For MSPs
Spam Words Checker
Paste a subject line and body copy to find the spam trigger words filters act on, grouped by category, each with a plain-language rewrite. Free, and it runs in your browser.
The scan runs locally in your browser. Your copy is never uploaded, logged, or stored.
What is a spam words checker?
A spam words checker reads your subject line and body copy and flags the phrases that spam filters have learned to associate with unwanted mail. Manufactured urgency, money promises, guarantees nobody can verify, and mail-merge phrasing no colleague would use all carry weight with a filter, and they compound: one is noise, a dozen in a short message is a pattern. This checker groups every hit by category, marks how severe each phrase is, and suggests a calmer way to say the same thing.
Wording is the smallest of the three levers
Spam filters score three things, and word choice sits inside the smallest of them. The three are not equal:
- Authentication — whether SPF, DKIM and DMARC pass and align with the domain in your From address. This is the one cause you fully control, and it is the most common reason legitimate mail is filtered.
- Sender reputation — whether your sending IP and domain are on blocklists, whether reverse DNS is configured, and how long the domain has existed.
- Content — the HTML structure, the links, and the wording. Word choice is one part of the smallest of the three.
So use this tool to tighten copy, not to diagnose a delivery problem. If your mail is landing in spam, the Email Spam Checker scores all three from one message you send it, and runs this same dictionary as part of its content stage.
All 291 spam words and phrases, by category
Every phrase the checker looks for, with how much weight it carries on its own and what to say instead. Severity is the phrase's strength as a signal, not how often it appears: High is damning by itself, Medium is strong in company, and Low only matters through density.
Urgency (50)
Manufactured deadlines are the oldest pressure tactic in bulk mail, so filters weight them heavily.
Replace the pressure with the actual date or time.
| Phrase | Severity | Say instead |
|---|---|---|
| act now | Medium | when you're ready |
| act fast | Medium | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| act immediately | High | say what the deadline actually is |
| act before midnight | High | offer ends <date> |
| apply now | Low | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| buy now | Low | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| call now | Medium | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| click now | Medium | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| deadline today | Medium | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| do it today | Medium | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| don't delay | Medium | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| don't hesitate | Low | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| don't miss out | Low | worth a look if it fits |
| don't miss this | Low | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| don't wait | Low | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| ends tonight | Medium | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| expires today | Medium | available until <date> |
| expires soon | Low | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| final call | Medium | closing on <date> |
| final hours | Medium | closes at <time> |
| final notice | High | a reminder, and the last one we will send |
| flash sale | Low | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| for instant access | Medium | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| get it now | Low | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| going fast | Low | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| hurry up | Medium | the deadline is <date> |
| hurry | Low | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| immediate action | High | what we need from you |
| instant access | Medium | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| last chance | Medium | closing soon |
| last minute | Low | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| limited time offer | Medium | available until <date> |
| limited time | Low | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| now only | Low | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| offer expires | Medium | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| once in a lifetime | High | say what makes it unusual |
| one day only | Medium | open on <date> |
| only a few left | Medium | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| order now | Low | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| respond immediately | High | a reply by <date> helps us |
| sale ends soon | Low | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| take action now | Medium | what to do next |
| time is running out | Medium | closes on <date> |
| time sensitive | Medium | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| today only | Medium | today, until <time> |
| urgent response required | High | we need an answer by <date> |
| urgent | Medium | time-sensitive, and say why |
| while supplies last | Low | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| while stocks last | Low | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
| before it's too late | Medium | Replace the pressure with the actual date or time. |
Money (57)
Income and payout promises are the signature of the scams filters are tuned hardest against.
Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from.
