Coupon Glossary: Coupon Terms & Savings Definitions
Confused by couponing terms like stacking, BOGO, Catalina, or digital manufacturer coupon? This glossary explains the words you’ll see in store coupon policies and at checkout—so you can save with confidence.
How to use this page
Keep this glossary open in another tab and search (Ctrl+F) the term you don’t recognize.
Look for “limits,” “one per household,” and “cannot combine” language—those are the big gotchas.
This glossary is general guidance—each store’s policy can add extra rules.
Core Coupon Terms
These show up in almost every grocery, drugstore, and big-box coupon policy.
Manufacturer Coupon
A coupon issued by the brand (the manufacturer). Most stores allow one manufacturer coupon per item.
Store Coupon
A coupon issued by the retailer (the store). Many stores allow a store coupon to be used with a manufacturer coupon on the same item, but rules vary.
Stacking
Using more than one discount on the same item (for example: a store coupon + a manufacturer coupon). Some stores allow stacking; others limit it.
Limit (Per Customer / Per Transaction)
The maximum number of times an offer can be used. Limits can be per transaction, per day, or per loyalty account.
“One Per Household”
A common limit that means the offer is intended to be used once per home, not per person.
Expiration Date
The last day a coupon can be used. Most stores won’t accept coupons after the expiration date.
Digital Coupon Terms
These are common at Kroger, Safeway/Albertsons, CVS, Walgreens, and Target-style programs.
Digital Coupon (Clipped Coupon)
A coupon you “clip” (add) to your account in an app or website. It applies automatically when you enter your loyalty info at checkout—if the item matches.
Loyalty Account / Phone Number
Your store account (often linked to your phone number). Digital coupons and personalized deals typically require it.
Personalized Deals
Discounts customized to your shopping habits. Some stores let you combine these with coupons if the offer terms allow.
Digital Manufacturer Coupon
A manufacturer coupon delivered digitally. Many stores treat it like a paper manufacturer coupon—meaning you usually can’t use both for the same item.
Promotion & Checkout Terms
BOGO (Buy One Get One)
A promotion where you buy one item and get another free (or discounted). Some stores don’t allow coupons on the free item—policy varies.
Catalina
A coupon that prints at the register after you pay (often triggered by buying specific items). It may be a “$ off next purchase” or a product-specific coupon.
Register Reward (RR)
A coupon-like reward printed at checkout (common at some drugstores). Some stores treat these like coupons when counting “coupon-to-item” rules.
Price Match
A policy where a store matches a competitor’s advertised price. Many retailers restrict coupon use with price matches.
Rain Check
A slip that lets you buy an out-of-stock sale item later at the sale price. Some stores allow coupons with rain checks; some don’t—check the policy.
Helpful Links
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Coupon Glossary FAQ
What does “stacking coupons” mean?
Stacking means applying more than one discount to the same item—commonly a store coupon plus a manufacturer coupon (if the store allows it).
Are digital coupons the same as manufacturer coupons?
Sometimes. Many digital coupons are manufacturer-funded and are treated like a manufacturer coupon—meaning you usually can’t use a paper manufacturer coupon for the same item too.
What is a Catalina coupon?
A Catalina is a coupon that prints at the register after you pay, triggered by buying specific items. It may be “$ off next purchase” or product-specific.
Why didn’t my digital coupon apply?
Most failures happen because the item size/variety didn’t match the offer terms, the offer hit its limit, or your loyalty account wasn’t entered at checkout.