Setting up free shipping
How to set up free shipping in WooCommerce — always free, above a minimum order amount, or with a coupon code.
Offering free shipping is one of the best ways to increase conversions. Studies consistently show that customers are more likely to complete a purchase when shipping is free. This guide shows you the different ways to offer free shipping in WooCommerce.
Quick summary
Add a "Free shipping" method to your shipping zone and choose the condition: always free, minimum order amount, or with a valid coupon code. You can also combine conditions. The option appears at checkout once the customer qualifies.
The three ways to offer free shipping
Shipping is always free for everyone, no conditions. Use this if free shipping is part of your business model.
Shipping is free when the cart total reaches a set amount (e.g., free shipping on orders over $75). This is the most popular option — it encourages customers to spend more.
Shipping is only free when the customer enters a specific coupon code. Great for promotions and email campaigns.
Setting up free shipping
Go to WooCommerce → Settings → Shipping → Shipping zones.
Click on the zone where you want to add free shipping (e.g., "United States").
Click Add shipping method.
Select "Free shipping" and click Add shipping method.
Click on "Free shipping" in the zone's method list to open its settings.
Set the "Free shipping requires…" option:
- N/A — always free.
- A minimum order amount — enter the threshold in the field that appears.
- A valid free shipping coupon — see the coupons guide.
- A minimum order amount OR a coupon — either condition works.
- A minimum order amount AND a coupon — both required.
Click Save changes.
Showing a "Spend X more for free shipping" message
WooCommerce does not show this message by default, but it's very effective. You'll need a plugin (like "WooCommerce Free Shipping Bar" or similar) to display a progress bar in the cart showing how close the customer is to qualifying.
Ask us to recommend and set up one of these if you'd like it.
Combining free shipping with paid options
You can offer both free and paid shipping in the same zone. For example:
- Free standard shipping on orders over $75.
- Express shipping for $12.99 (always available).
Add both methods to your zone. Customers who qualify for free shipping see both options and can choose express if they want faster delivery.
Display tip
The free shipping option usually appears at the top of the shipping list at checkout. Customers who qualify will likely choose it. If you want express to be highlighted, ask us about customizing the display.
Disabling paid shipping when free is available
Some stores hide paid shipping options when a customer qualifies for free. WooCommerce has a setting for this:
Go to WooCommerce → Settings → Shipping.
Scroll to "Shipping options" (or click the Shipping options sub-tab).
Find "Hide shipping costs until an address is entered" and related settings. There may be an option to hide other rates when free is available, depending on your WooCommerce version.
Common questions
Related guides
- How WooCommerce shipping works
- Setting up shipping zones & rates
- Creating coupons & discounts
- Understanding the checkout experience
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