| Phrase | Severity | Say instead |
|---|---|---|
| $$$ | High | write the actual figure |
| 100% refund | Medium | Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from. |
| additional income | Medium | Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from. |
| avoid bankruptcy | High | name the specific financial risk |
| bad credit | Medium | Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from. |
| best price | Low | Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from. |
| big bucks | High | the actual amount |
| billion dollars | Medium | Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from. |
| cash bonus | High | a $<n> credit |
| cash out | Medium | Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from. |
| cash prize | High | a $<n> prize |
| cheap | Low | Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from. |
| claim your money | High | your refund is ready |
| consolidate debt | Medium | Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from. |
| credit card offers | Medium | Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from. |
| debt free | Medium | Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from. |
| double your income | High | the measured result, with the timeframe |
| double your money | High | the measured return, with the timeframe |
| earn extra cash | High | additional revenue from <source> |
| earn money | Medium | Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from. |
| earn per week | High | typically $<n> a week, based on <evidence> |
| easy money | High | what the work actually involves |
| extra income | Medium | Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from. |
| fast cash | High | paid out within <n> days |
| financial freedom | Medium | the specific outcome you mean |
| financially independent | Medium | Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from. |
| free money | High | no cost to you |
| full refund | Low | refund policy |
| get out of debt | Medium | Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from. |
| get paid | Low | Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from. |
| get rich quick | High | the realistic outcome, and how long it takes |
| get rich | High | the realistic outcome |
| hidden charges | Medium | Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from. |
| hidden fees | Medium | Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from. |
| increase your income | Medium | Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from. |
| instant earnings | High | paid within <n> days |
| lowest price | Low | our current price is <price> |
| make money fast | High | the realistic result and timeframe |
| make money | Medium | the revenue you can expect |
| million dollars | High | the actual figure |
| money back | Low | refund available |
| money making | Medium | Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from. |
| no fees | Low | Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from. |
| no hidden costs | Low | Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from. |
| passive income | Medium | revenue that does not need day-to-day work |
| potential earnings | Medium | Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from. |
| pure profit | High | margin after costs |
| quick cash | High | paid within <n> days |
| refinance | Low | Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from. |
| save big money | Medium | save $<n> |
| save up to | Low | Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from. |
| serious cash | High | the actual amount |
| unsecured credit | High | credit with no collateral required |
| us dollars | Medium | Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from. |
| why pay more | Medium | our price is $<n> |
| work from home | Medium | remote, and name the role |
| your income | Low | Replace the promise with the real figure and where it comes from. |
Pressure (40)
Reassurance nobody asked for ("no catch", "not spam") is a tell, because legitimate mail never needs it.
Cut the reassurance and state the terms plainly.
| Phrase | Severity | Say instead |
|---|---|---|
| as seen on | Medium | featured in <publication>, with a link |
| buy direct | Medium | Cut the reassurance and state the terms plainly. |
| can't live without | Low | Cut the reassurance and state the terms plainly. |
| do not delete | High | say why it matters |
| exclusive deal | Low | for current subscribers |
| for you only | Medium | Cut the reassurance and state the terms plainly. |
| get started now | Low | Cut the reassurance and state the terms plainly. |
| great offer | Low | Cut the reassurance and state the terms plainly. |
| important information regarding | Medium | Cut the reassurance and state the terms plainly. |
| join millions | Medium | used by <n> teams |
| mass email | High | remove it: describing your own send this way invites the label |
| name brand | Low | Cut the reassurance and state the terms plainly. |
| no catch | Medium | Cut the reassurance and state the terms plainly. |
| no credit check | High | we do not run a credit check |
| no experience needed | Medium | Cut the reassurance and state the terms plainly. |
| no obligation | Medium | you can stop any time |
| no purchase necessary | Medium | Cut the reassurance and state the terms plainly. |
| no questions asked | Medium | state the actual policy |
| no strings attached | Medium | state the terms plainly |
| not junk | High | delete the denial; it invites the doubt |
| not spam | High | delete the denial; it invites the doubt |
| one hundred percent guaranteed | High | name the guarantee and its terms |
| please read | Low | Cut the reassurance and state the terms plainly. |
| requires initial investment | High | the upfront cost is $<n> |
| satisfaction guaranteed | Medium | name the refund terms |
| sign up free today | Medium | Cut the reassurance and state the terms plainly. |
| special promotion | Low | Cut the reassurance and state the terms plainly. |
| supplies are limited | Medium | Cut the reassurance and state the terms plainly. |
| they keep your money | High | describe the fee plainly |
| this isn't a scam | High | delete the denial; it invites the doubt |
| this isn't junk | High | delete the denial; it invites the doubt |
| this isn't spam | High | delete the denial; it invites the doubt |
| this is not spam | High | delete the denial; it invites the doubt |
| what are you waiting for | Medium | delete it, and say what to do next |
| will not believe your eyes | High | describe what it actually does |
| you are a winner | High | name what they won and how it was decided |
| you have been selected | High | say who selected them, and why |
| you're a winner | High | name what they won and how it was decided |
| winner | Medium | Cut the reassurance and state the terms plainly. |
| winning | Low | Cut the reassurance and state the terms plainly. |
Overpromise (49)
Guarantees and absolutes are unverifiable, and filters treat unverifiable claims as risk.
