Coupon Glossary: The Complete Guide to Couponing Terms
Couponing Terms Explained for Beginners & Savvy Shoppers
Navigating the world of coupons can be overwhelming—especially with all the unique jargon, abbreviations, and fine print. Our complete coupon glossary for beginners and experienced couponers breaks down every key term, so you can confidently read, understand, and maximize your savings at grocery stores, retailers, and online. From BOGO and stacking to catalinas and limits, get real definitions, actionable advice, and examples you won't find anywhere else.
A
Adjustment Policy
A store policy allowing you to receive a price difference refund if an item goes on sale soon after your purchase. Pro Tip: Ask for a price adjustment if you spot a lower price within the store’s eligible window—often 7–30 days.
App Coupon
A digital coupon accessed and redeemed through a retailer’s mobile app. App coupons are often exclusive and can be “clipped” or activated before shopping. Example: The Walmart app offers in-app-only discounts visible at checkout.
B
BOGO (Buy One, Get One)
A popular coupon deal where purchasing one item gets you another for free or at a discount. Example: “Buy one box of cereal, get one free” means you pay for one and receive two.
Blinkie
A coupon dispensed from an electronic box in-store (often with a blinking light). Blinkies are usually manufacturer coupons and can be found in grocery aisles attached to shelves.
Quick Example: How BOGO Works
BOGO (Buy One, Get One): If a box of granola bars is $4, a BOGO coupon gets you two boxes for $4. That’s $2 per box, perfect for stocking up!
C
Catalina
A coupon that prints at checkout, triggered by a prior purchase. Catalinas are common in the US, but in Canada you may occasionally see “register coupons” print out. Always check what you receive at checkout—these can offer future discounts!
Clearance
Deeply discounted products, often at the end of a season or due to overstock. Coupons can sometimes be used on clearance, but check for exclusions in the fine print.
Clip/Clipping
Traditionally refers to cutting out paper coupons, but now also means “activating” a digital coupon in an app or online account. Always clip digital offers before shopping to ensure discounts apply.
D
Double Coupon
A rare policy where a store will double the value of a manufacturer coupon (e.g., a $1 coupon becomes $2 off). Few Canadian stores offer this; check your local policy before planning a double coupon trip.
Digital Coupon
A coupon loaded onto your loyalty account or app, redeemed by scanning your card or phone at checkout. Example: “Load-to-card” coupons in the PC Optimum app.
E
eCoupon
Another term for digital coupons—offers you activate and redeem without printing. eCoupons are becoming standard at major Canadian retailers.
Expiry Date
The last valid date a coupon can be redeemed. Pro Tip: Always organize your coupons by expiry and use soon-to-expire offers first.
F
Fine Print
The detailed terms and exclusions printed on a coupon. Always read the fine print for info on eligible products, stacking, or usage limits.
Flyer Coupon
A coupon printed in a weekly store flyer. These can usually be clipped and presented in-store, and sometimes stacked with manufacturer coupons.
G
Glitch
A coupon or system error that yields unintended discounts—sometimes exploited by “extreme couponers.” Most stores will not honour glitches once identified; always use coupons ethically.
H
Hangtag
A coupon attached to a product (often a bottle) with a tag. Tear off the hangtag and redeem at checkout for instant savings.
I
Instant Savings
A branded sale or discount applied automatically at checkout—no coupon required. Example: Costco’s “Instant Savings” promotions lower the price at the register.
L
Limit
The maximum number of times a coupon can be used per transaction, per customer, or per day. Watch Out: “Limit 1 per purchase” is different from “Limit 1 per transaction”—see FAQ for clarification.
Loyalty Points
Rewards earned for purchases, often stackable with coupon savings. Example: PC Optimum or Scene+ points at Canadian grocers.
M
Manufacturer Coupon
A coupon issued by a product’s manufacturer, valid at any store that accepts coupons. Pro Tip: Manufacturer coupons can sometimes be stacked with store coupons (see “Stacking”).
Mobile Coupon
A coupon displayed on your phone, either as a barcode or QR code, for scanning at checkout.
N
No Expiry Coupon
A rare coupon with no expiration date. These are highly valuable but seldom released; always double-check for hidden expiry in the fine print.
O
One per Purchase
Means one coupon can be used for each eligible item you buy—not just one coupon per transaction. If you buy three qualifying products, you can use three coupons (one per product).
One per Transaction
Means only one coupon can be used for your entire purchase, regardless of the number of qualifying items. Always read carefully to avoid cashier issues.
