Single Image Savings: Can You Use an iStock Promo Code for One Photo? – Updated on October 20. 2026

by Christian Fischer
4 minutes of reading
istock promo code for one photo

Are you looking to buy a single stock photo for a one-off project? If so, iStock is the place for you; the platform allows on-demand single-image purchases with a simple buying system. 

But just because you want one single image doesn’t mean you have to pay full price for it. Our site-wide iStock promo code applies to single-image purchases, letting you save 15% off the regular price. 

DISCOUNT: 15%
iStock logo

15% Off All iStock Subscriptions and Credit Packs

Enjoy a 15% discount on any iStock subscription or credit pack!

DISCOUNT: 25%
iStock logo

25% Off All iStock Large Credit Packs (18+ Credits)

Unlock a 25% discount on all credit packs from 18 credits and up at iStock!

istock homepage 2026

The Mechanism of iStock Single-File Purchases

iStock sells images and videos on demand using a credits system: you purchase credit packs (where the larger the pack, the lower the per-credit price) and then use the credits to download your desired assets. 

However, for a while now, they have included the option to buy a single image (or video) straightforwardly: you add the item to your cart and pay for it at checkout. The price is the same as if you were buying the credits. 

For reference: 

  • Essential image: 1 credit – $12 
  • Signature image: 3 credits – $33 
  • Essential video: 6 credits – $60
  • Signature video: 18 credits – $170 

Our promo code is entered and applied at checkout, so you can use it when buying a single asset. 

Keep in mind, though, that our higher-tier promo code with a 25% discount applies only to packs of 18 credits or more; in single-asset purchases, it applies only to a single Signature video clip. For the remaining individual assets, you can use our 15% off sitewide code. 

DISCOUNT: 15%
iStock logo

15% Off All iStock Subscriptions and Credit Packs

Enjoy a 15% discount on any iStock subscription or credit pack!

DISCOUNT: 25%
iStock logo

25% Off All iStock Large Credit Packs (18+ Credits)

Unlock a 25% discount on all credit packs from 18 credits and up at iStock!

Why Credit Packs Are Better 

Single-image purchases make sense if you only need one image, one time. It’s simple, straightforward, and fairly priced. 

However, credit packs offer better rates and a lot of flexibility —as long as you log into your account at least once a year, the credits never expire. 

Have a look at the costs of buying a single image (with and without our promo codes) versus buying packs: 

Purchase MethodRegular Cost (USD)Total AssetsPrice Per Asset
Essential Single Image Purchase$12.001$12.00
3-Credit Pack (No Code)$33.003 Essential images
Or
1 Signature image
$11.00 / $33
3-Credit Pack (15% Code)$28.053 Essential images
Or
1 Signature image 
$9.35 / $28.05
18-Credit Pack (No code)$17018 Essential images
Or
6 Signature images
$9.45 / $28.33
18-Credit Pack (25% code)$127.5018 Essential images
Or
6 Signature images
$7.08 / $21.25

As you see, the more you can invest upfront, the more you save. Not only because the regular price per credit is lower, but also because you can access a higher, 25% discount code. And these examples are for the smaller packs; larger ones have even better rates, going as low as $6 per credit (with our code). 

Before buying a single asset on iStock, analyze your future creative needs and consider buying a credit pack; it’s most likely a better investment. 

istock credit packs

How to Apply a Code if You Only Want One File

If you’ve decided that a single item is all you need, buying it using our promo code is super simple. Just do as follows: 

  • Click on our 15% promo code banner to reveal the code (it appears in a pop-up window), and copy it.
  • Go to iStock’s website and click the image you want. On the right of the image preview, select the price option that says “For this image,” then click on “continue with purchase”
  • Log in to your iStock account, or sign up for one if you’re new, to access the checkout page
  • On checkout, see the order summary on the right side of the screen, and click on the “Have a promo code?” link in green to reveal the promo code field
  • Paste the code in this field and click “Apply.” You’ll see the details of the discount applied and your total to pay on the order summary
  • Proceed with payment information and click on the “Purchase and download” button

Buy Just One Asset at a Discounted Rate

Our iStock promo code applies to single assets and credit packs, so if you want to save more, buying more credits is the way to go. But if you only need one image, there’s no need to pay full price when our code can save you some sweet bucks! 

DISCOUNT: 15%
iStock logo

15% Off All iStock Subscriptions and Credit Packs

Enjoy a 15% discount on any iStock subscription or credit pack!

DISCOUNT: 25%
iStock logo

25% Off All iStock Large Credit Packs (18+ Credits)

Unlock a 25% discount on all credit packs from 18 credits and up at iStock!

THE AUTHOR

Christian Fischer

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