Ultimate Coupon Decoding Cheat Sheet

Coupons can be a bit confusing! For example, have you ever stopped and wondered:

• Why some coupons beep while others do not?
• What products are really included in the vague coupon wording?
• Why some coupons take off different values than printed on the coupon?

If you’re a curious couponer and you want to get to the bottom of these mysteries, today is your day! The answer lies in the code – the coupon barcode that is! Today we’ll be figuring out what those numbers on your coupons really mean with our coupon decoding cheat sheet.

As an example, I’ve taken a bar code from a currently available PDF coupon. I’ve blacked out the actual barcode for copying purposes. This should help you visualize what I am referring to.

Here is our example coupon:

Coupon Decoding Cheat Sheet

Coupon Doubling Code

The first number you find on the barcode will generally be a 5 or a 9. This number tells the register if it can double the coupon. This will only apply to you if you are using the coupon at a store that has a policy to automatically double a coupon. This will not apply to Albertsons double coupons that are released in the ads.

If this number is a 5, the register will double the coupon according to the store’s policy. If the number is a 9 the register will not double the coupon. Easy peasy!

Coupon Manufacturer Code

The next set of numbers (5 of them) refer to the coupons manufacturer code. These numbers should match the numbers found on the barcode on the product (same spot).

This is a general number that usually matches up with an entire brand or product line. It’s usually not specific to one variety/flavor of the product.

Coupon Family Code

The next set of 3 numbers is the Family or Product Code. This is where coupons become more or less specific to the products included. The language on the coupon is the intended use of the coupon! Please use this information responsibly.

Here’s a list of a few special family codes to be aware of:

• 000 – This coupon will not beep on any product if the Manufacturer code matches
• XX0 – Any code with 1 zero at the end means the coupon can be used for more than one variety/flavor of the product
• X00 – Any code with 2 zeros a the end can be used for more than one product in the brand line
• 992 – The coupon will either beep every time or never beep on any product, regardless of your purchase. Because the item does not have to be purchased for the coupon to be redeemed, most retailers have programmed their registers to beep every time a 992 code is used. This prevents fraud and encourages the cashiers to verify the product is bought. There used to be a mass amount of coupon fraud with people trying to use these coupons without purchasing the product.

Unfortunately, we can’t provide an entire database of family codes because manufacturers regular change them and add new ones.

Coupon Value Code

This set of 2 numbers refers to the value of the coupon. It tells the register how many products need to be bought and how much to deduct. I’ve only posted some of the most common amounts. To see a full list of code amounts, go HERE.

• 00 – Manual Input (from the cashier)
• 01 – Free item (manual input usually required)
• 02 – B4G1 Free
• 07 B3 – $1.50
• 08 B2 – $3
• 10 – $.10
• 13 B4 – $1
• 14 – B1G1 Free (this tags to both products, so if you try to use another $ off with it – it will beep)
• 16 – B2G1 Free
• 20 – $.20
• 21 – $.34
• 22 – $.40
• 23 – $.45
• 24 – $.50
• 25 – $.25
• 28 B2 – $.55
• 30 – $.30
• 31 B2 – $.60
• 32 B2 – $.75
• 34 B2 – $1.25
• 41 B3 – $.50
• 42 B3 – $1
• 75 – $1
• 78 – $1.50
• 82 – $2.00
• 84 – $2.50

The Second Barcode

This barcode has to deal with the expiration date – I think. From my limited understanding, most registers aren’t programmed to read this code so it’s not really that relevant to us couponers. The expiration date is pretty straightforward anyway :).

That’s How to Decode a Coupon!

I’m not a coding specialist or claim to know everything about codes, this is just the general info that I do know. I’m sure there are exceptions and other rules or factors involved. If anyone has anything to share – I would love to hear from you!! Leave a comment!

Want More Couponing Tips?

Check out some of our favorite coupon posts:

• Extreme Coupon Education: How to Get a Rain Check
• The Truth About Couponing for Charity
• Buying Meat for Less { Extreme Couponing Education }

View all our coupon tips & tricks here!

Thanks, Slick Deals and more specifically mahgobbi for sharing the code values!