Email Spam Trigger Words: Complete List of 200+ Words to Avoid in 2025
One word can be the difference between inbox and spam folder. While spam filters have become more sophisticated, they still scan for specific words and phrases that commonly appear in spam emails. Here's your complete guide to spam trigger words in 2025.
But here's what most people get wrong: spam trigger words don't automatically doom your email. It's the combination, context, and frequency that matters. Using "free" once isn't a problem. Using "FREE!!!" three times with "ACT NOW" and "CLICK HERE" absolutely is.
How Spam Filters Actually Work
Modern spam filters use a scoring system. Every element of your email—subject line, content, images, links, authentication—gets scored. Spam trigger words add points to your spam score. Reach a certain threshold, and you're filtered to spam.
This means you can use some trigger words if everything else is clean. Perfect authentication, good sender reputation, and high engagement can offset a few risky words.
200+ Spam Trigger Words to Avoid
Money & Financial Words
- Free money, Cash bonus, Extra income
- Make money fast, Get paid, Earn extra cash
- $$$, Multiple dollar signs
- Credit card offers, Refinance, Consolidate debt
- Casino, Lottery, Prize, Winner
- Investment opportunity, Double your income
- Check or money order, Wire transfer
Urgency & Pressure Words
- Act now, Limited time, Urgent
- Don't delete, Don't miss out
- Expire, Expires today, Ending soon
- Offer expires, Once in lifetime
- Only X left, Running out
- Time sensitive, What are you waiting for
"Free" Related Words
- Free (especially "FREE" or "FREE!!!")
- Free access, Free consultation, Free gift
- Free trial, Absolutely free
- Gift certificate, Free bonus
Action Command Words
- Click here, Click below, Click now
- Call now, Order now, Buy now
- Subscribe here, Sign up free
- Visit our website, Apply online
What to Use Instead
| ❌ Spam Trigger | ✅ Better Alternative |
|---|---|
| FREE TRIAL - ACT NOW! | Start your trial today |
| Click here to claim prize | See what you've earned |
| 100% guaranteed lowest price | Competitive pricing available |
| URGENT: Limited time!!! | This week's featured offer |
Context Matters More Than Words
Here's the truth: you CAN use words like "free" successfully. Companies like Apple and Amazon do it all the time. The difference? Context and reputation.
Safe ways to use trigger words:
- Use sentence case, not ALL CAPS
- Use them sparingly (once per email max)
- Pair with professional, well-written content
- Have strong email authentication
- Send to engaged subscribers
Quick Spam Word Checklist
- ✅ No ALL CAPS in subject line
- ✅ Maximum one exclamation mark
- ✅ No "free" in all caps
- ✅ Avoid urgency phrases
- ✅ Professional, conversational tone