Replace the absolute with the measured result.
| Phrase | Severity | Say instead |
|---|---|---|
| 100% free | High | free |
| 100% guaranteed | High | name the guarantee and its terms |
| 100% more | Medium | Replace the absolute with the measured result. |
| 100% satisfied | Medium | Replace the absolute with the measured result. |
| amazing offer | Medium | the actual discount |
| awesome results | Medium | the measured result |
| be your own boss | High | describe the actual arrangement |
| believe me | Medium | Replace the absolute with the measured result. |
| best rates | Medium | our rate is <n>% |
| congratulations | Medium | lead with the news itself |
| cures | High | may help with, if that is what the evidence says |
| drastically reduced | Medium | Replace the absolute with the measured result. |
| eliminate debt | High | reduce what you owe by <n> |
| fantastic deal | Medium | the actual price |
| free access | Medium | Replace the absolute with the measured result. |
| free bonus | Medium | Replace the absolute with the measured result. |
| free consultation | Low | Replace the absolute with the measured result. |
| free gift | Medium | included with your order |
| free hosting | Medium | Replace the absolute with the measured result. |
| free info | Medium | Replace the absolute with the measured result. |
| free investment | High | no management fee |
| free membership | Medium | Replace the absolute with the measured result. |
| free offer | Medium | Replace the absolute with the measured result. |
| free preview | Low | Replace the absolute with the measured result. |
| free quote | Low | Replace the absolute with the measured result. |
| free sample | Low | Replace the absolute with the measured result. |
| free trial | Low | try it for <n> days |
| guaranteed results | High | the measured result, with the sample size |
| guaranteed | Low | Replace the absolute with the measured result. |
| incredible deal | Medium | the actual price |
| life-changing | Medium | the specific outcome |
| lose weight fast | High | the realistic rate, over <n> weeks |
| lose weight | Medium | Replace the absolute with the measured result. |
| miracle | High | describe what it actually does |
| no risk | Medium | you can cancel any time |
| number one | Low | Replace the absolute with the measured result. |
| outstanding value | Low | Replace the absolute with the measured result. |
| proven results | Medium | the measured result, and who measured it |
| results guaranteed | High | the measured result, with the sample size |
| reverses aging | High | what it actually does |
| risk-free | Medium | with a refund policy |
| risk free | Medium | Replace the absolute with the measured result. |
| stop snoring | High | what it actually does |
| unbeatable | Medium | how it compares, with the numbers |
| unlimited access | Low | Replace the absolute with the measured result. |
| vacation offers | Medium | Replace the absolute with the measured result. |
| weight loss | Medium | Replace the absolute with the measured result. |
| you will love | Low | Replace the absolute with the measured result. |
| you won't believe | Medium | describe it plainly |
Shady (55)
These terms sit in categories receivers police directly: pharma, gambling, credit repair, adult.
There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly.
| Phrase | Severity | Say instead |
|---|---|---|
| accept credit cards | Medium | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| all natural | Medium | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| all new | Low | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| casino | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| cialis | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| claim now | Medium | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| compare rates | Medium | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| cures baldness | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| dear friend | High | use the recipient's name |
| dig up dirt | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| direct email | Medium | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| direct marketing | Medium | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| home based business | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| human growth hormone | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| internet marketing | Medium | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| lose inches | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| meet singles | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| multi-level marketing | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| offshore | Medium | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| online biz opportunity | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| online degree | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| online pharmacy | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| pennies a day | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| pre-approved | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| removal instructions | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| removes wrinkles | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| replica watches | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| rolex | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| search engine listings | Medium | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| social security number | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| stock alert | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| stock pick | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| unsolicited | Medium | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| viagra | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| vicodin | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| wire transfer | Medium | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| xanax | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| you have won | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| your bank account | Medium | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| nigerian prince | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| valium | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| adult content | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| as good as new | Low | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| bulk email | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| buying judgments | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| cell phone cancer | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| copy dvds | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| laser printer cartridges | Medium | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| legal notice | Medium | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| lower interest rate | Medium | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| lower your mortgage | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| luxury car | Medium | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| mortgage rates | Medium | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| new domain extensions | Medium | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
| phone psychic | High | There is no gentler wording for these. Remove the phrase, or accept that the message sits in a category receivers police directly. |
Unnatural (40)
Phrasing no colleague would use, from mail-merge stiffness to outright phishing openers.