P
Peelie
A coupon physically stuck to a product’s packaging—“peel” to remove and redeem at checkout.
Print-at-Home Coupon
A coupon downloaded and printed from a website. Accepted at most Canadian retailers, but must be clear, unaltered, and not a photocopy.
Promo Code
A code entered at online checkout for a discount. Always copy-paste codes to avoid errors and check terms for minimum spends or exclusions.
Q
QR Code Coupon
A coupon with a QR code for scanning at checkout. Most mobile and print-at-home coupons now use barcodes or QR codes for fast redemption.
R
Raincheck
A promise that you can buy an advertised sale item at the sale price when it’s back in stock. Watch Out: Not all stores offer rainchecks—always ask and check for exclusions.
Rebate
A post-purchase refund, often processed online or via an app (e.g., Checkout51). Combine rebates with coupons for double savings.
S
Stacking
Using more than one coupon or offer on a single item (e.g., manufacturer + store coupon). Example: Save $2 with a manufacturer coupon and $1 with a store coupon for a total $3 off. Always check store policy for stacking rules.
Store Coupon
A coupon issued by a specific retailer, valid only at their stores. Can sometimes be stacked with a manufacturer coupon for extra savings.
Scratch Card
A physical or digital card that reveals a random discount when scratched or activated—common during promotional events in apps.
Did You Know? Stacking in Action
Example: You have a $2 manufacturer coupon for toothpaste and a $1 store coupon for the same brand. If your store allows stacking, you can use both coupons on a $4 tube—paying just $1 at checkout! Always check store stacking policies first.
T
Tear Pad
A pad of coupons attached to a store shelf. Shoppers can “tear off” a coupon to use at checkout. Tip: Only take what you’ll use—don’t clear the pad!
Transaction
A single completed purchase at the register. Coupon limits often refer to “per transaction”—meaning once per checkout, not per item.
U
UPC
Universal Product Code; the barcode used to identify products. Coupon barcodes often include UPCs to specify eligible items.
V
Void if Copied
A warning on coupons to prevent photocopying. Only original coupons are accepted—photocopies or altered versions will be refused.
W
Web Coupon
A coupon issued and redeemed online, often via a promo code or print-at-home PDF.
Y
YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary)
A phrase meaning results can vary by location or cashier. Not all stores follow coupon policies identically—always be polite and flexible.
Coupon Glossary FAQ: Common Couponing Questions Decoded
A store coupon is issued by a retailer (e.g., Loblaws, Walmart) and can only be used at that store or chain. A manufacturer coupon is issued by the brand (like P&G, Kellogg’s) and is typically accepted at any retailer that takes coupons. Tip: Some stores allow you to use both on the same product, resulting in double savings—always check their policy for stacking rules.
“One per purchase” means you can use one coupon for each qualifying item you buy—so if you buy three eligible items, you can use three coupons. “One per transaction” means you can only use one coupon for your entire transaction, no matter how many qualifying items you purchase. Always check the coupon fine print to avoid confusion at checkout!
“Stacking” means using more than one coupon or offer on a single product—usually a manufacturer coupon with a store coupon. This can result in bigger savings, but not all stores allow it. In Canada, some allow stacking (like London Drugs, sometimes Walmart), while others don’t. Always check the store’s stacking policy and ask customer service if you’re unsure.
BOGO stands for “Buy One, Get One.” If you have a BOGO coupon, you buy one item at regular price and receive a second item free (or at a discount). At checkout, make sure you have the qualifying items and present the coupon before you pay. Tip: Some BOGO deals require you to buy two identical items, so read the coupon carefully.
A catalina is a coupon that prints at the register after you buy a qualifying product. In the US, these are common, but in Canada you’ll mostly see them as “register coupons” after checkout at select stores. You can use catalina coupons on your next visit, provided you meet the requirements printed on the coupon. Always check the expiry and eligible items before redeeming.
The fine print explains important rules: product size, brand restrictions, expiry date, usage limits (“one per purchase”, “no stacking”), and exclusions (like clearance items). Always read it before shopping to avoid disappointment. If you’re unsure, ask customer service to clarify before checkout.
Sometimes, yes! If one coupon is a manufacturer offer and the other is a store-specific digital coupon, some retailers allow both to be used (“stacked”) on the same item. Always check the terms for “no stacking” or “cannot be combined” language, and ask staff if you’re unsure. Pro Tip: Combining coupons with rewards points or cashback apps can boost your savings further.