Everyone loves a good deal — but getting the timing right is what makes discount emails actually work.
The best SaaS discount emails don’t beg for attention. They show up with the right offer, for the right person, at the right moment. Short, clear, and focused on value — not just price.
And timing matters: according to McKinsey, 71% of consumers expect companies to deliver personalized interactions — and 76% get frustrated when that doesn’t happen.
In this post, I’m sharing 9 SaaS discount email examples that hit the sweet spot. Use them to drive more upgrades, reactivations, or first-time purchases without sounding desperate.
Let’s get into it.
Contents
What is a SaaS Discount Email?
A SaaS discount email is a message you send to offer users a limited-time deal, price reduction, or special promotion for your product.
Discount emails are built to create urgency and help move people toward making a decision. Whether it’s to encourage an upgrade, win back a churned user, or close a sale faster, these emails give users that extra little reason to act now. It’s not about lowering your value—it’s about framing your offer in a way that feels like a smart opportunity for the user.
When done right, discount emails don’t just drive revenue. They also re-engage cold leads, reward loyal users, and open up upsell paths you might have missed otherwise.
Why Send Discount Emails for Your SaaS?
The #1 reason to send discount emails is to create urgency and push users who are close to buying to finally take action.
By offering a clear, time-sensitive deal, you’re giving users a good reason to say yes today—not someday. And in a market where users have endless choices, that little nudge can make all the difference.
1. Increase conversions quickly
Discounts lower the barrier to entry. A user who hesitated at full price might feel ready to jump in when they see a temporary offer.
It’s especially powerful when combined with urgency: “Only 48 hours left” or “Offer expires Friday.” Deadlines move people.
2. Reactivate churned or inactive users
Sometimes people leave not because they hated the product, but because the timing wasn’t right—or the price felt a little too high.
A well-timed discount email can bring those users back. It’s a low-risk way to remind them of the value you offer while sweetening the deal to get them re-engaged.
3. Reward loyal customers
Discounts aren’t just for new users. Offering exclusive deals to your best customers shows appreciation—and keeps them around longer.
It can also be a great moment to upsell: offering a discount for moving from monthly to annual plans, or from basic to pro tiers.
When Should You Send Discount Emails?
You should send discount emails when you want to push users toward a decision, reactivate dormant leads, or celebrate a special moment like a holiday or company milestone.
Timing matters just as much as the offer itself. If you send discounts too often, users might start waiting for them. But if you pick the right moment, it feels thoughtful and rewarding.
1. During seasonal or special promotions
Events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or your company’s anniversary are natural times to offer discounts.
Users expect deals during these periods, and tying your discount to a broader event gives it more credibility and excitement.
2. After a trial ends without conversion
If someone finishes a free trial but doesn’t upgrade, offering a limited-time discount can tip them over the edge.
A small price incentive, combined with a reminder of the value they saw during the trial, can bring a lot of leads back to life.
3. To win back churned or canceled users
Sending a “we’d love to have you back” discount to users who canceled a few months ago can re-open the conversation.
It shows that you’re paying attention, and it offers a low-friction way for them to give your product another shot. Plus, reactivating old users is way cheaper than finding new ones.
Listed: 9 SaaS Discount Email Examples to Boost Conversions
Discount emails aren’t about slashing prices. They’re about creating urgency, rewarding users, and giving people a reason to take action now — without being pushy. A good discount email feels like a helpful opportunity, not a sales pitch.
1. Limited-Time Discount – Classic urgency
Time limits work because people hate missing out. This email uses a clean, clear time frame to push users off the fence without sounding desperate.
You’re not begging. You’re giving them a legit reason to move now instead of later.
Hey {firstName},
For a limited time, we’re offering 20% off your first year of {productName}.
This offer ends on {date} — if you’ve been thinking about it, now’s the time 👉 {ctaLink}
Let me know if you have any questions!
– {yourName}
Other subject lines:
- Last chance: 20% off
- Ends soon: Save on {productName}
- Don’t miss out — limited-time offer
- Your discount is about to expire
- A little nudge to get started
Why it works: Clear deadline. Clear savings. Zero pressure vibe.
2. Birthday or Anniversary Discount – Personal touch
Offering a discount on a user’s signup anniversary, birthday, or another milestone feels personal. It’s a nice little unexpected reward that warms them up to buy.
You’re not selling. You’re celebrating.
