IT'S NO SECRET to savvy online shoppers that having a coupon code can save you big bucks.

These codes, which you enter at checkout, can yield anything from discounts to freebies with your purchase shipping. All it takes is a quick web search to find the special code (usually a mix of numbers and letters) and unlock the savings.

While the Internet is like one big Sunday newspaper of online coupons, every bargain hunter knows: It still pays to shop around. Plenty of sites are turning to exclusive coupons and other unique hooks to set themselves apart from the pack:

Alex's Coupons
We liked: The site arranges deals with retailers to offer coupon exclusives. (Look for the red "exclusive" note next to these deals.)

Current deal: Take 10% off your purchase at MusicSpace.com, and get free shipping when you buy two or more items. Use code ALEXCOUP10, or link through from Alex's Coupons. No expiration date.

CleverMoms.com
We liked: The site works out deals with retailers to offer coupon exclusives. Look for these in a special section on the homepage.

Current deal: Take $10 off your Petco purchase of $60 or more by using coupon code CLEVERMOMS at checkout. Offer expires Jan. 31.

Coupon Cabin
We liked: Before you hit the local mall, check out Coupon Cabin to get the best possible deals. The site lets you search by retail mall, and then offers two lists: one of print-out coupons, and another of online-only codes. That way, you can easily determine whether you'll get a better deal in store or online.

Current deal: Save 10% off any item at Barnes & Noble. Print out the coupon at Coupon Cabin, or use code R4K7U4H online at checkout. Coupon expires Jan. 7.

CurrentCodes.com

We liked:

CurrentCodes.com keeps its staff focused on finding and verifying coupon codes, which means its lists are often more extensive than other sites and exceptionally accurate. Each entry notes expiration date (if known) and any exclusions or restrictions.

Current deal: Save 10% on your purchase at Kohls by entering coupon code NEW2254 at checkout. Offer expires Jan. 13.

Fabu.com
We liked: The site arranges deals with retailers to offer coupon exclusives. (To find them, search by retailer and look for the red sunglasses logo.) A "launch coupons" feature links you directly to the retailer, and opens a separate window to track all the retailers' current deals and sales.

Current deal: Get 20% off your eBags.com purchase. Link to the coupon through Fabu.com. Coupon expires Jan. 8.

KeyCode Coupons
We liked: A feature called "Build Your Own Mall" lets you opt in for email notification about codes and sales at your favorite retailers. Unlike other sites, KeyCode Coupons lets you choose which retailers you receive emails about and how often. You can choose to have the alerts sent on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

Current deal: Take 10% off your total purchase at Target. You must link to the coupon through KeyCode Coupons. Coupon expires Jan. 31.

WOW Coupons
We liked: The site works out deals with retailers to offer coupon exclusives. Look for the blue "exclusive" next to the coupon code.

Current deal: Take $5 off a purchase of $50 or more at Payless Shoes. You must link to the coupon through WOW Coupons. Coupon expires Jan. 7.