Write it the way you would say it to a colleague.
| Phrase | Severity | Say instead |
|---|---|---|
| 4u | Medium | Write it the way you would say it to a colleague. |
| b4 | Low | Write it the way you would say it to a colleague. |
| beneficiary | Medium | use the recipient's name |
| business proposal | Medium | say what you are proposing |
| click below | Low | the link below |
| click here now | Medium | name the destination |
| click here | Low | name the destination |
| click this link | Low | name the destination |
| dear beneficiary | High | use the recipient's name |
| dear customer | Medium | use the recipient's name |
| dear sir or madam | High | use the recipient's name |
| dear sir | High | use the recipient's name |
| dear valued customer | High | use the recipient's name |
| esteemed customer | High | use the recipient's name |
| for immediate release | Medium | keep it for real press releases only |
| from the desk of | High | just your name |
| give it away | Medium | say what is included |
| giving away | Medium | say what is included |
| i need your help | Medium | say what you need |
| kindly do the needful | High | say exactly what you need |
| kindly revert | Medium | reply when you can |
| letter of intent | Medium | say what it commits to |
| my dear | High | use the recipient's name |
| next of kin | High | remove it: this is the shape of an advance-fee scam |
| official notification | High | say what it is about |
| per day | Low | Write it the way you would say it to a colleague. |
| per week | Low | Write it the way you would say it to a colleague. |
| reply asap | Medium | a reply by <date> helps us |
| see for yourself | Low | link to the evidence |
| strictly confidential | High | say who can see it |
| undisclosed recipient | High | address the recipient directly |
| urgent assistance | High | say what you need, and by when |
| verify your account | High | link to the account page and let them sign in normally |
| verify your identity | High | link to the account page and let them sign in normally |
| we noticed suspicious activity | High | describe the specific event, with its date |
| your account has been suspended | High | state the actual status and the date |
| your account will be closed | High | state the date and what changes |
| your account will be suspended | High | state the date and what changes |
| your immediate attention | High | say what needs doing |
| your password will expire | High | your password expires on <date> |
Related deliverability checks
Email authentication knowledge base
The categories the checker sorts phrases into, and how severity and density are judged.
- urgencyUrgency
- Manufactured deadlines: “act now”, “final notice”, “expires today”. The oldest pressure tactic in bulk mail, and the one filters weight most heavily, because a real deadline can almost always be stated as a date instead.
- moneyMoney
- Income and payout promises: “double your income”, “free money”, “earn per week”. This is the signature of the advance-fee and investment scams filters are tuned hardest against, so the category carries more severity-3 phrases than any other.
- pressurePressure
- Reassurance nobody asked for: “no catch”, “this is not spam”, “no obligation”. A tell precisely because legitimate mail never needs to deny being spam.
- overpromiseOverpromise
- Guarantees and absolutes: “100% guaranteed”, “results guaranteed”, “miracle”. Unverifiable claims, which filters treat as risk regardless of whether the sender means them.
- shadyShady
- Terms from the categories receivers police directly: pharmaceuticals, gambling, credit repair, adult content, and the classic advance-fee openers. A single one of these in a message is worth more than a handful of mild urgency phrases.
- unnaturalUnnatural
- Phrasing no colleague would use, from mail-merge stiffness (“dear valued customer”) to outright phishing openers (“verify your account”, “your account will be suspended”).
- severitySeverity
- How much weight one phrase carries on its own, not how often it appears. High means damning by itself, and one in a subject line is enough to warrant a rewrite. Medium is a strong signal in company. Low only matters through density.
- densityDensity
- Matches per 100 words. The threshold the Palisade Email Spam Checker uses is more than two per 100 words, or three or more high-severity phrases; below that, wording is unlikely to change where a message lands.
- content-scoreContent score
- One of the three parts of a spam score, alongside authentication and sender reputation. It covers HTML structure, links and wording, so word choice is a single input to it rather than the whole thing.