Catalina Coupons
Catalina coupons are cash-like coupons that print at the register after you make certain purchases. Sometimes you will see products tagged in the store, letting you know you’ll get one. Other times, you’ll receive a printout saying that the offer is coming or is already happening. Other times, you’ll get a surprise and get the deal without even trying. When we know about them, we put them on the shopping lists and keep a list of them on the website here.
Catalina coupons are triggered to print when you purchase specific items. For instance, if you buy 2 boxes of XYZ, you will receive a $1 Catalina. If you buy 3 boxes of XYZ, you will receive a $2 Catalina, etc. In the sample/notification above, there is only one option. Buy 2 packs of Pampers, get a $4 Catalina.
Other times, you will need to hit a certain spending amount. Spend $25+ on Huggies diapers, earn a $5 Catalina coupon.
Keep in mind that if you buy more than the maximum number or amount listed, you won’t get an extra Catalina. You will need to do a separate transaction, to get a second Catalina coupon. Only one will print at a time, per offer. (If you are buying two totally different products for two different offers, you will get them both at the same time.)
You can almost always use the Catalina coupon you just received to buy the same item again. The is also referred to as “rolling” them. (There are very rare exceptions. The safest is not to do it, but you can always return the item if you don’t get the second one.)
The Catalina coupon you receive can be used for most any future purchase at that same store. It’s cash-like and can be used for almost anything. There are some exclusions like alcohol, tobacco, etc. It’s not like a typical coupon that requires you to purchase a specific item to get the discount.
Catalina coupons almost always expire two weeks after you receive them, but check the date on yours to be sure.
No change will be given, so make sure what your total exceeds the amount of the Catalina.
Just keep in mind that when you are making a purchase, you will pay the full price out-of-pocket. The Catalina coupon will lower a future out-of-pocket cost, not the immediate purchase.
To simplify things, I consider the discount coming off my current purchase and then treat the coupon I receive like I would any other cash. I only use it on what I would normally get, not “blowing it” and thinking of it as “free money.”
Mentally, when I earn the Catalina, I deduct the amount of my Catalina from my total. When I redeem it, I add the cost of the coupon I paid with, to my total cost. I realize it’s kind of backwards thinking (and the opposite of what’s going in and out of my pocket), but it helps me evaluate if the initial purchase (to earn the Catalina) is worth it or not.
The main thing to remember is that you can’t count the savings when you get it and when you redeem it. Too many people think that way and don’t realize they’re paying more than they think.
Sometimes there will be something wrong with the printer or another reason your Catalina coupon doesn’t print. If there is a shelf tag or you have a printout of the offer, you can try going to customer service. They may give you the cash. If they don’t, another option is to return the item, if you don’t want any further hassles.
But, you can also save your receipt and fill out this online form from their website. Or, you can call 888-826-8766, within 7 days of purchase. They’ll usually mail it out to you. In the past, they haven’t responded when I filled out the form and it just showed up in my mailbox. Check the new expiration carefully since it will be more limited since it takes a couple of days to arrive.
Not every coupon that comes out of the Catalina machine are cash-like coupons that you get for future transactions. You may also get manufacturer coupons that require you to purchase a specific product or notices for upcoming promotions. When we refer to “Catalina” coupons, we’re not referring to those, but take a look at whatever comes out of the machine. You may get one you want to use on a future purchase of whatever product is required.
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