Hey {firstName},
Happy {milestoneType}! We’re celebrating by giving you {X%} off your next {planType} plan.
This special discount is valid until {date}.
Claim your gift here 👉 {ctaLink}
Thanks for being part of {productName}.
– {yourName}
Other subject lines:
- Your special discount inside
- Celebrate with {X%} off
- A little gift for you
- Thanks for being with us
- Your anniversary = our treat
Why it works: It feels earned, not random. People love rewards for loyalty.
3. Upgrade Discount – Move up a plan
If you want users to jump to a higher plan, offer them a small discount to make the move feel smoother. It’s a win-win — better experience for them, better revenue for you.
This email keeps the tone positive and future-focused.
Hey {firstName},
Thinking about upgrading your {productName} plan? Here’s a little boost: {X%} off your first payment when you upgrade by {date}.
More features. Bigger results. Let’s make it happen 👉 {ctaLink}
We’re here if you have questions!
– {yourName}
Other subject lines:
- Upgrade and save
- Unlock more (and save {X}%)
- Level up for less
- Your next plan, discounted
- Step up and save
Why it works: It positions the upgrade as growth — not just more cost.
4. Abandoned Signup Discount – Win them back
If someone started signup but never finished, offering a small discount can reignite their interest. This email feels casual, not desperate.
You’re saying: “Hey, we noticed you were close. Here’s a little something to help you decide.”
Hey {firstName},
Noticed you almost completed your {productName} signup! To make the decision a little easier, we’re offering {X%} off if you finish before {date}.
Grab your discount 👉 {ctaLink}
Hope to see you inside!
– {yourName}
Other subject lines:
- Almost there — here’s a discount
- Still interested? Save {X}%
- Complete your signup and save
- A little extra to get you started
- Don’t miss your special offer
Why it works: It’s soft, helpful, and gives a clear incentive without being aggressive.
5. Annual Plan Push – Bigger discount for commitment
Locking users into an annual plan upfront is great for retention. Offering a bigger discount for paying yearly (vs. monthly) feels like a smart financial decision for them.
This email focuses on the value, not just the savings.
Hey {firstName},
Thinking long-term? When you switch to an annual {productName} plan, you’ll save {X%} — and lock in today’s price for the whole year.
Upgrade to annual here 👉 {ctaLink}
More savings, less hassle.
– {yourName}
Other subject lines:
- Save {X%} — go annual
- One payment = one year of {productName}
- Annual = better savings
- Lock in your discount
- Big savings, one easy step
Why it works: It makes the bigger commitment feel smart, not scary.
6. Limited Seats Discount – Scarcity driver
If you only have a few discounted spots available (even if you create the scarcity artificially), it adds urgency without needing a countdown timer.
This email is about moving fast — without shouting about it.
Hey {firstName},
Quick heads up — we’ve only got {X} discounted {planType} spots left for {productName}.
Save {X%} if you grab yours before they’re gone 👉 {ctaLink}
See you inside!
– {yourName}
Other subject lines:
- Limited spots, big savings
- Few discounts left
- Don’t miss your seat
- Save now before it’s full
- Grab your discounted plan
Why it works: Scarcity creates action without needing heavy-handed pressure.
7. Flash Sale – One day only
A one-day-only sale feels exciting — like they’re catching something special. You can run these around holidays, launches, or whenever you want to stir up quick action.
Short, punchy, and easy to skim.
Hey {firstName},
Today only — save {X%} on any {productName} plan.
No tricks. No gimmicks. Just a little celebration 🎉
Ends tonight 👉 {ctaLink}
– {yourName}
Other subject lines:
- 24-hour sale alert
- Today’s the day to save
- Flash Sale: {X}% off
- Only a few hours left
- Act fast — flash deal
Why it works: Clear deadline + big energy = faster conversions.
8. Referral Bonus Discount – Bring a friend
Offering a discount when users refer friends taps into both social proof and savings. It feels less like a coupon, more like a win-win.
This email invites users to share the love and benefit from it.
Hey {firstName},
Love {productName}? Share it with a friend and you’ll both save {X%} on your next payment.
Send your invite here 👉 {ctaLink}
Because good things are better shared.
– {yourName}
Other subject lines:
- Bring a friend, save {X}%
- Friends don’t let friends pay full price
- Share {productName} and get rewarded
- Invite, share, and save
- Savings for you (and them)
Why it works: It feels generous and creates viral growth, not just one-time sales.
