Coupon Required for WooCommerce Checkout) is a lightweight plugin that adds three layers of protection:

1. Cart page blocking

When no valid coupon is applied, the checkout button on the cart page is visually disabled. A clear error notice tells the customer they need to enter a coupon code before they can proceed.

2. Direct checkout URL protection

If a customer types the checkout URL directly into their browser, GateCoupon intercepts the request at the PHP level using the template_redirect hook and sends them back to the cart with a notice.

3. Server-side order validation

Even if someone manages to reach the checkout form, GateCoupon runs a final validation on woocommerce_checkout_process. No valid coupon? The order is rejected with a customizable error message.

Step-by-step setup

Step 1 - Install the plugin

1. Go to Plugins → Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Search for "Coupon Required for WooCommerce Checkout" or "GateCoupon".
3. Click Install Now, then Activate.

Step 2 - Configure the settings

1. Navigate to GateCoupon in the sidebar.
2. Check Enable GateCoupon to turn on the coupon gate.
3. Choose whether to require any valid coupon or a specific coupon code.
4. Set a minimum cart amount if needed (useful for free samples or low-value orders).
5. Customize the three error messages for cart, checkout, and redirect.
6. Click Save changes.

Step 3 - Create your coupon in WooCommerce

1. Go to Marketing → Coupons → Add Coupon.
2. Create a coupon code (e.g., INVITE2026).
3. Configure the discount (even a 0% discount works for pure access gating).
4. Set usage limits if needed.

Step 4 - Test

Open an incognito window, add a product to the cart, and verify that:

• The checkout button is disabled without a coupon.
• Navigating to /checkout/ redirects back to the cart.
• Applying the correct coupon unlocks checkout.

PRO features for advanced use cases

GateCoupon PRO adds scheduling (start/end dates), multiple accepted coupon codes, a usage analytics dashboard, custom redirect URL, auto-apply coupon via URL parameter, custom gate message design (banner/modal), category restrictions, role exclusions, full WooCommerce Blocks compatibility, and automatic updates.

Conclusion

Requiring a coupon before WooCommerce checkout is a simple, effective way to control store access. GateCoupon handles it with zero code, server-side security, and a clean customer experience. Get started for free or upgrade to PRO for advanced features.