9. Exit Intent Discount – Before they leave
If someone’s about to cancel or leave the site, offering a last-chance discount can catch a few more signups. This one feels like a soft offer, not a hard plea.
The tone should stay helpful — not desperate.
Hey {firstName},
Before you go, we wanted to offer you {X%} off your first {planType} payment.
If you’d like to give {productName} another shot, here’s your discount 👉 {ctaLink}
No worries if you’re moving on. Thanks for checking us out!
– {yourName}
Other subject lines:
- Here’s a little something before you go
- Thinking of leaving? Save {X}%
- One last offer, just for you
- Stay and save
- Goodbye discount (if you want it)
Why it works: A soft save offer catches users at the last second — and even if they leave, you leave a good impression.
How to Improve Your SaaS Discount Emails
Answer: A good discount email is clear, exciting, and easy to act on. You want users to feel like they’re getting a real win — not like they’re being pushed into a rushed decision. The goal is to highlight the offer, make it super easy to grab, and drive action fast.
- Lead with the discount in the subject line and headline
- Show exactly how much they’ll save (dollar amount or %)
- Set a clear deadline to create urgency
- Make the CTA about the reward (“Get 30% Off”)
- Keep the copy short, punchy, and benefit-driven
- Mention if it’s a one-time offer or if upgrades apply
Discount emails work best when they feel like a genuine opportunity, not a last-ditch sales pitch. Stay clear, stay confident, and make the next step too easy to resist.
Discounts work best when they hit at the right time
→ Encharge makes sure they do.
Discount emails shouldn’t be random blasts. The best ones trigger when users are on the fence — upgrading, downgrading, or about to churn. Encharge helps you send the right offer, to the right person, exactly when it matters.
- Trigger discount emails based on trial status, plan usage, or renewal timing
- Personalize offers to make them feel exclusive, not generic
- Track who redeems, who upgrades, and who needs a nudge
- All your email, CRM, and automation tools in one place
- Trusted by 1,000+ SaaS teams to boost conversions without cheapening the brand
A well-timed discount isn’t just a sale — it’s a second chance. Encharge helps you offer it when it’ll actually make a difference.
FAQ for SaaS discount email examples
1. What is the average discount rate for SaaS?
The average discount rate for SaaS typically falls between 10% and 30%, depending on the plan size and the commitment length. Many SaaS companies offer bigger discounts for annual billing to boost cash flow upfront. With Encharge, you can easily automate targeted discount offers based on user behavior or renewal timing.
How to set your SaaS discount:
- Decide if you’re discounting monthly, annual, or upsell plans.
- Pick a range (10–30%) that protects your margins.
- Use Encharge to personalize offers for different user segments.
2. What should I include in a SaaS discount email?
A SaaS discount email should clearly state the offer, explain the benefit, and have a bold, easy-to-find CTA. Keep it short and focused on the value, not just the price cut. With Encharge, you can tailor discounts to different plans or usage levels automatically.
What to include:
- A strong headline showing the discount (e.g., “Save 20% Today”).
- A quick explanation of why it’s a great time to upgrade.
- A clear CTA button like “Get the Discount” linked to checkout.
3. Can discounts help reduce churn?
Yes—strategic discounts can save accounts that are on the edge of cancelling, especially if combined with good timing and messaging. Encharge helps you detect churn signals early and send automated discount offers to win users back.
How to use discounts to prevent churn:
- Identify users at risk based on behavior.
- Send a time-limited discount email as a save offer.
- Track who redeems and who needs a second follow-up using Encharge.
4. How do I measure the success of a discount campaign?
You measure discount campaign success by tracking redemption rates, conversion rates, and overall revenue lift—not just how many people click. Encharge gives you real-time reporting to see exactly how each discount email performs.
What to track:
- How many users clicked and redeemed the offer.
- How many converted to paying or upgraded plans.
- Revenue generated versus discount cost.
5. Can I automate SaaS discount emails?
Yes—you can and should automate discount emails to scale your efforts without constant manual work. With Encharge, you can build smart flows that trigger discounts based on user actions, timing, or inactivity.
How to automate discount offers:
- Define key triggers like trial ending or high churn risk.
- Create a set of discount templates for each case.
- Use Encharge to set rules and automate the entire flow.
